Protein content of seed: increase improves growth and yield.

Oat seeds with a higher protein content as a result of chemical applications in 1967 yielded 21 to 42 percent more grain in 1968. Wheat seed, whether from Michigan, Illinois, or Mexico, that contained more protein as a result of field applications of chemicals or nitrogen developed into larger seedlings. The content of protein in the seed correlated with subsequent growth and yield, indicating that the amount of endogenous protein or of a proteinaceous moiety, which can be controlled, may be an important factor in subsequent yield of major agronomic crops.