Repeatability and number of growing seasons for the selection of custard apple progenies

This study aimed to estimate the repeatability coefficient and determine the minimum number of samples required for effective selection for yield of custard apple. Twenty progenies were evaluated in randomized blocks, five replications and four plants per plot. The fruits were collected, counted and weighed every two days of the year. Estimates of the repeatability coefficients were obtained by the methods of analysis of variance - ANOVA and principal components - PC. The estimates from the repeatability analysis of biennial data are higher than those based on individual years. The estimates of the PC method were accurate even in the first harvest, unlike ANOVA. Four biennia were sufficient to ensure effective progeny selection of custard apple.