Page 14 - Griffin Gazette Issue 3 - 2018

What’s in a

Hybrid?

By Wendy Oswald, Procurement
Specialist; and Jeanne Svob, Seed
Business Manager
Hybrids are the result of crossing of
two distinct parent lines, yielding a first-
generation (F1) offspring with qualities
from both parents. It’s important to note:
Hybrids are not GMOs. Professional
breeders work with genetics in their
breeding lines that bring desirable
characteristics to their offspring. These
characteristics include but are not
limited to:
• Disease resistance
• High yields
• Heat or cold tolerance, depending
upon regional need
• Fruit size
• Fruit shape
• Texture
• Color
• Plant habit for easy harvest or space
saving and container performance
• Foliage cover to reduce sunscald
• Last, but definitely not least, flavor

Image: Heirloom Marriage Genuwine
tomato from PanAmerican Seed

Bonus Digital Content