- Pollination by natural means, such as with the help of bees, birds or the wind, is known as open pollination. Since the male donor is unknown, the resulting plants have a wider gene pool and can vary in appearance and when applicable, in taste.
- Hybrid pollination is controlled. One plant is intentionally pollinated with pollen from a different, known species in hopes of cultivating the best traits of both plant types. The resulting plants all have the same gene pool and tend to be similar in appearance.
- One argument for hybrid pollination is that farmers want more control over the quality and quantity of crops produced. As an example, hybrid pollination in corn produces uniform ears and a higher yield per acre, averaging 110 bushels per acre rather than 90.
- Though the hybrid corn did show a higher per acre yield, a study done in Lincoln, Nebraska at Harris Laboratories concluded that open pollinated corn had more nutritional value.
- The seeds produced from open pollination can be saved for the next season's garden and will produce plants similar in genetic makeup. Saved hybrid seeds sometimes turn out to be sterile, or if they do germinate, may produce plants that carry undesirable traits from prior generations. Most farmers that grow hybrids buy new seed every year.
- The heirloom tomato, produced by seeds saved for generations from year after year of open pollinated gardens, is a favorite of home gardeners for its flavor. Commercially grown hybrid tomatoes are bred more for yield and the ability to resist bruising during transport rather than taste.
previous post