Genetic traits passed from crops to their weedy relatives can persist for at least six generation, and probably much longer, according to an Ohio State University, USA, study conducted with radishes. This means genetic traits that are developed in crops, such as resistance to insect pests, can become a permanent part of the weed population, in turn posing possible risks to crops. While the new hybrid weeds may not be as fit at first as their wild parents, they seem to regain reproductive fitness quickly.
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