Question:

It has been observed in some cases that a particular quality trait is not expressed as such in the wild species, but it is detected only in the segregates recovered from its cross with the cultivated relatives; such traits are known as -

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Discovering latent traits highlights the importance of preserving wild germplasm collections, as these plants may harbor valuable hidden genes that can only be revealed through cross-breeding.
  • Lateral trait
  • Maternal trait
  • Hibernated trait
  • Latent trait
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Wild relatives of crop plants are valuable sources of genes for disease resistance, stress tolerance, and quality traits.
However, some of these traits may be suppressed or unexpressed in the wild species due to genetic interactions.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

A latent trait (or cryptic genetic variation) describes a quality or agronomic trait that is present genetically in a wild species but is not physically expressed.
This lack of expression is often due to:
- Epistatic suppression by other genes in the wild species' genome.
- The absence of necessary modifier genes.
- Environmental suppression.
When the wild species is crossed with a cultivated relative, the hybrid progeny undergo genetic recombination.
In subsequent segregating generations ($F_2, F_3$, etc.), the genes responsible for the trait are separated from their native inhibitors and combined with the genetic background of the cultivated crop.
This allows the trait to be expressed and detected in the offspring.
The terms lateral, maternal, and hibernated traits do not describe this genetic suppression and release mechanism.

Step 3: Final Answer:

These silent traits that are expressed only in segregating offspring are known as latent traits, corresponding to option (D).
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