hybridization

Natural or artificial processes that lead to the formation of a *hybrid. The hybridization of normally self-pollinating species involves the removal of the anthers (emasculation) and the artificial transfer of pollen from another plant. A paintbrush is often used to place the foreign pollen on the stigma. Often hybridization techniques must overcome *incompatibility systems. The development of new horticultural and agricultural cultivars involves hybridization techniques. See also introgression.