Tamanho de parcelas experimentais para a seleção de genótipos na cultura do feijoeiro/Optimal size experimental plots for the selection of genotypes of bean

The determination of plot size in breeding programs is of great importance for the experiment can be conducted accurately. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the optimum plot size for the bean crop. The authors have evaluated four bean lines: BRS Perola, BRS Valente, BRS Requinte and BRS Radiante in two crops (off-season and winter crop) in 2010 in Sinop-MT. The experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with three replications, and plots with three rows of two meters. They have used the method of high curvature to evaluate the optimal size of the plot. The character was rated the weight of grain produced per plant. The basic unit used as a basis for calculation was 15 plants. It was observed that, the optimal size of the plot, according to the method of Maximum Curvature, did not exceed 3m^sup 2^. The behavior of the coefficient of variation was almost constant for all cultivars in both seasons.