Pairwise multiple comparisons of treatment means in agronomic research

ABSTRACT Pairwise multiple comparisons of treatment means are appropriate in the statistical analysis of some agronomic experiments. This paper includes a review and definitions of the types and frequency rates of statistical errors with regard to pairwise multiple comparisons. Of the 10 pairwise multiple comparisons procedures described herein, the least significant difference is the procedure of choice when the appropriate contrasts among treatments each involve only two of the treatment means. This choice is based on considerations of error rates, power, and correct decision rates as well as simplicity of computation.