Sample size estimation for in situmorphological variability studies of Lippia integrifolia (Verbenaceae) in Parque Nacional Talampaya, La Rioja (Argentina)

Abstract

Lippia integrifolia “incayuyo” is an aromatic and medicinal shrub of economic importance, distributed from Bolivia to northwestern and central Argentina. It has shown a wide variation between individuals of the same species, which could be the result of interaction with the environment and / or be genetically determined. On the basis of this variability, characterization studies are needed for further agronomic evaluations, plant breeding, selection, conservation and reproduction of specimen with desirable characteristics. The aim of this study is to determine, using two estimation methods, the minimum number of individuals to be assessed that represents in situ morphological variability of a population of L. integrifolia. From a preliminary sampling conducted in the Parque Nacional Talampaya, in which 11 morphometric characters were registered in L. integrifolia, a parametric and a nonparametric estimation of the Minimum Sample Size was performed. Based on the morphometric characters evaluated here it is recommended a minimum sample size in between 35-40 individuals, determined by the characters that showed greater variability, with which the morphological variability of the species would be guaranteed