Kültivars

Kültivars, often shortened to cultivars, are plants that have been deliberately modified through selective breeding or genetic engineering for specific desirable traits. These traits can include things like increased yield, disease resistance, unique flower colors, enhanced flavor, or specific growth habits. The term cultivar is a portmanteau of "cultivated variety." Unlike wild species, which evolve naturally, cultivars are products of human intervention in the plant's reproduction.

The process of creating a cultivar typically involves identifying a plant with a beneficial characteristic and then propagating it to ensure the trait is passed on. This propagation can be done through sexual reproduction (seeds) or asexual methods like cuttings, grafting, or tissue culture, which ensure that the offspring are genetically identical to the parent plant. This genetic uniformity is a key characteristic of cultivars, distinguishing them from natural varieties which may exhibit more genetic diversity.

Kültivars are prevalent in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry. For example, virtually all the fruits, vegetables, and grains we consume are cultivars, bred for optimal taste, size, and resilience. In gardening, countless ornamental plants are cultivars, offering a vast array of colors, shapes, and sizes not found in their wild ancestors. The designation of a cultivar is usually accompanied by a specific name, often in italics and capitalized, which is recognized internationally. For instance, a common apple might be referred to as *Malus domestica* 'Granny Smith'.