Conditions for identity material for DUS testing clarified
25 January 2012
Naktuinbouw has clarified the conditions for identity material that is being submitted for DUS testing. Read more on the changes and why Naktuinbouw decided to do so.
There are a lot of conditions for identity material (plants or seed) that is being submitted for DUS testing.
The conditions for each crop are specific, like '14,000 seeds' for lettuce or '30 tubers/rhizomes,
size 15-18' for Calla. Besides the specific conditions, we also apply the general conditions, like the conditions
concerning the health of the material:“At the time of receipt, material must be free of pests and diseases, in good condition, suitable for testing or storage as identity material and must not have been subjected to any chemical or other treatment, unless this is specifically permitted or required”.
Naktuinbouw receives more and more treated seed samples for vegetables, often without permission. This bothers the DUS testing, because a treatment can mask the characteristics of the seed, can influence the germinating power and therefore subsequently the crop development, can influence the storability of the seed and can influence (a part of) the DUS test, as may be the case with resistance tests. Recently, also the CPVO has confirmed their position; applicants should stick to the submission requirements.
Therefore Naktuinbouw recently decided to further clarify these conditions on our website.
Added is that seed may not be pelleted or primed (e.g. TSP treatment) and may not be treated with insecticides or fungicides (e.g. Thiram). Treatments of seed that are specifically required due to phyto sanitairy guidelines, such as the treatment of tomato seed with NaCl, HCl or NaOCl, are allowed.
It is allowed to send treated seeds, but only exceptionally and only after consideration with Naktuinbouw.
A new, untreated sample has to be sent in at a later stage of the DUS testing. The costs for testing this new sample are for the applicant. Permission of the CPVO is needed when it concerns an application for (also) European Plant Breeders’ Rights. It may be obvious that consideration about a treated sample has to be started on time.
