Breeders and horticulturists use this shorthand to identify cultivars that have been genetically altered or naturally mutated to hold double the normal diploid chromosome count. These plants typically exhibit thicker foliage, larger and more vibrant flowers, and stronger stems. The designation is especially common in daylily and iris breeding circles to track genetic compatibility for crosses.
Heard on the job
I crossed that new tet with our best ruffled diploid, but the seed pods aborted early.
Also heard as
- Tetraploid