Heterosis in Plant Breeding

Abstract

In this review, a selected group of investigations undertaken throughout this century into the genetic, physiological and biochemical basis of heterosis are outlined, and results of recent investigations are discussed. Information is presented in sections considering: a historical perspective; genetic theories of heterosis; physiological and biochemical basis of heterosis; heterosis in population crosses; hybrid predictions for maize, rapeseed, small grains and other crops (groundnuts, tomatoes and rice); and genetics and enhancement of heterosis using molecular markers.