Utilizing R software package for dose-response studies: the concept and data analysis.

摘要

Advances in statistical software allow statistical methods for the nonlinear regression analysis of rate-response curves to be carried out conveniently by non-statisticians. One such statistical software is the program R with the drc extension package. The drc package can: (1) simultaneously fit multiple rate-response curves; (2) compare curve parameters for significant differences; (3) calculate any point along the curve at the response level of interest, commonly known as an effective rate (ED30, ED50 and ED90, for example), and determine its significance; and (4) generate graphs for publications or presentations. We believe that the drc package has advantages that include: the ability to relatively simply and quickly compare multiple curves and select ED levels easily along the curve with relevant statistics, the package is free of charge and does not require licensing fees, and the size of the package is only 70 MB. This paper reviews a few common issues in dose-response-curve fitting, and the means to facilitate the use of up-to-date statistical techniques for the analysis of dose-response curves with this software. The methods described can be utilized to evaluate chemical and non-chemical weed control options. Benefits to the practitioners and academics are also presented.