CULTIVAR GROUP Meaning and
Definition
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A cultivar group is a term used in horticulture to refer to a specific category or classification of plants within a particular cultivated variety. It is a grouping of cultivars that share similar or related characteristics, such as growth habits, flower colors, leaf shapes, or fruit types, among others.
Cultivar groups are created to organize and categorize the diverse range of plants that have been selectively bred or genetically modified to possess desirable traits, for example, improved disease resistance, size, yield, or ornamental appeal. These groups allow horticulturists, gardeners, and plant enthusiasts to identify and differentiate between different cultivars within a particular variety.
The establishment of a cultivar group is typically based on observation and documentation of shared traits among different cultivars. Horticultural experts, breeders, or plant societies often define and assign names to these groups, bringing consistency and clarity to the classification of cultivated plants.
Cultivar groups have practical applications in plant breeding programs, where they aid in selecting parent plants for hybridization, tracking the performance of different cultivars, or ensuring genetic diversity within a variety. They also provide a valuable reference for growers when making choices about which cultivars to select for specific planting conditions, climates, or aesthetic preferences.
In summary, cultivar groups are a categorization system used in horticulture to organize and classify cultivated plants based on shared characteristics, facilitating plant selection, breeding, and identification.
Etymology of CULTIVAR GROUP
The word "cultivar group" is a combination of two terms: "cultivar" and "group".
1. Cultivar: The word "cultivar" itself is a combination of "cultivated" and "variety". It was first coined in the early 20th century, and it refers to a plant or group of plants that have been produced or selected through artificial cultivation or breeding for specific characteristics, such as improved yield, disease resistance, or ornamental traits. The term emphasizes that cultivars are products of human intervention rather than natural selection.
2. Group: The term "group" refers to a collection or association of things or individuals sharing certain characteristics or purposes. In the context of "cultivar group", it signifies a collection of cultivars with particular similarities or related characteristics.
Therefore, "cultivar group" denotes a categorization or classification of cultivars that share specific traits or attributes.
