Question

Discuss the role of hybridisation in crop improvement.

Answer 1

Hybridization is the method of mating two organisms from separate species in order to produce an organism that possesses the characteristics of both organisms. Hybridization increases crop varieties in terms of yield, disease resistance, pest resistance, and so on.

Complete answer:
Crossing two genetically dissimilar plants is referred to as Hybridization. It may be inter-varietal, interspecific, or intergeneric. Two plants with the desired characteristics are chosen and crossed to produce a new plant with the parental plants' desired characteristics
The following are the benefits of hybridization:
1. They have the ability to increase yield.
2. Two organisms merge to shape the best of the organism, removing the undesirable characteristics of both parent species.
3. They result in the development of species with various characteristics such as disease tolerance, stress resistance, and so on.
The following are the drawbacks of hybridization:

1. The hybridization process is very costly, costing up to five times the value of the standard process.
2. They suffer more than average plants if their basic needs are not met.

Note:
Plants hybridise more easily than animal species, and the resulting hybrids are more fertile. Many plant species are the product of hybridization combined with polyploidy, which causes chromosome duplication. Chromosome replication allows for orderly meiosis and the development of viable seed.