Welcome to VSNi blogs

The blog title "Coping with Covariates: A Practical Guide to ANCOVA, REML, and Covariate Methods in Designed Experiments" set across an image of seedlings in trays
Covariates in designed experiments can significantly affect treatment comparisons. This guide compares ANCOVA, REML-based approaches, and alternative methods...
The title "Using Historical Data for Multi-Environmental Trial Analyses: Challenges and Recommendations" in a green circle, set across a background of crops in a field
Multi-environment trial (MET) analysis combines data from multiple test sites, years, or seasons to estimate breeding values and...
The blog title "A Quick Introduction to Experimental Design in Genstat" set across an image of a tractor in a field of crops
Experimental design in Genstat helps researchers plan rigorous experiments, control variation, and generate statistically valid results. Learn how...
The blog title, "Balancing Genetic Gain, Diversity, Trait Profiles, and Operational Constraints in Plant Breeding", set across an image of young seedlings
Breeding teams continually navigate competing priorities: accelerate gains, protect diversity, manage trait targets, and work within tight operational...
The blog title "From Blocks to Spatial Models: Analysing Wheat Variety Trials with ASReml-R" set across a background of wheat
Accurately estimating genetic effects in field trials depends on selecting the right statistical model. This blog demonstrates how...
Today's AI landscape is filled with overlapping terms: AI, machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, and large language...
The blog title "Using ASReml to Strengthen Breeding Decisions Across Traits and Environments" set across a background of green crops and a blue sky
Breeding datasets are rarely straightforward. ASReml's mixed-model framework helps teams separate genetic signal from noise by estimating genetic...
The blog title,Randomization, Permutation, and Bootstrap Tests: What’s the Difference?, set on a green and blue background with leaf detail
Randomization tests, permutation tests, and bootstrap methods are often confused—but they serve different purposes and shouldn't be used...
The blog title "The Three Flavours of Replication: Technical, Biological, and Pseudo" set across a background of test tubes
Not all replication is created equal. Technical replicates measure protocol noise. Biological replicates capture population variation. Pseudo-replicates invalidate...
The blog title 'Moving from 1-D to 2-D Confidence Intervals' set on a background of 2 people drawing on a blackboard
When analysing two variables together, traditional confidence intervals aren't enough. Dr. Vanessa Cave explains how to move from...
The blog title, Understanding the Balanced Incomplete Block Design, set across multicoloured blocks
When block size constraints prevent you from fitting all treatments in every block, Balanced Incomplete Block Designs (BIBD)...