What is the term for offspring resulting from a cross of two parent plants?

The term for offspring resulting from a cross of two parent plants is known as the F1 generation. This generation is significant in Mendelian genetics because it represents the first filial generation that arises from the parental generation, often denoted as the P generation. In this context, when two parent plants with different traits are crossed, the resulting offspring—those of the F1 generation—inherit genetic information from both parents.

The F1 generation typically displays characteristics that may be a blend or a dominance of the traits present in the parent plants. This is a fundamental concept in genetics because it allows researchers to study inheritance patterns and traits. The subsequent generation, known as the F2 generation, results from crossing two individuals from the F1 generation. The term "filial generation" is also related, as it refers to the offspring generation, but specifically designating F1 emphasizes the first direct offspring produced from the parental cross.