Question

The reason for vegetatively reproducing crop plants for maintaining hybrid vigor is that

• A. They can be easily propagated.
• B. They have a longer life span.
• C. They are more resistant to diseases.
• D. Once a desired hybrid is produced, there are no chances of losing it.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Once a desired hybrid is produced, there are no chances of losing it.

Heterosis is also called as hybrid vigor. It is the increase in characteristics as, size, growth rate, fertility, and yield of a hybrid organism over those of its parents. Plant and animal breeders exploit heterosis by mating two different pure-bred lines that have certain desirable traits. The first-generation offspring generally show, in greater measure, the desired characteristics of both parents. This vigor may decrease, however, if the hybrids are mated together; so the parental lines must be maintained and crossed for each new crop or group desired. Vegetative reproduction does not involve meiosis, hence no recombination and no loss of heterozygosity.

So, the correct answer is 'Once a desired hybrid is produced, there are no chances of losing it.'