Ever Wondered What Plant Trials Demand and What Makes Them So Important?

Anyone fond of gardening would have come across the concept of plant trials. But do you know what exactly it entails? Well, it’s never too late to find out!

The purpose of a plant trial is to test new varieties of crops and plants with the purpose of evaluating them for different factors. What are these factors? That depends on the breeder and what they’re looking to test for.

Broadly speaking, plant trial typically looks to find the best time for sowing, optimal sunlight and nutrient requirement, specific traits and growth time.

Some trials are also done in batches with the intention of comparing different varieties.

How much plot do you need to conduct a plant trial?

Well, that primarily depends on the kind of plant breeder you are.

Those investing full time in it like to have huge fields dedicated to the purpose of the trial. However, you can even do it in your backyard – considering you have one that’s big enough.

3 basic requisites to consider when determining the size of your field:

1. Replications

The number of replications you want to test for each plant variety is one of the most important factors that determine your field size. Typically, it is advisable to have at least 4 replications – with 2 varieties that receive the same conditions and 2 that are open to arbitration.

Having replications help protect against changes in soil type, moisture content, loss of fertility and more.

2. Block Design

Most plant trialists prefer to follow a block design. This means that the sowing agrees as close as possible to a square to minimise usage of space.

3. Edge Effect

You must have adequate space to sow a border row of plants around your main sowing space. It is often seen that border plants get the maximum sunlight and nutrients.

How do you evaluate the trial?

There are 2 ways for that.

1. More informal method – making subjective assessments based on personal observation.
2. Slightly more formal way – using sophisticated measuring tools.

Typically, most breeders tend to rate performance of each entrant out of 10 with 1 being the poorest. The scores are reflective of the plant’s performance in a given season and a given location under a specific set of conditions.

However, before diving into it, you must be familiar with each plant type and their individual traits.