Summary
This paper by N.W. Simmonds, published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture in 1995, reviews the well-documented negative association between grain yield and protein concentration in cereals, a relationship of considerable significance for both agronomy and human nutrition. Simmonds likely draws on comparative data across wheat, barley, maize and other cereals to discuss the physiological and genetic bases of the trade-off, including the dilution of protein by starch accumulation at high yields. The review is understood to address the challenges this relationship poses for plant breeders seeking to improve both productivity and nutritional quality concurrently.
UK applicability
The findings are broadly applicable to UK cereal production, particularly for wheat and barley, where the yield–protein trade-off is a recognised challenge in achieving grain that meets both milling quality standards and high yield targets. UK plant breeding programmes and agronomic nitrogen management strategies remain directly informed by this relationship.
Key measures
Grain protein concentration (% dry weight); grain yield (t/ha); nitrogen utilisation efficiency; protein yield
Outcomes reported
The paper examines and quantifies the inverse relationship between grain yield and protein content across cereal species, exploring the genetic and physiological mechanisms underpinning this trade-off. It likely considers implications for breeding strategies aimed at improving both yield and nutritional quality simultaneously.
Topic tags
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