Abstract

The test weight or hectoliter weight is an important parameter used to classify the quality of the grain. Globally, it is evaluated by using 250, 500 or 1000 ml devices. Despite its importance, there is no standard equipment to assess it in small samples from the research plots. This study aims to test a newly developed microchondrometer (15.30 ml) in the triticale and oats. A second microchondrometer (31.26 ml) was also designed to be tested in oats. The performance of the two microchondrometers, their comparison and relationship with 250 ml commercial chondrometer were analyzed using the t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient.  The results revealed no significant differences between two microchondrometers or their relationship with 250 ml chondrometer by t-test (p> 0.05). Based on two-year evaluations, the correlation between the 250 and 15.30 ml was highly significant (p <0.0001) for triticale (0.9873), and oats (0.9557 for 15.30 ml device and 0.9448 for 31.26 ml device). The correlation between 15.30 and 31.26 ml devices was also highly significant (p <0.0001) for oats (0.9399). These results suggest that in small samples, the 15.30 ml microchondrometer can be used successfully in triticale and oats to assess its test weight.

Key words: Plant breeding, grain density, genotype screening.