Wheat and Heterosis

Hybrid vigour has been exploited for decades in plant and animal improvement programmes; however, for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), commercialisation of heterosis has been regarded as mostly unsuccessful. The reasons for this have been argued on many platforms, and for almost four decades, but breeders are still seeking answers and discussing plans and technologies that could make hybrids a commercially successful proposition. Animal and maize (Zea mays L.) breeders have been successful in exploiting heterosis and developing technology to optimise selection gain. These methods have been adopted by breeders in most other crops by exploiting heterosis, and are worthy of implementation by hybrid wheat breeders. While farmers regard hybrids as being a superior product, they expect a quantified added value before pursuing the growing of hybrid wheat. Successful hybrid wheat development is characterised by commitment of the breeders involved to make hybrid wheat work.