Optimum sample size in quantitative characteristics of seeds of polyembrynic mango

Abstract

Determining the sample size in a scientific investigation is important because it gives reliability in the results together with the efficiency in the use of resources and optimization of time. Polyembryony is a characteristic that allows to obtaining clonal and zygotic plants in the same seed. In mango this characteristic is presented, however, there is no information that mentions which is the adequate sample size to evaluate it. The objective of the present work was to determine the optimum sample size by means of the maximum curvature method for future polyembryony studies. Mangoes from the cultivar Manila and Ataulfo were collected from the states of Guerrero and Nayarit, Mexico. In each state, two orchards of each cultivar were chosen, and in each one three trees were selected. In the Fruit Biotechnology laboratory of the Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Montecillo, five fruit variables were evaluated: weight of fruit, seeds (endocarp and embryos), embryos, weight of the largest embryo and number of embryos. In all the variables evaluated, except for the weight of the largest embryo, the inflection point of the curve was in 6 fruits and an optimal sample size of 8 fruits was determined. The minimum variation coefficients (CV) for fruit weight were from 17.9 to 19.1%, for seed weight 12.7 to 19.3%, embryo weight 12.3 to 17.1% and number of embryos 6.7 to 16.7%. In the case of larger embryo weight, it was determined that 20 fruits are the optimal sample size, obtaining CV from 7 to 22.6%. The fruit and seed weight characteristics were the least variation, and number of embryos with higher CV. The cultivar Manila of Nayarit presented the highest CV in all the variables studied.

Embryo and Endosperm Phytochemicals from Polyembryonic Maize Kernels and Their Relationship with Seed Germination

“…In developing countries, maize is one of the main sources of protein and carbohydrates [3]. One of the phenotypic traits that can increase production and nutritional quality of this commodity is polyembryony [4], since plants with this trait have a prolific seed, which may generate multiple plants per seed [5], promoting the emission of two to four radicles, and these can come out separately or together [6]. Polyembryony is classified as single or multiple depending on the number of individuals generated during development [7].…”

Sample size for postharvest quality traits of ‘Palmer’ mangoes

“…In postharvest studies, determining the most efficient sample size is important to guarantee that each sample will effectively represent the whole fruit batch. In addition, determining the ideal sample size will optimize the time, labour and expenses required for sample analyses (ARELLANO-DURÁN et al, 2018;CARGNELUTTI FILHO et al, 2018). In that case, determination of the most efficient sample size improves the efficiency of the research, allowing different fruit traits to be analysed with the desired precision.…”

“…Previous studies have been conducted to determine the most efficient sample size for several fruit species, including peach (TOEBE et al, 2011), apple (TOEBE et al, 2014), passion fruit (BANDEIRA et al, 2016COELHO et al, 2011;SCHMILDT et al, 2017a), pecan (CARGNELUTTI FILHO et al, 2015;POLETTO et al, 2018), red mombin (SILVA et al, 2016 a n d papaya (SCHMILDT et al, 2019). In mango, a previous study determined the most efficient sample size for quantitative traits in the seeds of polyembryonic cultivars (ARELLANO-DURÁN et al, 2018;VILLEGAS-MONTER;MUÑOZ-OROZCO, 2018). However, no reports were found in the literature about the most efficient sample size for physicochemical quality analyses of mango.…”