Hybridization

Hybridization: Hybrids are the result of the deliberate crossing of two different parent varieties, usually inbreds. Typically, a corn variety will be crossed with a different corn variety and the result will always be a corn. Commercial growers look for “hybrid vigor” (synergistic effort which occurs when two diverse varieties are crossed), uniformity for mechanical harvesting and shipping, widespread adaptability to different climates and conditions, disease resistance, high yields, etc. Interspecific hybrids occur rarely in nature and genus boundaries are never crossed. Thus, it is not possible through sexual reproduction to cross a corn plant with a squash or a pig. Seed saved from hybrid plants is unstable. Traits from parents will segregate out in various combinations in the next generation. A fresh cross of the inbred seed lines will be required to maintain the variety.