An incomplete block design for reducing competition between inbreds and hybrids in a diallel cross experiment

Abstract

Interplot competition in plant breeding experiments can substantially reduce the efficiency of plant selection. In diallel experiments on outcrossing species such as maize (Zea mays L.), competing stresses might result from differences in vigour between inbred and hybrid entries. A partially balanced 8 × 8 triple lattice is presented. The design accommodates the inbred parents and F₁ single crosses of a 10 × 10 half diallel cross of maize in such a way that competing stresses are minimized. Practical field-plot considerations in the design are also discussed.