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The relation between yield and protein in cereal grain
Author(s) -
Simmonds Norman W
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.2740670306
Subject(s) - yield (engineering) , linear regression , mathematics , agronomy , regression , statistics , biology , physics , thermodynamics
An analysis of published data on genetic relations between dry grain yields (y, t ha −1 ) and protein content [ p , protein as a fraction (g g −1 ) of dry grain] of cereals is presented. In all, 106 usable regressions of y on p across geneotypes were assembled. The long‐recognised negative relation between yield and protein concentration was fully substantiated. There is a strong positive relation between grain yield and protein yield. The linear regression coefficient of yield on protein concentration is related to yield, with slope about −15. This relation holds approximately over all cereals. The data can be used to estimate a characteristic parameter described by C = dy/d( yp ) = ∼ 15–25 at the mean of each experiment. The relationship is surprisingly consistent but no simple physiological interpretation is available. In discussion, the high C , the impact of strong negative regressions of y on p for breeding strategies, the fact that protein yield increases with gross grain yield but at falling p and certain socio‐economic consequences are emphasized. An acute need for orderly reporting of experimental data is also emphasised; the existing literature is chaotic as to units, moisture contents and conversion factors.