Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Heterosis (hybrid vigor) refers to the superior performance of an \( F_1 \) hybrid compared to its homozygous parents.
"Fixing" heterosis means maintaining this superior genetic combination intact across subsequent generations without genetic segregation.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In sexually reproducing crops (self- or cross-pollinated), heterosis cannot be easily fixed because genetic recombination and segregation occur during meiosis in every generation, breaking up the favorable heterozygous gene combinations.
However, in vegetatively propagated crops, reproduction bypasses the meiotic division and fertilization stages entirely.
Vegetative propagation (through cuttings, budding, grafting, tubers, or runners) relies on mitotic cell division to clone the parent plant.
This ensures that the exact genetic makeup, including all complex heterozygous gene combinations responsible for heterosis, is replicated.
Therefore, once an exceptional hybrid individual is identified in a vegetatively propagated crop (such as potato, sweet potato, sugarcane, banana, or fruit trees), its heterosis is instantly and permanently fixed simply by multiplying it vegetatively.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Heterosis can be easily fixed in vegetatively propagated crops.