hybrid vigor/heterosis

[Alan]

Definition of heterosis :

When the heterozygotes in a population have a higher fitness than the homozygotes (such as they grow better, are better able to survive, and/or are more fertile than the homozygotes). Examples are some plants that do better when cross-pollinated than when self-pollinated. The effect of heterosis can apply to hybrids (see hybrid vigor).

[jonnyyuma]

Dec 29, 2009 22:24:07 GMT -5 Alan said:

Definition of heterosis :

When the heterozygotes in a population have a higher fitness than the homozygotes (such as they grow better, are better able to survive, and/or are more fertile than the homozygotes). Examples are some plants that do better when cross-pollinated than when self-pollinated. The effect of heterosis can apply to hybrids (see hybrid vigor).

I have seen this before and for some reason it has always bugged me. I like to think that if you are designing a hybrid that population is the incorrect term. Hybrid vigor and heterosis can be lost but are exploited through specific crosses of individuals.

[Alan]

I agreee, unless you speaking in terms of outcrossing plants placed into genepools like with corn, then it applies.