Hybridization- Effective Breeding For Fruits And Vegetables

Hybridization is quite simply the mating of two different breeds or cultivars — of either fruits or vegetables — within the same species or among different species within the identical genus. The combining of genetic material to create something different has been taking place since the beginning of life on the planet. It is widely held belief among scientists and experts that that not only all fruit, including heirloom types are hybrids, all vegetable and animals too are hybrids. Contrary to popular notion, everything that has ever been consumed is a hybrid.

Nutrients In Hybrid Fruits And Vegetables

The simple fact that hybrid fruits and vegetables are normally fertile, leads us to believe that they are close to the metabolic and biochemical processes that have developed from evolution over millions of years. However, there are grounds or evidence to show that hybrids are as healthy as the originals. Among scientists, it is believed that hybrids provide a higher number of nutrients, due to a better utilization of soil, solar resources and root systems that have enhanced its quality and resistance.

However, it must be noted that these factors are not assured and hybrids are frequently obtained by grafting methods. Whilst the benefits of hybridization provide a superior survival threshold and superior nutritional balance from a consumption perspective, it is possible that they could also contain a higher amount of toxins absorbed from the surroundings. Do bear in mind, however, that even organically grown fruits and vegetables cannot assure that the nutritional balance is safe enough for human consumption.

Not surprisingly, there is a general lack of confidence among consumers for hybrid fruits, especially amongst the health conscious community. One of the reasons for this is the claim that these fruits are excessively hybridized, which is a misconception. To give you an example, let’s take bananas which are often said to contain “50 times more sugar” than ‘normal’ bananas. A regular 7 inch banana of about 118 grams contains about 100 calories.

The main source of calories is carbohydrates, so 50 percent less sugary bananas in the past would provide just around 2 calories. Adding this with the 4 calories obtained from proteins, just under a calorie from fat and we have total of around 6 calories per fruit. With the current average bodily requirement of over 3000 calories per day, the bananas of the past would leave you undernourished. Most people perceive that hybrid fruits are unnatural due to their strange appearance and maybe dangerous to eat, however acceptance is only a matter of time and it is possible that people’s perception will slowly change over a period of time.