Heterosis
Heterosis, also known as hybrid vigor, refers to the phenomenon where the offspring of two different strains or varieties exhibit improved or enhanced traits compared to their parents. This can include increased growth rate, higher yield, greater resistance to diseases, and better adaptability to environmental conditions. Heterosis is commonly observed in agriculture, particularly in crops like corn and wheat.
The genetic basis of heterosis is often attributed to the combination of diverse alleles from the parent strains, which can lead to a more robust genetic makeup. This diversity can enhance biological functions and overall performance. Breeders utilize heterosis to develop superior hybrids that can maximize productivity and sustainability in farming practices.