Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 March 2009
Unreplicated dry-matter estimations on cores of swede are subject to errors caused by deflection of the borer from an intended alignment, and also to asymmetric concentrations of solids. A series of experiments was carried out to determine the extent of error likely to occur through deflections from diagonal and horizontal coring alignments. The coefficient of variability was estimated as about 1 per cent. of the drymatter value for either method. The relationship in dry-matter value of horizontal cores, diagonal cores and whole bulbs was found to be approximately 95:97: 100 respectively. There is little difference in accuracy between the coring methods; in practice the horizontal core is capable of more facile application.