Enzyme proteins obtained from seedling plants show distinct patterns (isozymes) after migration in an electric field. Crop varieties differ in isozymes, and these differences open new possibilities for “fingerprinting” varieties for identification purposes.

Technical advice was obtained from A. L. Kahler in adapting the isozyme technique for wheat and triticale. This research was supported, in part, by a grant to Jennifer Menke by the Jastro Fund to support undergraduate research, and by a grant from the California Crop Improvement Association.