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Sub-Observations
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BMS 11.0 Manual

Create Sub-Observation Unit Dataset

Once the observation table for data collection at the plot level has been established, you are able to create additional data collection tables for repeated measures (sub-observations units).

Common repeated measures include:

  • Measure individual plants within a plot
  • Measure different quadrats within a plot
  • Measure the same trait at multiple time points
  • Create sub-observation units to take repeated measures.

Define Sub-Observation Units

Example Plant Sub-Sampling

In the following example, a maize breeder is planning to measure the height of 5 plants per plot at maturity.

  • Select Plants as the sub-observation units.
  • Give the sub-observation data set a unique name. Specify 5 plants per plot. Leave PLANT_NO as the default numbering variable. Choose to sub-sample both study locations and Save.

  • Select Add to add plant level trait details.

Each plot now contains 5 rows corresponding to 5 plants per plot.
  • Select the trait plant height. The Plants dataset is now ready to accept 5 height measurements corresponding to 5 plants per plot.

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Example Custom Sub-Sampling

In the following example, a maize breeder is planning to gather ears of interest from experimental plots to take ear-specific measurements. The breeder doesn't know in advance how may ears will be collected, but expects to collect no more than 7 per plot.

  • 'Ears' is not a default sub-sampling option. Select the Custom option and Continue.

  • Give the sub-observation data set a unique name.
  • Specify 7 ears as the maximum collected per plot.
  • Choose a numbering variable. In this case, Obs_NO. Note: custom sub-observations units will not have a corresponding numbering variable until you create one (see details in blue info box below).
  • Choose to sub-sample both study locations.
  • Save.

Customize Observation Unit Variable
The observation unit variable, Obs_NO, provides a generic way to number any observation. Alternatively a more specific term, like EAR_NO, could be created via Manage Ontologies.
  • The Ears dataset is now ready to accept 7 ear measurements per plot. Add ear traits to the dataset and Save.

Export Sub-Observation Dataset

  • Select Export study book.

  • Choose the the sub-observation dataset.

  • Export the studybook as a .csv file. When multiple locations are selected the .csv files are exported as a zip file that must be unzipped to reveal contents.

  • The .csv file is ready for data entry.
    Note: OBS_UNIT_ID is a unique observation id suitable for barcode labeling of individual sub-samples.