Negative Interplot Interference in Field Experiments with Leaf Rust of Wheat

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Abstract
Negative interplot interference occurred between plots of wheat infected with Puccinia recondita f. sp. tritici and led to the overestimation of cultivar resistance. This study showed that negative interference was greater between 2 large plots (16 m2) than between 2 smaller plots (4 m2). Disease in the large plots was also greater. Individual factor effects, guard area widths (2 m and 4 m) and guard crops (wheat and corn) had no significant effect on amount of interference that occurred; plots separated by 4 m had greater diseases severities than those separated by 2 m. The amount of negative interference was least when plots, regardless of size, were separated by a 4 m wheat guard.