Test Cross
A test cross is a breeding technique where a plant displaying a dominant phenotype is crossed with a homozygous recessive individual to determine the genetic makeup of the dominant parent. This method reveals whether the dominant-appearing plant is homozygous (pure-breeding) or heterozygous (carrying recessive alleles). Test crosses are foundational in cannabis breeding for identifying hidden recessive traits and understanding allele frequencies within a lineage. The approach has been used historically by breeders working to stabilize desired characteristics and map genetic variation before committing to multi-generation selection programs.
Test Cross strains
No strains tagged into Test Cross yet — they'll appear here as breeders submit lineage records under this classification.
A test cross is a breeding technique where a plant displaying a dominant phenotype is crossed with a homozygous recessive individual to determine the genetic makeup of the dominant parent. This method reveals whether the dominant-appearing plant is homozygous (pure-breeding) or heterozygous (carrying recessive alleles). Test crosses are foundational in cannabis breeding for identifying hidden recessive traits and understanding allele frequencies within a lineage. The approach has been used historically by breeders working to stabilize desired characteristics and map genetic variation before committing to multi-generation selection programs.
Breeders employ test crosses to verify genotypes when phenotypic observation alone is insufficient, particularly when working with polygenic traits or establishing F1 hybrid vigor baselines. Understanding these results informs decisions about parent selection and helps predict offspring segregation ratios in subsequent breeding cycles.
Educational reference · Cultivar metadata only · No medical claims