Hybrid Seeds Increase Yields and Develop Disease Resistant Plants in Commercial Settings

 

Hybrid seeds are developed by cross-breeding plants (two or more plants) of different species. Cross-pollinated will develop a seed that carries one or more desired traits. These seeds are widely used in farming (commercial) to increase yields and to develop climate and disease resistant plants. Moreover, these seeds are widely used in farming and gardening of vegetables and flowers such as sweet corn tomatoes, and roses. Hybrids are chosen to improve the characteristics of the resulting plants such as better fruit quality, better uniformity, heat and cold tolerance, early maturity, increased yield, etc.

 

Increasing demand for vegetables and fruits from emerging economies is expected to increase the demand for hybrid seeds. Hybrid seeds are the major contributors to the rise in agricultural output since the 20th century. Several breeding companies are focused on developing the resultant crops resistant to diseases through extensive research and development activities. However, the development of such seeds may be hindered under adverse climatic conditions. In 2018, a German company launched a hybrid rice seed with robust tolerance to Brown Plant Hopper pests and Bacterial Leaf Blight.

In May 2020, Mexican researchers developed a series of corn varieties (corn seeds) with better yields and resistance to diseases. Moreover, in April 2020, two new breeding specialists joined Japan Vegetable Seeds. One of them has patented new hybrid seed selection and improvement techniques and developed techniques and biotechnologies to develop products in anticipation of customer requirements. Hybrid seeds are treated with chemical, physical, and biological agents to grow healthy crops and protect them from insects and pests. Long term hybrid seed can be stored for around 4 years and more, medium term hybrid seed can be stored for up to 12 to 36 months and short term hybrid seed can be stored for up to 9 to 12 months.