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Hybrids are created from controlled pollinations between two elite, true-breeding parent lines. The parents must breed true-to-type for repeatability of the cross so that seed stock may be continued to increase. These parents must also be fixed, or homozygous for desirable traits. For example, parental lines for wheat will always be moved forward if they are high yielding, but traits such as dwarfing, non-lodging, or non-shattering are important to be contained within the elite parents for a cross.
Often, F1 is accompanied by the hybrid name, known as the first ‘Filial’ generation, simply put, is the offspring of the initial parental cross. Hybrid vigor, or heterosis, is a phenomenon that occurs in the F1 generation, meaning, the progeny are better and outperform the parental lines. There are far more steps that go into creating hybrid cultivars, which is why seed costs more. Several years go into parental line development to create the first cross, and not every F1 is good enough to make it to the market. Hybrids tend to be more uniform, have higher yields, and improved disease resistance, among other great characteristics.
Open-pollinated (OP) varieties are those in which seeds are produced through natural pollination mechanisms such as wind, animal, insect, birds, or self-pollination. The offspring remain true-to-type, meaning they maintain the same characteristics as the parent plants. There is genetic stability over generations, gardeners and farmers alike can save seeds, and the traits are preserved. OPs have great genetic variation within populations. OPs are ideal for home gardeners, small farms, seed-saving organizations, or even breeders
Heirlooms are OPs with a history; these varieties have been passed down through many generations of growers. They are often valued for their heritage, flavor, and uniqueness. All heirloom seeds are open-pollinated, but not all open-pollinated varieties are heirloom. Examples of heirloom varieties include ‘Brandywine’ tomato, ‘Bloody Butcher’ corn, and ‘Fairytale’ pumpkin, all of which are available at Holmes Seed Co.
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