What is hybridization in crop variety improvement?

Hybridization in crop variety improvement refers to the process of crossing two genetically distinct varieties of a crop to produce a hybrid with desirable traits. This is done to combine the desirable characteristics of both parent plants into one superior variety.

The process of hybridization involves selecting and crossing two parent plants that have desirable traits such as high yield, disease resistance, and tolerance to environmental stresses. The resulting hybrid offspring may have traits such as improved yield, better quality, and increased resistance to pests and diseases.