Fruit hybridization: how new varieties are created to improve yields

Fruit hybridization is the process of crossing different varieties of fruit plants to create new hybrid varieties. The goal of hybridization is to produce plants with better characteristics such as increased yield, improved taste, resistance to diseases and pests, and adaptation to different climatic conditions.

Parents' Choice

The first step in fruit hybridization is the selection of parent plants. Parents are selected based on the desired characteristics of the new variety. For example, if the goal is to improve flavor and aroma, parent plants with good palatability are selected. If it is necessary to increase the yield, use plants with high yields. In addition, the resistance of parent plants to diseases and pests is taken into account in order to transfer this characteristic to a new variety.

Pollination

After the choice of parent plants, pollination is carried out, which can be natural or artificial. In natural pollination, pollination occurs due to wind, insects, or other natural factors. In artificial pollination, pollination is done manually by transferring pollen from one parent plant to another. This method allows more precise control of the pollination process and more predictable results.

Getting seeds

After pollination, the formation of fruits in which the seeds are located. These seeds will be used to grow new descendant plants. Seeds are collected and processed to ensure good germination and preservation. It is important to consider that seed-derived hybrid fruits may exhibit different characteristics than their parent plants, as genes are passed on randomly.

Selection and testing

After receiving the seeds, the most promising descendant plants are selected. They are grown and tested for various characteristics such as taste, yield, disease resistance, etc. Only the best plants are tested and allowed for further selection.

Selection of a new variety

The last stage of hybridization is the selection of a new variety. Selected progeny plants are further selected to stabilize and reinforce the desired characteristics. It may take several years before a new variety is ready for commercial use.

Therefore, fruit hybridization is a creative and scientific process to create new varieties with better characteristics. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, we can enjoy a variety of tasty fruits that are resistant to various growing conditions and contribute to increased crop yields.