What is Synthetic Variety – Definition?
Synthetic variety is a variety developed by selecting a number of inbred lines with good general combining ability (gca) , intercrossing them in all possible combinations and mixing the seeds of all the crosses conducted, in equal quantity.
Features of Synthetic Variety
- Heterogeneous
- Synthetic variety can be developed by using clones, inbreds or OPV i.e. open pollinated variety
- Cross pollination is must
- Maintained by open pollination
- Unlike composite variety, exact reconstitution of synthetic variety is possible
- More adaptive to varying growing conditions as compared to hybrids
- Less uniform as compared to hybrids
- Less attractive as compared to hybrids
- Show some amount of heterosis as compared to OPV
- Have better disease resistance
- Constituent genotypes can be two to ten. This number means a lot to achieve maximum heterosis. Heterosis increases with increase in number of contributing genotypes, but only up to 6 genotypes. Decreases when number increases to 10.
- Farmer can use his own saved seed for 4 years as there is no reduction in yield up to that period, after that seed should be replaced
- Low yielder than single cross hybrids or double cross hybrids but yield higher than inbreds.
- Production is less costly as compared to hybrid varieties.
Development and examples of the synthetic variety are given on the page Synthetic Variety Production.
For various breeding methods of plant breeding visit to links provided on the page Plant Breeding.