Attempts were made to relate various parameters of growth in wheat substitution lines to final yield of grain and assess the extent to which such relationships could be useful as early predictors of yield. The associations were measured by calculating correlation coefficients, partial regression coefficients, standard partial regression coefficients and independent contribution to yield. Significant correlation coefficients were common but significant partial regression coefficients were rare. The remaining estimates provided a ranked order of characters associated with yield. Those parameters of vegetative growth showing most association with final yield were themselves related fairly directly to ear and grain size. It was concluded that direct estimates of yield must remain the most appropriate character on which to base selection in cereals.