The spelling of the word "cultivar" can be tricky for some due to its unique origins. The term is a combination of "cultivated" and "variety" and is used to describe plant varieties that have been intentionally selected and bred for specific traits. The correct pronunciation is /ˈkʌltɪvɑr/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "a" is pronounced as the "a" in "father" and the final "r" is silent. Remembering the phonetic transcription can help ensure proper spelling and pronunciation of this important agricultural term.
A cultivar is a term used in the field of botany to describe a cultivated variety of a plant species that has been selected and bred by humans for specific desirable traits or characteristics. It is a contraction of the words "cultivated variety." Cultivars are distinct from wild or natural varieties of plants, as they have been intentionally developed through artificial selection to exhibit certain traits such as improved flower color, disease resistance, or higher yield.
Cultivars are created through careful and deliberate breeding processes that can take many years or even decades. They are typically selected for their unique qualities or attributes, which may include better adaptability to certain climates, resistance to specific pests or diseases, enhanced growth habits, or improved taste or appearance.
The naming of cultivars follows a specific convention, typically using single quotes around the cultivar name and capitalizing the first letter. For example, 'Big Boy' is a popular cultivar of tomato that is known for its large fruit size and high yield.
Cultivars play a crucial role in horticulture, agriculture, and gardening, as they enable plant breeders to create and introduce improved plant varieties with desired traits to meet various needs and preferences. They offer an extensive range of choices for farmers, gardeners, and landscapers, providing opportunities for increased productivity, improved aesthetics, and better crop resistance.
The word "cultivar" is a combination of two words: "cultivated" and "variety".
The term "cultivated" refers to plants that are deliberately grown and nurtured by humans, rather than growing naturally in the wild. The word "variety" refers to a specific type or form of a plant species.
The term "cultivar" was coined in 1923 by combining these two words to describe a cultivated variety of a plant. It is widely used in horticulture and agriculture to refer to specific varieties of plants that have been bred and selected for desirable characteristics.