Minimum Sample Size for Estimating Progeny Mean and Variance¹

Abstract

Minimum sample size is defined as the minimum number of individuals necessary to estimate, with reasonable precision, mean and variance of a trait in a population. Repeated random samples for various sample sizes were taken for each of four yield components in five sugarcane ( Saccharum sp.) hybrid populations grown in two contrasting environments over 2 years in three selection stages. Means and variances of the samples were compared with those of the populations. Forty individuals from a population were found to be the minimum sample size required to estimate mean and variance for refractometer solids, stalk number, stalk diameter, or stalk length.