F1 Hybrids

Question 1

What is a F1 hybrid?

Answer 1

Produced by crossing two stable seed lines (inbred lines) - they have uniform progeny and possess good vigour/yield.

Question 2

Two example of F1 hybrid

Answer 2

Tomato’Cristal’ F1

Sunflower ‘Harlequin’ F1

Question 3

Advantages of F1 hybrids

Answer 3

Hybrid vigour (HETEROSIS)
Greater size and vigour of flowers or produce
More robust
Plant breeders are encouraged to produce better cultivars as they control the inbred lines
Uniformity of flowering/stature/yield etc

Question 4

Disadvantages of F1 hybrids

Answer 4

Saved seed from F1hybrids will not grow true to type
F1 seed is expensive
Plant breeders usually only offer hybrids for sale for a few years