Winter crude protein among accessions of fourwing saltbush grown in a uniform garden

Winter crude protein content was determined for the current year's growth of 43 accessions of fourwing saltbush ( Atriplex canescens ) grown on a uniform garden. The crude protein level varied among accessions from 6 percent to 14 percent of dry matter. Individual plants (215) ranged from 5.3 percent to 17.1 percent. The mean winter crude protein level was 9.6 percent. Because these data were generated on even-aged plants, it appears that genetic variation plays an important role in determining the level of crude protein in fourwing saltbush.