What is the horticultural term for selectively breeding plants to enhance desired traits called?

The horticultural term for selectively breeding plants to enhance desired traits is hybridization. This process involves combining the genetic material of two different plant varieties or species to produce offspring that express desirable characteristics, such as improved yield, disease resistance, or specific aesthetic qualities.

Hybridization is a crucial practice in agriculture and horticulture, allowing breeders to create new plant varieties that can adapt to changing conditions or meet consumer preferences more effectively. This method relies on understanding the genetic makeup of plants and employing controlled breeding techniques to achieve specific outcomes.

In contrast, grafting involves joining parts from two plants so they grow as one, selection refers to the process of choosing specific plants for breeding based on desirable traits, and cross-pollination involves the transfer of pollen from one flower to another to achieve genetic mixing without necessarily implying intentional selection for traits.