Sampling of cashew nuts from cashew tree clones

Abstract

The aim of this work was to estimate sample sizes to assist the genetic improvement of the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.). Stratified sampling, comprising five strata (S5, S4, S3, S2, and S1) of five cashew clones (BRS 274, BRS 275, BRS 226, BRS 189 and CCP 76), was effective for estimating the different sample sizes of the nut. Sample size for each clone depends on the weight-nut variance, the margin of error B permitted in the estimates and the desired precision of the results. The increases in sample size with clone variance, lowered the permitted margin of error B, and increased the desired precision of the results. These clones required different sample sizes for a morphological study of the nuts. Larger nuts require larger samples for the same margin of error B. For an error B of 0.2g, the sample size for clones S5, S4 and S3 were n5 = 84, n4 = 49 and n3 = 37 nuts. For clones BRS 274 (S5) and BRS 275 (S4), with better nut classification, the mean weights were respectively 16.79 and 12.78g. Clones BRS 189 (S2) and CCP 76 (S1), with smaller nuts, have a smaller variances, s22 = 0.7638 and s12 = 1.0712, where the mean weight was 8.29 and 7.81g respectively.

Sample size for the physical and physico-chemical characteristics of the cashew

“…The results obtained in this study agree with those found by Rossetti et al (2020Rossetti et al ( , 2021 sizing cashew nut samples using this methodology. When comparing sampling methods used in similar situations to those of the present research, Sabino and Villaça (1999) and Rossetti (2001) among others, concluded that the use of this technique afforded results than those found using other sampling methods.…”

“…Using these methodological principles, Rossetti et al (2014) estimated sample size to assess the average weight of cashew nuts. Similarly, Rossetti et al (2019Rossetti et al ( , 2020Rossetti et al ( , 2021 used this methodology to estimate the size of cashew nut samples based on the weight of the nut and the type of clone.…”