Plant breeding practice: A farmer selects pollen from one variety and deliberately places it onto the stigma of a different variety. What is this breeding method called?

Introduction / Context:
Modern crop improvement often begins with making purposeful crosses between distinct varieties. By moving pollen from the anther of one variety to the stigma of another, breeders create hybrids that combine desirable traits (for example, disease resistance and high yield).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Pollen is taken from one variety and applied to the stigma of another.
• The operation is intentional and controlled by the breeder.
• The goal is to produce hybrid offspring with mixed genetics.

Concept / Approach:
This procedure is called controlled cross-pollination or artificial hybridization. It contrasts with vegetative propagation (cuttings), unregulated open pollination, or simple seed collection without controlled mating. It also differs from selfing, where pollen from the same plant fertilizes its own ovules.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Breeding manuals describe emasculation of flowers and manual pollen transfer to ensure specific crosses, which is the textbook definition of artificial hybridization.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Using the broad phrase “selective breeding” without specifying the actual act (manual pollen transfer). The precise methodological term is artificial hybridization.

Final Answer:
Controlled cross-pollination (artificial hybridization).