Hybrid

noun

(L. hybrida: hybrid) Any cross-bred plant; heterozygote. An offspring of genetically different parents (in a Flora, usually applied where the parents are of different species). An offspring of two animals or plants of different races, breeds, varieties, species, or genera. The hybrid offspring often shows greater general fitness than either of the two parents, a phenomenon called hybrid vigour (or heterosis). This is commonly used by plant breeders to produce a generation of crop plants giving higher yields and showing improved resistance to disease. Hybrid vigour cannot be maintained in subsequent generations and new hybrids have to be produced for each season.