Summary
The phenomenon of heterosis or hybrid vigour was recognized byKoelreuter, 1761, and in all probability by earlier naturalists. The explanation of heterosis, however, required modern genetics and is of recent attainment.
The utilization of hybrid vigour in practical breeding has had greatest success in maize. The essential feature of the breeding technique is the evaluation of combining ability of inbred lines. Hybrid seed is produced by combining the appropriate lines in single, double and other crosses. The theoretical possibility of obtaining a homozygous line equalin vigour to the best hybrids, appears to be beyond reach because of the large number of dominant vigour genes involved. This fact diverts current attention toward improvement in technique directed toward cheaper production of hybrid seed.
Résumé
Le phénomène de hétérose ou de vigueur hybride a été déjà observé et reconnu parKoelreuter en 1761 et même très probablement par des naturalistes, dans des temps encore plus anciens. Néanmoins l'explication de l'hétérose n'est que d'une portée assez récente, ce phénomène n'ayant pu être expliqué que par les connaissances de la génétique moderne.
L'utilisation de la vigueur hybride dans l'application pratique a été le plus réussi dans la production du mais. Le trait principal de la technique de la production repose sur l'évaluation de la propriété à s'unir des lignées consanguines. On obtient les semences hybrides en combinant les lignées appropriées par des croisements simples doubles et autres.
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Obolensky, G. Utilization of heterosis in corn breeding and the production of hybrid seed. Plant Food Hum Nutr 5, 95–107 (1958). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01099863
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01099863