A Method of Constructing p-rep Designs

Background: Early generation breeding trials (EGBTs) are very important in plant breeding programmes. In most cases, a large number of breeding lines are to be tested, often with very few available resources and it is also required to repeat these trials in a number of environments. For such trials, an alternative is to use partially replicated designs, where a proportion of the test lines are replicated at each environment. Methods: Here, a general method of constructing a series of efficient partially replicated designs for EGBTs in equal block sizes, through initial blocks is developed. Result: Taking all environments together, the designs obtained are equi-replicate and are partially balanced. They are cost effective in terms of resources as they require lesser replications.