Open-Pollinated Variety

An open-pollinated variety is a crop variety that reproduces true to type from its own seed when pollinated naturally, by wind, insects or self-pollination, without the deliberate parental crossing a hybrid variety requires, so a farmer can save its seed year to year and expect a consistent result. Open-pollinated varieties are the traditional basis of landrace and heirloom agriculture and remain the practical alternative for farmers who cannot or choose not to purchase hybrid seed each season.