Heterosis, Hybrid Power

Heterosis is the phenomenon of increasing the vitality and productivity of hybrid offspring compared to the parental forms. It manifests itself when crossing genetically distant lines and is expressed in an increase in the size of the organism, growth rate, yield and other characteristics.

The term "heterosis" comes from the Greek words "hetero" - "other, other" and "zis" - "life". The effect of heterosis is explained by the fact that during crossing, various genes from both parents are combined, which leads to increased heterozygosity and masking of recessive mutations.

As a result of heterosis, the so-called “hybrid power” is observed - an increase in the overall strength and viability of hybrids. This is expressed in more intensive growth, greater resistance to diseases and unfavorable environmental factors, and increased fertility. Heterosis is widely used in plant and animal breeding to obtain highly productive varieties and breeds.