Hybridization in plant breeding is achieved by which process?

• A. Using asexual propagation to clone varieties
• B. Grafting different plants together
• C. Self-pollination of a single plant
• D. Breeders use sexual propagation by manipulating the male and female

Answer: (D)

Hybridization in plant breeding relies on creating new genetic combinations by crossing two different parent plants through sexual reproduction. Breeders deliberately control pollination, using the male gamete (pollen) from one plant to fertilize the female gamete (ovule) of another, which yields offspring that carry traits from both parents. This often involves emasculating the female flowers and applying pollen from the chosen male parent, or bagging flowers to ensure a true cross. By contrast, asexual propagation clones a single genotype and doesn’t mix genes; grafting brings together tissues but not through the fusion of gametes to create a genetic hybrid; and self-pollination produces offspring that are largely genetic copies of the same plant.