European Union
October 8, 2024
European regulations are introducing new types of plant reproductive material that can be marketed for organic agriculture. They are characterised by great diversity and therefore represent a challenge for DUS. Victor Nelaton, a trainee at GEVES from March to August 2024 as part of the MOBIDIV research project, looked into this issue, working in particular with various teams in the Variety Study Department and the biostatistics team. The aim of his internship was to clarify the needs that led to the adaptation of European regulations, to interview research and breeding players to gather their opinions on these changes, and to look for ways of adapting the DUS examination of varieties with a high level of diversity without generating an excessive increase in costs.
European Regulation 2018/848 introduces Organic Heterogeneous Material (OHM) and Biological Varieties Adapted for Organic Production (VBAPB). The former can be marketed by simple notification, without DUS testing, and are highly diversified and partially evolving populations, resulting from the crossing or co-cultivation of varied components and covering a broad genetic base. The latter are varieties, population or not, which can benefit from a relaxation of the DUS for uniformity and a VSCU adapted to Organic Agriculture conditions for the species concerned. In addition to these evolutions, a new European regulation relating to Plant Reproduction Material is under discussion and could open the market to new Heterogeneous Material. It was therefore necessary to look into these materials.
Discussions with colleagues from the Variety Study Department (SEV) and those involved in research and breeding for organic agriculture have shown that MHBs are still in the process of being adopted by everyone. The reasons for developing and using MHBs are varied: basic material, curiosity trials, the search for contextual innovations and rapid adaptation. The commercial risks associated with their broad definition and the reduction in controls on them seem to have to wait for a potential boom in these materials before they can be observed and objectified. Particular attention will need to be given to future notifications and the extent to which MHBs, which remain confidential for the time being, with only one wheat MHB notified in France as of today.
DUS management of VBAPB can be based on more existing experience of populations in many species (vegetable species, hemp, forage and grass plants, but also sunflower and maize more recently). The two main tests studied as part of the course were homogeneity and distinctness, both of which can be achieved through expert assessment or statistical analysis. The work carried out has enabled us to identify ways of dealing with populations that are more or less heterogeneous, by adapting the test according to the type of trait and the heterogeneity observed.
It was highlighted that for these materials, the mobilisation of experts would benefit from going beyond the framework of the method to be used and the result of the test to look at the meaning of DUS and the varietal standard acceptable for these varieties.
This internship has also strengthened the dialogue between variety experts and biometry experts, showing a genuine interest in cooperating and questioning certain obvious points, and those involved in breeding for organic agriculture, which has made it possible to clarify certain expectations and their origins. These discussions are to be continued between examination offices and operators, and in UPOV methodological groups, and could lead to a wider choice of methods in carrying out DUS trials, in order to best adapt to the nature of the varieties under study.
Topics
Species
