Comparison between hill and row plots methods on selection of soybeans for aluminium tolerance in a Brazilian Savannah (Cerrado) acid soil

Abstract

The objective of this work was to compare two different methods concerning their efficiency in a selection of soybean genotypes for Al tolerance. Selection for aluminium tolerance is necessary to the full adaptation of the soybean crop in the acid soils of the Brazilian Savannahs (Cerrados). Field techniques, however, are laborious and time consuming. The present results indicate that hill plot method is as efficient as row plot method in the identification of Al-tolerant genotypes. Similar efficiency observed in low Al environment. Hill plot method can be applied in genetic studies and in breeding programmes for crop improvement, using less effort and time than the row plots.