The analyses of variance and covariance were used to calculate the phenotypic arx genotypic correlations between protein percentage, grain yield, protein yield and nitrogen harvest index among 36 genotypes (8 parents and their 28 F11s crosses) of wheat. All correlation coefficients, except correlations between protein percentage and other traits, were positive and statistically significant. According to the results obtained, it seems possible to improve the protein of wheat through selection for protein yield and nitrogen harvest index. Selection for these two traits will result in protein improvment through the increase of yield and partitioning effeciency of nitrogen between grain and straw, respectively. Therefore, these two traits can be considered as a type of selection indecies in breeding programmes.
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