Glossary · Genetics
Hybrid vigor
The tendency of a cross between two distinct cannabis lines to outperform either parent in traits like growth speed, yield, or resilience. Breeders exploit hybrid vigor when developing new strains, which is part of why modern hybrids can be hardier and more productive than the pure landraces they descend from.
Related terms, defined
- Hybrid
- A cannabis variety bred from both indica and sativa lineage, which today describes nearly every strain on the market. Hybrids are often described as indica-dominant or sativa-dominant depending on which traits lead. Because pure landraces are rare, "hybrid" is the honest default label for most modern flower.
- Cross
- The act of breeding two cannabis plants together to combine their traits, or the resulting offspring. A cross like Wedding Cake blends the qualities of its parents. Breeders cross strains to chase higher potency, better flavor, or hardier plants, then stabilize the best results over several generations.
- Landrace
- A cannabis variety that developed naturally in a specific geographic region over generations, adapting to local climate with little human crossbreeding. Durban Poison and Afghani are classic examples. Landraces are the genetic foundation of modern hybrids and are prized for stable, distinctive traits and deep regional character.
- Genotype
- The underlying genetic code a cannabis plant carries, which sets the range of traits it can possibly express. Identical genotypes grown in different environments yield different phenotypes. Breeders manipulate genotype through selective crossing, then growers coax the desired phenotype out of it with light, nutrients, and climate control.