Latvia State Institute of Fruit-Growing

Sadarbība

The International Union for the Protection of new Varieties of Plants (UPOV)

Structure

DUS testing

A plant variety (cultivated variety - cultivar), i.e. a genetically related plant grouping obtained by a breeder, is a result of long and thoughtful work. A new cultivar is important means of production which helps to increase the productivity of cultivated plants, their fruit quality and resistance to diseases, thus helping to increase the quality of agriculture.

A plant variety (cultivar) is registered and included in The Register of Plant Varieties Protected in Republic of Latvia only after a positive result of its DUS (distinctness, uniformity, stability) testing.

According to the „Law on the Protection of Plant Varieties” of the Republic of Latvia, article 2, a plant variety can be registered only if it is:

new,

distinctly different,

sufficiently uniform,

stable.

A variety can be considered as new (Article 3) if until the date of application for its registration the applicant or any other person authorized by the breeder has not sold or otherwise handed over its propagation material or any plant parts to third persons for commercial use.

A variety can be considered as distinct (Article 4) if it is clearly distinguishable by at least one important characteristic from any other variety which has become universally known before the application date.

A variety can be considered as uniform (Article 5) if its plants are sufficiently uniform in their relevant characteristics.

A variety can be considered as stable (Article 6) if its relevant characteristics remain unchanged after repeated propagation using the method recommended by the breeder.

To determine the degree of expression of a certain trait, reference varieties are used in DUS testing.

The DUS (distinctness, uniformity, stability) testing of plant varieties in Latvia is regulated by Minister Cabinet Rules Nr.23 (MK noteikumi Nr. 243) (Riga, March 28, 2006), published in „Latvijas Vēstnesis” 05.04.2006 55 (3423). The Rules regulate the procedure by which State Plant Protection Service organizes DUS testing of a new variety (see picture).

Picture 1. Scheme of DUS testing

DUS testing is based on UPOV (The International Union for the Protection of new Varieties of Plants) technical guidelines.

The DUS Testing Laboratory is doing testing for the following fruit and ornamental plants:

Apple (Malus domestica Borkh), fruit varieties (UPOV guidelines TG/14/9, 2005.04.06. Testing in Latvia is done according to Minister Cabinet Rules Nr.615 – Distinctness, uniformity and stability testing guidelines for apple (Riga, September 11, 2007 (prot. Nr.50 16.§)). Published: Latvijas Vēstnesis 14.09.2007 149 (3725).

http://www.upov.int/en/publications/tg-rom/tg014/tg_14_9.pdf

Ornamental apple (Malus MILL.) UPOV guidelines TG/192/1, 2003.03.09. Testing in Latvia is done according to Minister Cabinet Rules Nr.632 – Distinctness, uniformity and stability testing guidelines for apple (Riga, September 18, 2007 (prot. Nr.52 23.§)).

http://www.upov.int/en/publications/tg-rom/tg192/tg_192_1.pdf

Black currant (Ribes nigrum L). UPOV guidelines TG/40/6, 1989.10.06. Testing in Latvia is done according to Minister Cabinet Rules Nr.512 – Distinctness, uniformity and stability testing guidelines for black curants- (Riga, July 24, 2007 (prot. Nr. 42 28.§). Pubished: Latvijas Vēstnesis 27.07. 2007 121 (3697).

http://www.upov.int/en/publications/tg-rom/tg040/tg_40_6.pdf

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.). UPOV guidelines TG/43/7, 2003.04.09.

http://www.upov.int/en/publications/tg-rom/tg043/tg_43_7.pdf

Grapevine (Vitis L). UPOV guidelines TG/50/8.

http://www.upov.int/en/publications/tg-rom/tg050/tg_50_8.pdf

Peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.). UPOVguidelines TG/33/6, 1995.10.20.

http://www.upov.int/en/publications/tg-rom/tg053/tg_53_5.pdf

Domestic (European) plum (Prunus domestica L.). UPOV guidelines TG/41/5, 2002.04.17.

http://www.upov.int/en/publications/tg-rom/tg041/tg_41_5.pdf

Gooseberry (Ribes uva – crispa L.). UPOV guidelines TG/51/6, 1987.10.07.

http://www.upov.int/en/publications/tg-rom/tg051/tg_51_6.pdf

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.). UPOV guidelines TG/70/3, 1979.03.28.