Interplot interference can occur in yield trials when genotypes vary for he
ight. We investigated the possibility of adjusting yield for interplot inte
rference by using height measurements in an analysis of covariance. Compute
r simulation showed that genetic correlation between height and yield would
have no impact on analysis of covariance, as well as showing that analysis
of covariance would reduce precision in the absence of interference due to
height difference. Sixty-five data sets from yield trials conducted in Sas
katchewan in 1992, 1993 and 1994 were analyzed to see if analysis of covari
ance would improve precision of yield estimates. Forty percent of the histo
rical data sets showed evidence of significant interplot interference. In t
hose trials in which interference occurred, yield decreased an average of 0
.39% for every centimetre by which the average height of the flanking plots
exceeded that of the test plot. Using final height to adjust for interplot
interference is effective when genotypes vary for height and when the regr
ession coefficient is significant.