Articles
UNBIASED ESTIMATOR FOR THE TOTAL NUMBER OF FLOWERS ON A TREE
Article number
707_31
Pages
245 – 252
Language
English
Abstract
We describe an unbiased sampling procedure to estimate the total number of flowers on a tree or group of trees.
The method is based upon an application of nested cluster sampling called the fractionator by stereologists.
The procedure is illustrated for Malus × domestica
Borkh. (apple). To evaluate the efficiency of the estimator, a resampling experiment was carried out on three young apple trees.
Results are compared with predictions from single samples using two previously published models.
We also illustrate the estimation of the biological variance of a group of trees.
Finally, we discuss sources of estimator variance and ways to optimize the sampling strategy.
The method is based upon an application of nested cluster sampling called the fractionator by stereologists.
The procedure is illustrated for Malus × domestica
Borkh. (apple). To evaluate the efficiency of the estimator, a resampling experiment was carried out on three young apple trees.
Results are compared with predictions from single samples using two previously published models.
We also illustrate the estimation of the biological variance of a group of trees.
Finally, we discuss sources of estimator variance and ways to optimize the sampling strategy.
Authors
D. Wulfsohn, M. Maletti, T.B. Toldam-Andersen
Keywords
biological variance, error variance, fractionator, Malus × domestica, stereology, systematic sampling
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