What are hybrid crops?

Answer 1

A hybrid has the genetics of both of its originating crops but may have complete unique outward characteristics. This is because two hidden recessive genes from the two originating crops can be combined to produce an outward visible effect in the hybrid.

Answer 2

Hybrid crops are crops that are produced by cross-pollinating two inbred plants. Most all plants have both male and female parts and therefore fertilize themselves. A hybrid however is produced by taking the pollen from one plant and pollinating a different plant. The seeds from this cross-pollinated plant are hybrid seeds and thus produce a 'hybrid' crop. Hybrid crops are developed because they produce more grain, fruit, or flowers than they would if they were left as an inbred. Not all crops however experience this genetic phenomen. Corn for instance is grown from hybrid seed while soybeans and other legumes are not.

It is important to remember that hybrid plants ARE NOT genetically modified. Genetic engineering is a completely different process where DNA molecules are created and inserted into a plant to acquire a desired trait. While hybrid crops CAN be genetically modified, hybrids and GMO's are two COMPLETELY different things but are commonly confused as being one-in-the-same. Plant breeding to create hybrids has been around for over 150 years while genetically modified crops have only been around for close to 20 years.

Answer 3

A hybrid is a cross between two different originating crops. Originating crops themselves are considered to be pure original plants.