Hybrid Seeds | Explanation | Pros & Cons

Table of Contents

All agriculture enthusiasts around the world often ask the question, “What exactly are hybrid seeds?” Nowadays, if you want to have a terrace garden, you can easily find hybrid seeds of flowers, fruits, and vegetables in the market. The fact that they grow faster is what convinces people to use them. Moreover, you can create a hybrid by crossing two same family plants of different varieties. For example, a male and a female zucchini plant. Furthermore, people use the process of hand pollination to transfer pollen from the male flower to the female flower. Let us understand more about hybrid seeds in detail with the help of this blog by All Assignment Help.

Introduction to the Hybrid Seeds

Technically, hybrid seeds are the result of controlled cross-pollination between distinctive varieties of the same plant.
The process involves the transferring of pollen grains from the ovaries of one plant to the stigma of another plant. This process is known as cross-pollination.
This process is in practice for a number of reasons like, disease resistance, better yield, enhanced characteristics, and greater uniformity.
One packet of hybrid seeds you will buy from the market has the same parent plants ensuring uniformity in the resulting plants.
Additionally, in comparison to heirloom seeds, hybrid seeds grow faster and easier.
Heirloom seeds are the result of open-pollination caused by natural mechanisms like birds, wind, insects, etc.

Hybrid seeds are indeed a revolution in the field of gardening and agriculture. However, no revolution comes without some consequences. Let us discuss more about hybrid seeds and dig deep into the pros and cons it serves.

Difference Between Hybrid and Non-hybrid Seeds

Before getting into more details about hybrid seeds, let us educate ourselves a little about hybrid and non-hybrid seeds. In this way, we will understand hybrid seeds in an effectual manner. The differences between hybrid and non-hybrid seeds are given in the table:

Hybrid Seeds	Non-hybrid Seeds
These seeds are cross-pollinated by using two different strains of the plants.	On the other hand, non-hybrid seeds are naturally pollinated.
There is no other name of hybrid seeds.	They are also called by the name of open-pollinated or the heirloom seeds.
The hybrid plants do not produce seeds that can be used with the aim to grow a similar type of plants. Thus, if a person again has to grow a similar type of hybrid vegetable or fruit then in this situation it will again have to go through the whole process of hybrid seeds manufacture in an effectual way. Further, it is often used with the aim to produce the vegetables.	Unlike hybrid seeds, in the non-hybrid seeds, an individual can get the seeds from the plants. Thus, the seeds can be used with an aim to grow a similar type of plants. But it is used for producing fruits and vegetables, etc.
Hybrid seeds are expensive.	Non-hybrid seeds are less expensive

Education Line in Hybrid Seeds Production

Undoubtedly, we can see hybrid seeds as an unconventional innovation in the field of agriculture. Moreover, it brings great opportunities for development and growth. If you are interested in exploring this new knowledge or experimenting with advanced farming techniques, you can now learn things online by enrolling yourself on programs that offer seed technology education. However online classes come with time constraints that require effective time management. The demanding schedule may leave students thinking about, How can I do my online course on hybrid seeds without affecting their day-to-day activities.

While these are extreme possibilities, if you wish to apply this knowledge to your agricultural practices then there is a solution for you. You can easily pursue a diploma course in hybrid seed production technology from reputable universities worldwide.

Moreover, the course will educate you about seed production, seed testing, seed storage, and seed marketing. Hence, for anyone, wanting to gain knowledge in seed technology or pursue a career in agriculture, here is the opportunity for you.

Some well-known courses in seed technology are as follows:

MSc in Seed Science and Technology
BSc in Seed Science and Technology
PhD in Seed Science and Technology
STEP Certificate Program in Seed Technology
National Seed Science and Technology Distance Education Program

Pros and Cons of Hybrid Seeds

Given below are the pros and cons of hybrid seeds. Read them carefully to understand more of them.

Pros of hybrid seeds

It is less affected by the different types of environmental stress such as insects and plant diseases etc.
Hybrid seeds tend to offer better and more consistent performance in comparison to non-hybrid seeds in an effectual manner.
It also helps in the process of providing yield benefits to the individual who grows such types of plants. This happens because hybrid seeds are most drought and pest-tolerant.
In addition to this, they also have the capability with respect to change themselves as per the climatic conditions. Thus, with the help of hybrid seeds, farmers can avoid different yield-related risks.
The hybrid seeds are much stronger and larger plants.
It helps in the process of obtaining new species of vegetables or flowers etc.

Cons of hybrid seeds

It takes much time as well as money to prepare. This is due to the process of developing hybrid seeds is not simple. Thus, it can be said that with an aim to develop such seeds sufficient money will be required.
They are costly in nature in comparison to the other types of seeds.
Hybrid seeds cannot be obtained with the help of the classical method of production. This is due to the fact that many hybrid seeds or hybrid plants will have a mechanism that tends to repulse the pollen alien to their species.
The seeds which are being incurred from the hybrid seeds cannot be saved for the future.
Many people believe that production from hybrid seeds is not tasty.

Now when we have studied the pros and cons of hybrid seeds, let’s move to the steps of production. Also, during your online diploma course in seed technology, if you face any complexity, you can request assistance from professional online coursework services.

Steps of Hybrid Seeds Production

In this section of our blog, we will study the steps that are being performed to yield hybrid seeds. Majorly, this is a four-step process. The details about the same are discussed below.

Step 1: Choice as well as the development of seeds parent (A-Line)

Herein, it can be said that for the commercial hybrid, the female parent should possess a male sterline. However, in case if not a suitable male sterline is available then in the given situation self-incompatible line is being used. Here, in the process of using the same manual labour will be required. Furthermore, it can also be depicted that in the food grains crops wherein the number of seeds that are produced in each pollination is restricted, the cytoplasmic genetic sterline is being used as the seed parents.

On the other hand, in vegetable seed crops in which single pollination will tend to produce many seeds, fertile pure lines are being used as the seed’s plants in an effectual way. After identifying the male sterline, an isogenic B-line should be maintained. In this context, the stains can be examined by performing B-line crossing with the A-line. Additionally, it can also be depicted that with the help of repeated crossing, the B-line can be converted into the A-line. This is done until both A and B lines will become similar in nature. When both become similar then it is called by the name of isogenic.

Step 2: Choice and the development of restorer or male parent (R-line)

It is being regarded as the second most important component which is being required with an aim to make a production of hybrid seeds. The given development is being performed by using the pure line selection method. From the heterozygous gene pool, S0 is selected on the basis of different types of attributes such as disease resistance, vigour, productivity, etc. Here, after performing the self-pollination, S1 plants are being obtained and they are being grown in the raw wise. The given function is repeated until S2 is obtained. The whole process will be continued until S5 and S6.

On the other hand, the unwanted inbred line in the process is being discarded from the whole process. In addition to this, the perspective of the R lines is being chosen with an aim to make a development of F1 hybrid. This is being made on the basis of S5 and S6. Thus, it would be correct to say that it is by complying with the given type of activity only the whole activity of choice and the development of the restore is being completed. After that, the process will move on to the third step.

Step 3: Maintenance and the multiplication of parental seeds

The hybrid programs are based on the 3 lines in the case of cross-pollinated crops. The lines are A (Ms), B (maintainer) and R (Restorer). These all homozygous inbred is being maintained by the breeder. In this regard, it is the responsibility of the breeder that it should discard any kind of changes that happen in the population. For effective maintenance, A and B lines are grown in the ideal agronomic condition. On the other hand, for the effective maintenance of the R-line, the plot should be completely isolated from the others in an effectual way.

As a student of agriculture, you might get to research and write about these intricate steps of the production of hybrid seeds as a part of your academic biology assignment. Hence, it would be a great chance for you to bring the practical aspects of agriculture and the scientific principles of biology together. However, if you find the process too weathering for you, you can get some expert-level help with biology assignments and ace the topic.

Step 4: Production and the improvement of the F1 hybrid

With an aim to make production of the F1 hybrid seeds, both the A and R lines are being grown together. The ratio of them is 4:2 in the production block. The arrangement is the same but the B line is being substituted by the R lines. Moreover, for the improvement of the F1 hybrid, it is very much essential that the parental lines should be improved. Overall, it can be said that it is being regarded as the basic process with the help of which hybrid seeds are being produced.

Also read: Current Biology Research Topics for Students

Main Requisites of Production

Breeder responsibility

It is being regarded as the main responsibility of the breeder that it should develop the inbred lines. This is because, if a given step is skipped then in this situation another process will not be completed.
Moreover, it is also the responsibility of the breeder that it should get information about the specific parental lines. In this regard, the breeder should make sure that the parental lines which are being assessed by it should be correct.
Furthermore, it is also required by the breeder that it should develop the system with an aim to control the pollen.

The main problem of the breeder and the producer

The maintenance of the parental lines is regarded as the main problem of the breeder.
Moreover, the separation of the male and female reproductive organs is being regarded as another issue which is being faced by the breeder.
Also, to perform the work like pollination is another issue which is being faced by the breeder.

Also read: Plant Physiology: Its Role and Explanation

Characteristics of Parental Lines

There are some main features in relation to the parental lines examined and they are given below:

There are two major types of parents such as female and male.
The high seeds will tend to yield good pollen production
Good seeds also characterise a long shedding period.
Male sterility leads to the plant’s height.

Hence, it is on the basis of given features only an individual will get the idea of what the parental lines exactly are.

Some Popular Hybrids

There are some examples drawn with an aim to get a better idea about the hybrids. These are all detailed below:

Roses: It is being regarded as one of the most popular varieties of hybrid seeds. There are huge numbers of hybrid roses being found in the market and they are popular also.
Corn: Silver corn, double sweet and Kandy Korn are regarded as some varieties of hybrid corn.
Tomatoes: There are many varieties of hybrid tomatoes are also available in the market and these are Celebration and Beef Maestro etc.

Today, the global hybrid seeds market is reaching great heights. In the year 2021, the market was valued at 25.17 billion USD and was expected to grow by 6.8% in future. Hence, you can imagine how big the hybrid seeds market is and how flourishing a career in the same can be. So, what are you waiting for? Enrol yourself to a degree or diploma in seed technology or biology today.

In case, you already have a career and want to study seed technology for your personal experiences and learning then you can opt for a diploma, as we have discussed above. Also, there are a number of resources that will support your study regardless of any hurdle. For instance, if you come across situations where it gets tough to juggle between your diploma and your career then concerns like who will do my online biology class for me or who is going to handle my seed technology class while I am busy with my corporate life, might pop up. So, in that case, experts are here to your rescue. Professional experts can take your class on your behalf while keeping all internet safety protocols in mind.

Are Hybrid Seeds Expensive to Produce?

We have discussed earlier that hybrid seeds are being regarded as the type of seeds which are being produced with the help of cross-pollination of the plants in an artificial way. Thus, with an aim to do the same the scientist tends to perform thousands of experiments as well as combinations. This is done until the scientist gets the desired results. In this regard, it can be said that with an aim to perform the same the scientist will need to perform lots much research and thus it is due to the presence of a given aspect only it is very expensive in nature.

In addition to this, the companies that also produce hybrid seeds tend to invest lots of money in research and development type of activities. On the other hand, the whole process is very time-consuming in nature. Here, a person cannot stop after inventing one hybrid seed. Thus, an individual will have to make a continuous effort for the purpose of manufacturing the hybrid seeds. Therefore, it is very much correct to say that hybrid seeds are very much expensive in production.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that hybrid seeds are gaining major popularity in today’s environment. This is because; the given type of crop production will tend to give a completely different type of crop. Further, it is also assessed that hybrid seeds are expensive to produce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: 1 Who invented the hybrid seeds?
Answer: 1 Hybrid seeds (double cross) was first invented back in 1917 by Jones. Later, Henry A. Wallace introduced hybrid corn to the American farmers.

Question: 2 Who prepared the first hybrid plant?
Answer: 2 The first hybrid plant was prepared by Thomas Fairchild and the developed plant was known as the Fairchild mule or the Dianthus caryophyllus.

Question: 3 Which seeds have 100% genetic purity?
Answer: 3 Nuclear seeds are 100% genetically pure seeds that are even physically pure. Moreover, original breeders produce it.

Question: 4 What are the 4 classifications of seeds?
Answer: 4 The four classifications of seeds are- the nucleus seed, the breeder seed, the foundation seed, and the registered or certified seed.