August 6 and 7, 2024
Goodding Learning Center
280 Plant Sciences Hall, East Campus
1–4:30 p.m.
Maximum registration is 25 participants.
Cost: $20
For additional information please contact Blaine Johnson at blaine.e.johnson@unl.edu.
What? A Workshop on analysis and summarization of plant breeding data using mixed models and Echidna/ASReml software. Purpose of the Workshop is to enhance those skills needed for writing software code for appropriate statistical models, executing analysis of phenotypic data using that code, generating summary reports from output, and using those reports to make plant breeding decisions. Focus is on the practical aspects of managing data and executing mixed model analyses, as opposed to the delivery of underlying statistical theory. To this end, participants are encouraged to bring data sets of interest to the Workshop, with intend of learning options and methods used for executing analyses.
Why? There is ongoing interest by graduate students and faculty in extending their knowledge and skills in executing analyses of plant breeding data. In addition, Workshop Leads are currently consulting with multiple students and faculty on analysis of plant breeding data. This event is being held to further broaden knowledge and experience through the common sharing of a diverse set of plant breeding data sets and exploration of options used for analysis of those data sets.
For Whom? Anyone who may (or may not!) have one or more data sets which they are willing to share in a workshop dedicated to analysis of plant breeding phenotypic data and interpretation of summarized results. While the backgrounds and experiences of the Workshop Leads fall primarily within the discipline of plant breeding, and hence the Workshop is focused on plant breeding data, everyone interested in analysis of agronomic data using mixed models is welcome. Concepts and methodologies covered in the Workshop have broad application to field generated data, be the data from plant breeding or other agronomic experiments.
Workshop Leads
The Details:
- Dates and Times of Workshop:
- August 6-8, 2024.
- Day 1- 1:00-4:00, Tuesday 6 August
- Day 2- 9:00-3:00, Wednesday 7 August,
- Day 3- 9:00-12:00, Thursday 8 August
- Times may be slightly adjusted per progress and interest of participants.
- A general listing of daily topics is given below under the heading “Daily Agendas”.
- August 6-8, 2024.
- Structure of the Workshop:
- Workshop Leads will provide overall guidance during group study of multiple data sets as contributed by Workshop Participants. Workshop Leads will present only a minimal amount of background theory, but rather will provide impromptu direction and guidance during group discussions on analyses of agricultural field data.
- Real-time building of the statistical models and use of software used to execute data analyses are central to the Workshop.
- The Workshop will be conducted in a classroom setting only; remote participation will not be an option.
- What you need to bring to the Workshop:
- Yourself!
- Any plant breeding data sets on which you would like consultation and extended knowledge of analysis options. Note, please bring only shareable experiments and data sets to the Workshop. Experiments and data sets that are proprietary or otherwise cannot be legally shared cannot be used.
- Should a participant not have access to a data set, Workshop Leads will have example data sets available for use. If possible, any participant needing an example data set should contact Workshop Leads prior to the Workshop.
- A computer with either ASReml or Echidna installed, the two statistical software packages that will be used in the Workshop. Should two or more individuals be participating as a group using a common data set, Echidna/ASReml should be installed prior to the Workshop on at least one computer used by the group. Due to the short duration of the workshop, time will not permit installation of software during the workshop. Please contact the Workshop Leads prior to the Workshop if help is needed installing software.
- What is needed as background knowledge:
- Participants must have basic knowledge of statistical analysis of phenotypic data and prior experience using mixed model analyses and software would be helpful. Workshop Leads can be contacted for any questions on statistical knowledge needed for the Workshop.
- Be prepared for Active Participation:
- Knowledge and learning are extended by doing. Active participation is expected, and the leads have subtle and not so subtle approaches to ensuring active involvement by each and all participants. As a warning to those who might try passive participation, remember the famous quote: “No soup for you!”
- What this Workshop is not:
- This Workshop is to be a group learning experience; the workshop is not to be considered a one-on-one help or consulting session; please contact the Workshop Leads and/or explore other avenues if a help session or a personal consulting session is needed. Rather come to this Workshop prepared to share and learn in a group setting.
- The Bottom line:
- Bring your plant breeding data sets, questions, problems, or whatever, and be prepared for a time of learning and extending your knowledge and experience of design and analysis of agricultural research using mixed model methodologies. Most importantly come to the Workshop prepared to participate, enjoy, and have fun!
Lunch:
There will be a lunch break of approximately 45 minutes on Wednesday, 7 August, however lunch will not be provided.
Daily Agendas:
Day One: Introductions – Participants and Data Sets PM
- Introductions
- Descriptions and discussions on data sets
- Goals of analyses
- Structure of data
- Data preparation
- Preparing data to be read by software
- Validating data are correctly being read by software
Day Two: Data Analyses using Mixed Models and Echidna
Morning:
- Examples, led by instructors, with those examples reflective of data sets brought used by participants
- Individual data sets
- Development of Echidna/ASReml code that yields desired genetic predications, per participants’ data sets
Afternoon:
- Continuation, individual data sets
Day Three: Results
Morning:
- Reports and summaries, with interpretation
NOTE: These are guidelines only and adjustments may be made according to progress of workshop and the specific interests of workshop participants.