A hybrid plant is obtained through which method?

A hybrid plant is created through the process of crossbreeding, which involves the mating of two genetically different parents to produce offspring that possess desirable traits from both. This method combines the genetic material of the two parent plants, leading to variations that can exhibit improved qualities such as higher yield, disease resistance, or better environmental adaptability.

In the context of agriculture, crossbreeding is a widely used technique for developing new varieties of crops that can perform better under specific conditions or meet certain market demands. This method contrasts with the other options listed. For instance, cloning involves producing genetically identical copies of a plant, while cutting propagation and layering are both vegetative reproduction techniques that do not introduce new genetic combinations. Therefore, the fundamental nature of hybridization through crossbreeding is what sets it apart in creating hybrid plants.