What is an F1 hybrid variety?

What is an F1 hybrid variety? (First Filial Generation)A hybrid variety is the cross between two parents selected according to their particular characteristics (taste, shape, color, yield, etc.). To create it, two existing pure lines are used, presenting for one or more characteristics a homogeneous genome, that is to say that the two versions of the gene (called alleles) are identical. Following this cross, we obtain the first generation called 'F1'. The seeds resulting from this cross produce individuals with the same appearance and the same behavior in first generation cultivation only. If we sow seeds from F1 plants, we obtain offspring different from the parents. Indeed, the different fertilizations will make different associations of alleles. The variety is not stable and therefore not reproducible.Why are hybrid varieties created? The aim is to create new plant varieties, whether fruit trees, vegetables, flowers or ornamental plants. Breeders most often resort to crossbreeding two different varieties that have an interesting characteristic. The goal is to find these two characteristics combined in the offspring. This can concern color, size, shape, taste, precocity, hardiness, disease resistance, compact habit, etc. The "mother" variety is fertilized by the "father" variety, and among the resulting offspring, those that meet expectations are selected. There are many types of hybrids depending on the genome of the two parents and the technique used to create them. Hybridization can also occur naturally in nature when two varieties are planted nearby; this is called cross-pollination. What is the difference between a hybrid variety and a "classic" variety known as fixed? 'Classic' varieties are stable over generations. This means that the seeds can be replanted from one year to the next, each time producing descendants identical to the parents (unless there is a spontaneous cross with another variety grown nearby). The breeder has carried out a long-term job: he has cultivated and allowed to reproduce the best individuals from the initial cross (F1 generation). In the 2nd generation, and then in the following ones, he systematically eliminated the descendants that did not conform to his expectations, keeping only those that presented the 2 desired characteristics. In the example opposite, the 'large fruit' characteristic and the 'red' characteristic. In fact, with each generation, there are fewer and fewer non-conforming individuals. We say that the variety is stable when all the descendants are identical to the parents for the two chosen characteristics: the generation is then homogeneous. In general, 8 to 10 generations are necessary to fix the variety. This selection work can take several years. We can therefore, with a little patience, stabilize an F1 hybrid variety. The latest generation will be baptized with a new name. What is the interest of F1 hybrid varieties for producers and seed companies? For professional producers, it is easier to produce seeds with very uniform vigor for very synchronized emergence to facilitate planting, weeding and grouped harvests. Market gardeners are also looking for varieties that are easy to produce and resistant to diseases to meet restrictive specifications and have the possibility of selling their finished products on the market. For seed companies, hybrid varieties are very lucrative. They do not require long stabilization work, which means significant savings. In addition, they are guaranteed to sell as many seeds each year since F1 seeds cannot be replanted. The amateur gardener and farmers thus become dependent on seed companies. This situation of dependence is worrying and the economic stakes are colossal. Reproducing seeds is a priceless freedom because it allows the maintenance of diversity. This is why La Ferme de Sainte Marthe produces and offers varieties that are reproducible identically and therefore free of rights.