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Yield and Protein Responses to Nitrogen Fertilizer of Two Winter Wheat Varieties Differing in Inherent Protein Content of Their Grain¹

Genes that increase the grain protein potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are known. The interaction of such genes with factors of the production environment, particularly soil nitrogen availability, determines their probable value and contribution to higher protein content in wheat.

Two hard winter wheat varieties differing inherently in the protein content of their grain were grown in replicated plots at selected sites in Nebraska over a 3-year period. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied at five rates in the 1st year and at seven rates in the 2nd and 3rd years. Data were recorded for yield, test weight, and protein content of the grain.

Significant protein responses to nitrogen fertilizer occurred in all trials. Responses of both varieties were linear and positive. C.I.14016 maintained a protein advantage of 2 percentage points over ‘Lancer’ at all levels of fertilizer. The protein advantage of C.I.14016 over Lancer was independent of the relative yields of the two varieties. The feasibility of effectively increasing the grain protein content of wheat by breeding is indicated by the data.

Statistically significant yield responses to fertilizer were recorded in 6 of 10 trials. Yield responses of both varieties were nonlinear with the second-degree polynomial providing a good fit of the data. Less nitrogen fertilizer was required for maximum yield of Lancer, the lower protein variety, than for C.I.14016. Test weight responses of the varieties to fertilizer were negative and linear. The test weight of Lancer was higher than C.I.14016 at all fertilizer rates.

Key Words: Test weight • Linear • Nonlinear • Regression coefficient • Genetic potential

² Research Agronomist, PSRD, ARS, USDA; Professor and Assistant Professor of Agronomy, respectively, University of Nebraska.

Received for publication July 21, 1972.