Heterosis exploitation
Hybrids often outperform inbred parents through heterosis (hybrid vigor). Commercial maize, sunflower, tomato, and many vegetables rely on F₁ hybrids produced from carefully maintained inbred lines.
Inbred development
Self-pollinate for 6–8 generations to achieve homozygosity. Lines may become weak (inbreeding depression) — only vigorous lines proceed.
Testcross evaluation
Cross each inbred to a common tester line; measure hybrid performance across environments. Top combining ability pairs become hybrid parents.
Seed production
Plant male and female lines in isolation fields with detasseling or cytoplasmic male sterility systems. Rogue off-types before pollen shed. Maintain parent seed stocks under strict genetic purity standards.