heterosis
/ˌhɛtəˈroʊsɪs/
noun
- The tendency of a hybrid offspring to have qualities that are better than those of either parent, especially in size, growth rate, or yield.
- Breeders select parent plants carefully to maximize heterosis in the next generation.
- Farmers often use heterosis to produce stronger, more productive crops.
- Heterosis explains why hybrid corn grows taller and yields more grain.