In the world of horticulture , there are different types of plants , including open - pollinated , heirloom , and intercrossed varieties . When it comes to saving seed , it is important to empathise the feature of each type . While you could certainly harvest semen from open - pollinated and heirloom plants , the same can not be said for hybrid industrial plant .
Hybrid plant are created by crabby - spawn two unlike parent plant with desirable trait . This appendage , known as interbreeding , leave in offspring that exhibit a combination of characteristics from both parent . The first generation of hybrid plants , known as F1 plant , typically possess trait like increase vigor , disease resistance , and uniformness . These trait make them extremely desirable for commercial-grade growers and home gardeners alike .
However , save seeds from F1 hybrid plant can lead to irregular results . This is because the materialisation of F1 plant , do it as F2 plant life , exhibit a phenomenon called “ genetical separatism . ” In simple terms , the traits of the F2 plant can vary widely and may not resemble those of their parents . This is due to the interval and recombination of the genetic fabric during the process of seminal fluid formation .
When you salvage seed from F1 intercrossed industrial plant , you effectively weaken the cycle of controlled hybridization . The resulting F2 plants may miss the desired trait of the original hybrid , such as disease resistance or uniformity . This can run to weaker , less vigorous plants that are more susceptible to pests , diseases , and environmental stressors . Additionally , the F2 plants may exhibit a wide scope of variations in flower size of it , color , fruit flesh , and give potential .
To exemplify this point in time , let me partake a personal experience . Last year , I grow a intercrossed tomato plant that produce expectant , juicy fruit with impedance to vulgar love apple disease . Impressed by its performance , I decided to save seed from the ripest and goodish fruit . The following season , when I embed the save seeds , I noticed a important decrease in vigor and disease resistance among the plants . The fruits were smaller , the plants were more prostrate to disease , and the overall yield was unsatisfying compared to the original hybrid flora .
Saving germ from F1 or loanblend industrial plant is mostly not recommended if you desire to guarantee that the offspring will be the same as their parents . The resulting plants may exhibit reduced vigor , increase unevenness , and smaller blossoms , at long last leading to lower yield . If you wish to continue growing works with the desired traits , it is estimable to purchase young hybrid seeds or flora each time of year .
Caroline Bates
