A new solution for production of high value hybrid seed based on a molecular genetic technology named 'Exogenic Allelism' is proposed. Useful heterosis in cotton hybrids has been reported for over half a century. A review of the literature revealed significant potential to increase economic value of the cotton crop via intra-specific F1 cotton hybrids. Average overall levels of heterosis for yield in intra-specific cotton were found to be about 15% - excluding reports from India. With respect to global lint yield development stagnation, most reports reveal valuable potential for lint yield improvement via F1 heterosis and some additional potential for improvement in quality and other traits via hybridization. This potential is presently unexploited due to inconsistency in heterosis expression coupled to a lack of economic justification due to cumbersome and expensive seed production methodology.

The proposed patent protected technology named 'Exogenic Allelism' (US Patent 6,852,911) is based on the idea that two genetic components, positioned precisely across from each other on homologous chromosomes, interact to generate male sterility in the female parental generation. In meiosis, during gamete formation, the male sterility trait disintegrates by natural segregation. Subsequent pollination by any pollen donor of choice thus results in fully fertile F1 hybrid seed. Proof of the 'Exogenic Allelism' concept and male sterility have both been demonstrated. Concurrently, transformation of commercial crops such as cotton and rice are under way. Transformed cotton plants containing essential components of this technology are now available.

Effective pollination and high seed yields are a complementary requirement for the implementation of this technology. Recent systematic pollination trial results have determined guidelines for commercial seed production of intra-specific cotton using honeybees. These results could form the basis for a commercially viable pollination system for cotton hybrid seed production.

Advantages of this method include: • a universal technology and opportunity for commercially feasible hybridization of heretofore self-pollinated crops • male sterility in the female parent and full fertility restoration in the commercial hybrid • no required restorer genes and thus single parent trait management providing extra breeding flexibility by enabling hybridization with any pollen donor of choice • significantly shorter hybrid and trait time-to-market • protection of intellectual property germplasm and technology invested in seeds through natural segregation of transgenic traits • an extremely elegant and simple biosafety mechanism which prevents trait flow and ensures environmental friendliness. The main barriers for the application of hybrids in cotton thus far were: choice of suitable combiners, stable and reliable male sterility, cost effective pollination and high seed yields. This genetic technology and pollination technique provide the opportunity to overcome these barriers, to utilize heterosis and other hybrid advantages such as variety and trait protection, and efficient breeding in an era of modern biology and genomics. This technology is a breakthrough in the value creation for cotton growers, variety and trait providers, and other stakeholders in the cotton industry.