Off-type: A plant that differs significantly from the expected characteristics of its variety or cultivar.
Imagine you plant a packet of seeds for a specific type of tomato, expecting them to produce large, red fruits. But when the plants grow, some produce small, yellow tomatoes instead. That’s an example of an off-type, a plant that doesn’t quite match the description or expectations for its variety.
Off-types can occur for various reasons, including accidental cross-pollination, genetic mutations, or even mix-ups in seed production. While they might not be what you originally intended, off-types can sometimes be interesting or desirable. You might discover a new flavor or color you like! However, if you’re trying to maintain a specific variety, it’s important to rogue out (remove) off-types to prevent them from cross-pollinating with the true-to-type plants.
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