Creating a new variety (hybrid) by crossing two or more plants is called hybridization. The plants created in this process are called hybrid plants. Hybridization is the most important method in artificial reproduction of plants. In 1604, the scientist Camerarius first discovered the method of controlling the pollination of some plants. In 1717, scientist Thomas Fairchild was instrumental in the first successful hybridization of plants by artificial means. In 1760, the German scientist Joseph Koel Reuter created a surprise by using this technique to create hybrid plants of Nicotiana and Dianthus.