PVS: Protocols and Procedures for Tests and Trials
To be added to a National List, a variety must be distinct, sufficiently uniform and stable (DUS) and, for agricultural crops, have satisfactory value for cultivation and use (VCU). For a grant of Plant Breeders' Rights to be awarded a variety must be Distinct Uniform and Stable.
DUS tests and VCU trials are carried out at approved centres on behalf of National Authorities, which includes for DUS trials, centres approved by other National Authorities in the EU. The trials on average, are conducted over a two year period. These tests and trials are conducted under protocols and procedures approved by the Plant Variety and Seeds Committee, which represents the National Authorities on seeds matters.
VCU protocols are being revised at present. New protocols will have an associated Procedures document. Procedures will be reviewed annually. As each new document becomes available it will be published here. Existing protocols are available from the PVSD.
Transposition of Directive 2008/83/EC
This notice announces the administrative implementation in the UK of Commission Directive 2008/83/EC from 1 October 2008.
Contacts
If you have any queries please contact either:
- Angela Bush: angela.bush@defra.gsi.gov.uk - tel. no.- +44 (0) 1223 342396
- Rob Warlow: rob.warlow@defra.gsi.gov.uk - tel. no.- +44 (0) 1223 342355
DUS - protocols
Further information is available on our help page about downloading or reading Adobe Acrobat 
documents.
VCU - protocols
VCU - procedures
Community Plant Variety Rights Office - DUS Test Protocols
The Community Plant Variety Rights Office develops the technical protocols which determine the characteristics to be used in DUS tests - see Commission Directives 2002/90/EC and 2005/91/EC.
Page last modified:
29 August 2008