In the sunflower, in addition to seed yield, it is of interest to evaluate number of leaves plant-1, head diameter, stem diameter and plant height, since these characteristics may be associated with seed yield or lodging. The objective of the work was to determine the optimal sample size (from which the experimental coefficient of variation, CV, can be established) for evaluation of these four characteristics. Fifteen cultivars were evaluated in an experimental design of randomized blocks with ten replications. The characteristics were evaluated using two sampling methods (in a single row of plants or in the two rows from the useable area of each plot) and sample sizes of from two to 18 sampling units, with an interval of two plants. In the two sampling... |