Discuss the role of hybridization in crop improvement. (2024)

Hybridization:

1. Hybridization is the method of crossing two plants from different species which are genetically dissimilar.
2. For example, crossing a plant that produces a high amount of fruits with another plant that is capable of producing sweeter fruits, can give a plant both characteristics.
3. The crossing can be done between,

• Different variety( inter varietal)
• Different species (interspecific) and
• Between different genera (inter generic)

Role of hybridization in crop improvement:

Hybridization is done in crop improvement for the following reasons,

1. The yield of crops can be increased by hybridization.
2. By hybridizing different plants with better quality, a plant with superior quality can be produced.
3. Lacking disease resistance is the main problem in high-yield crops: this problem can be solved by producing disease-resistant plants by hybridization.
4. By crossing the plants with different tolerance, a variety with high tolerance to stress can be produced.
5. Any desired characteristics like pest resistance, disease-resistant, and stress tolerance can be attained by hybridization.
6. The senescence period can be extended and aging can be reduced in some high economic crops.