Glossary

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Glossary

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Glossary Entries

Word(s)	Definition	Image	Caption	Link	Source
Allele	A variant form of a gene at a particular locus on a chromosome.
Backcrossing	A breeding method that involves crossing a hybrid with one of its parents or a genetically similar individual to recover desirable traits.
Breeder's Equation	A formula (R = h² × S) used to estimate genetic gain, where R is response to selection, h² is heritability, and S is selection differential.
Clonal Cultivar	A plant variety reproduced asexually (e.g., via cuttings or tissue culture), maintaining identical genetic makeup across generations.
Combining Ability	The ability of a parent line to contribute genes to offspring when crossed with other lines, including general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities.
Cultivar	A cultivated variety of a plant that has been selectively bred for specific characteristics and is maintained through propagation.
Genetic Gain	The improvement of desirable traits (like yield, resistance) in a population due to selection over successive generations.
Genotype	The genetic makeup of an organism, determining its hereditary potentials.
Heterosis (Hybrid Vigor)	The phenomenon where hybrid offspring exhibit superior qualities compared to their parents.
Heritability	The proportion of observed variation in a trait that can be attributed to genetic factors.
Hybrid Cultivar	A cultivar developed by crossing two genetically distinct parent lines, often exhibiting heterosis.
Inbred Line	A genetically uniform line developed through repeated self-pollination or close breeding, often used as a parent in hybrid breeding.
Multiline Cultivar	A mixture of near-isogenic lines (genetically identical except for specific genes, like disease resistance) used to enhance durability of resistance in crops.
Phenotype	The observable characteristics of an organism resulting from the interaction of its genotype and the environment.
Pure-Line Cultivar	A cultivar derived from a single, self-pollinated plant, typically highly uniform and genetically stable.
Quantitative Trait	A trait controlled by multiple genes and often influenced by the environment, showing continuous variation (e.g., height, yield).
Recurrent Selection	A breeding method that repeatedly selects and interbreeds individuals with desirable traits to increase frequency of favorable alleles.
Seed Blend	A mixture of seeds from multiple cultivars, often to manage risk or improve resilience to environmental conditions or disease.
Selection Differential	The difference between the average trait value of selected individuals and the population average.
Synthetic Cultivar	A cultivar developed by intercrossing several selected genotypes and allowing open pollination in subsequent generations to maintain diversity and performance.
Varietal Release	The formal process of introducing a new cultivar to the public or agricultural industry, including testing, registration, and distribution.