Sample size for the physical and physico-chemical characteristics of the cashew

Abstract The aim of this study was to estimate sample size for the physical and physico- chemical characteristics peduncles nuts cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) as an aid in research using classical analytical methods near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Sample sizes were estimated by means uniform stratified sampling, comprising six strata (S1, S2, ..., S6) corresponding clones A+C 276/1, BRS 226, CCP 76, HI58-92-2, PRO 553/2 555/2. Determining each stratum depends on variance characteristic under evaluation accepted margin error B estimates, or desired precision results. greater stratum, sample, smaller acceptable For = 0.2 g, A+C276/1 clone (stratum S1), with s2 5.1568, n1 30 nuts. firmness, 0.50 N, 555/2 (S6) n6 22 peduncles. vitamin C, which presented highest variances, 226 (S2), 10 mg100-1g, n2 38 variables pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity sugars smallest giving clones.