Naturally occurring or induced fusion of somatic protoplasts or cells of two genetically different parents. The difference may be as wide as interspecific. Wide synthetic hybrids formed in this way (i.e. not via gametic fusion) are known as cybrids . Not all cybrids contain the full genetic information (nuclear and non-nuclear) of both parents.
- Browse Related Terms: Backcross, dihybrid, EPD, estimated breeding value, hybrid, monohybrid cross, overdominance, segregant, selection differential, Selective breeding, somatic hybridization, specific combining ability, tri-hybrid