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Copyright of Revista E-mercatoria is the property of Universidad Externado de Colombia, Departamento de Derecho Comercial and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

With aim to improve characterization and eventually, utilisation of garlic collection from the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Serbia, the genetic diversity of 52 accessions was estimated based on microsatellite markers, agronomic, biochemical and phenotypic traits (UPOV descriptor). The Shannon index H′ with a value of 0.47–0.95 indicated a high level of diversity for the greatest number of examined traits according to the UPOV descriptor. Based on agronomic and biochemical traits, groups of genotypes with the highest potential for yield and bioactive properties improvement were singled out. Molecular evaluation indicated the presence of duplicates in the collection and necessity of further research with additional number of DNA markers. The obtained results are important from the aspects of breeding and development of new varieties with improved yield and functional value as well as more economical conservation of genetic resources. Since diversity of plant genetic resources constantly decreases, the obtained results have long-term significance because preserved and genetically variable collections represent a valuable source of desirable genes for future human needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geographical and climatic characteristics of Türkiye facilitate the growth of many wild edible fruit species in the country. An important fruit species contributing to this richness is sea buckthorn. Seed-propagated sea buckthorn plants exhibit a rich morphological diversity in the country. In this study, we investigated the morphological diversity of 96 selected wild-grown sea buckthorn genotypes from Erzurum province in eastern Türkiye. Their morphological characteristics were described using 22 criteria according to the International Union for the Conservation of New Plant Varieties (UPOV) "Sea buckthorn descriptor" norms. The results showed a great morphological diversity among the 96 seed-propagated wild-grown sea buckthorn genotypes. In terms of habitus, 28 genotypes were upright, 53 genotypes were semi-upright, and 15 genotypes grew horizontally. The growth pattern of the genotypes was different. We found that 32 genotypes were tree-shaped and 64 genotypes were bush-shaped. Regarding shoot density, 27 genotypes were observed rarely, 49 genotypes were moderate, and 20 genotypes were intense. Our findings provide important information for conducting further research on the preservation of genetic resources and breeding of wild edible sea buckthorn genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the dawn of agriculture, small-scale farmers have been selecting, storing, using, and exchanging common seeds as a result of their successive harvests, and at the same time adopting new methods using the knowledge gained along the way to produce better quality crops. Since Seeds are a staple of food systems around the world, today the vast majority of people, especially those living in developing countries, continue to rely on the same food system and seeds from farmers to ensure food security and biodiversity. From this point of view, recognition of the right to seed is essential for small-scale farmers; This is included in some international documents. On the other hand, after the Industrial Revolution and the establishment of the World Trade Organization, attention to the global seed market, a growing trend towards breeding and new technologies in this field was created and business models of improving the conditions related to intellectual property rights seem to be an incentive to grow. Since the seed is a common point for the basic needs of farmers and breeders on the one hand and a very important case for biodiversity and food security, on the other hand, This article addresses the fundamental question of how intellectual property right on seeds affects the rights of small-scale farmers.

An internationally standardised system of intellectual property protection for new varieties of plants is outlined by the Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants Convention. Within this system, member States must determine who will be responsible for assessing plant varieties. Jurisdictions have adopted divergent approaches to this question, with varying degrees and modes of government involvement in the assessment process. Taking Australia as a case study, this article explores a decentralised system of expert judgement where individuals accredited as Qualified Persons are authorised to judge new plant varieties. Drawing on extensive interviews, this article outlines Australia's Qualified Person system, including the accreditation, training, and supervision of Qualified Persons. I argue that the formal system of varietal assessment is underlaid and buttressed by a multiplicity of informal elements, including the tacit knowledge of Qualified Persons, audit processes, apprenticeship‐like learning practices and interpersonal relationships of trust between Qualified Persons and government officials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preserving gene resources is important for sustainable agriculture. It is also essential to determine the fruit and vegetable content of flavonoids and phenolics that are beneficial for health. In future breeding studies, local varieties, wild types, and their content of flavonoid and phenolic compounds may gain prominence. This study focused on the properties of the artichoke, a plant which originates from Turkey and Cyprus. A collection of local and wild artichokes composing a Cynara gene pool was submitted to analysis in order to determine the morphological features, as well as the total flavonoid and phenolic content in accordance with the UPOV criteria. The total phenolic content was calculated as 4.97 mg GAE g-1 in Sakızvariety, 6.41 mg GAE g-1 in early Cyprus variety and 5.22 mg GAE g-1 t in Hasanağa. Total flavonoid content was 1.05 mg CE g-1 in Sakız, 3.77 mg CE g-1 in early Cyprus, 1.45 mg CE g-1 in Hasanağa (Bayrampaşa) type, 2.70 mg CE g-1 and 2.10 mg in Cynara cornigera. All local and wild varieties showed 97.89% variation in morphological characters. As a result of the research, morphological features were determined in accordance with the UPOV criteria, and total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were also assayed. The values obtained from the determination of the total phenolic and flavonoid content in the collected local and wild varieties, and relationships between the content of phenolics and flavonoids were examined. Following this study, some varieties were chosen for a future breeding program. Thus, it is thought that an innovation can be brought to research on artichoke by evaluating the above features and their mutual relationships for the purpose of future breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agro-Knowledge Journal / Agroznanje is the property of University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article examines the adoption of plant breeders’ rights (PBR), also known as intellectual property rights (IPR), pertaining to plant breeding and genetics in various nations. Its main goal is to offer direction for the growth of an organized and competitive plant breeding industry in Nepal. The paper seeks to analyze the mechanisms that ensure adequate protection of intellectual property and returns on investment in plant breeding, drawing on international practices and treaties like the Convention on Biodiversity, Trade Related Aspect of Intellectual Property (TRIPS), and the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). The paper presents case studies to demonstrate how these issues are addressed by looking at the current IPR landscape in Asia, Europe, and North America. These results are the basis of policy recommendations to aid Nepal in developing a strong plant breeding industry.

Two complementary strategies are presented aiming at improving the technical examination of new plant varieties under the procedure for the granting of new Plant Breeders Rights, both in the European Union and within the framework of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, in order to stimulate innovation in the plant breeding sector. The proposed measures are (relatively) easily implementable, without major systemic reforms, and have the potential to ease innovation, either generically, or addressed at specific relevant key challenges, such as the adaptation of agriculture to climate change.

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Apricot is one of the important stone fruits produced in the world. In this study, genetic variation was investigated based on SRAP marker technique and morphological data in 120 genotypes and parent plants obtained by inbreeding in some apricot cultivars such as Ninfa, Proce de Tyrinthe, Palstein, Hacıhaliloğlu, Hasanbey, Aprikoz and Kabaaşı. In the study, 15 different combinations of SRAP markers were used and a total of 105 scoreable bands were obtained and 76 of them were determined as polymorphic. The average base lengths of these primers are between 200-1700 bp, the average number of polymorphic bands per primer is 7.0. The mean polymorphism value is 71.64%. The similarity coefficient in the dendrogram created according to the UPGMA method differed between 0.61 and 0.96. According to the dendrogram, 2 main groups were formed. The closest genotypes have a similarity index of 0.96. In the morphological characterization analysis, 120 hybrid individuals were examined with 19 UPOV criteria. No variation was found in terms of petiole nectarium number, dominant numbers and petiole shape characteristics. Variations between hybrids were determined in terms of 16 characteristics such as plant development, plant habitus, amount of branching in the tree, leaf and shoot characteristics. 119 hybrids showed 'reddish brown' coloration, 87 hybrids medium leaf tip, and 116 plants 'double dentate' in terms of incisions of margin. 84 hybrids showed medium petiole incision, 101 hybrids showed medium petiole thickness, and 117 plants showed weak petiole anthocyanin coloration. It is predicted that the morphological and molecular analyzes of the hybrid plants will enable the development of new cultivars and rootstock candidate genotypes. With the results of this study, the genetic variations and morphological classifications determined in the genotypes will guide the further studies on hybrid breeding programs in apricots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apricot is an important stone fruit species with different cultivars cultivated worldwide. Therefore, breeding programs are necessary for developing new varieties with various fruit quality and sensory traits. The present study evaluated morphological and fruit-quality attributes of thirty-seven apricot genotypes selected from several Iranian and Italian open-pollinated cultivars together with Shahroudi cultivar (control) during two growing seasons (2019–2020) using the UPOV descriptor and GT-biplot analysis. The results showed great variability in fruit size among all apricot genotypes studied. Most genotypes showed medium-sized fruits while large and small fruits were observed in eight and four genotypes, respectively. The highest yield was recorded in G-464, G-432, G-588, Shahroudi and G-571. Genotypes G-432, G-464, G-571, G-573, and G-576 had higher fruit weight than Shahroudi. In addition, G-450 and G-553 had the highest TSS (18.2°Brix) and TSS/TA (25.4), respectively. The GT-biplot analysis revealed that fruit weight and dimensions along with pH and TSS could be indicators for selecting superior genotypes. According to the present study, G-464, G-571 and G-450 can be introduced as superior genotypes and it is expected that the inter-crossing of these three have the potential to produce cultivars with sweet fruit, high yield and large fruit size.

Apricot is an important stone fruit species with different cultivars cultivated worldwide. Therefore, breeding programs are necessary for developing new varieties with various fruit quality and sensory traits. The present study evaluated morphological and fruit-quality attributes of thirty-seven apricot genotypes selected from several Iranian and Italian open-pollinated cultivars together with Shahroudi cultivar (control) during two growing seasons (2019-2020) using the UPOV descriptor and GT-biplot analysis. The results showed great variability in fruit size among all apricot genotypes studied. Most genotypes showed medium-sized fruits while large and small fruits were observed in eight and four genotypes, respectively. The highest yield was recorded in G-464, G-432, G-588, Shahroudi and G-571. Genotypes G-432, G-464, G-571, G-573, and G-576 had higher fruit weight than Shahroudi. In addition, G-450 and G-553 had the highest TSS (18.2°Brix) and TSS/TA (25.4), respectively. The GT-biplot analysis revealed that fruit weight and dimensions along with pH and TSS could be indicators for selecting superior genotypes. According to the present study, G-464, G-571 and G-450 can be introduced as superior genotypes and it is expected that the inter-crossing of these three have the potential to produce cultivars with sweet fruit, high yield and large fruit size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring genetic uniformity and identity is very important in maize breeding and seed production. Due to practical reasons, molecular and biochemical methods for the determination of genetic purity and uniformity should reliably reflect genetic differences associated with traditional morphological traits, even when they are not agriculturally important. A comparison of genetic purity and uniformity of one maize hybrid lot, based on morphological UPOV markers and the UTLIEF (Ultrathin-layer isoelectric focusing) method is performed in this research. Tested hybrid samples expressed uniform protein markers profiles, but on the other hand, unsatisfactory uniformity of morphological markers in the field, indicating some laches in seed production. Although the UTLIEF method, standardized by ISTA rules, provides enough accurate distinction between F1 seed and self-pollinated maternal seed, a "clean" isozyme or protein profile will not necessarily correlate with morphological homogeneity. It is most likely that the non-uniformity of the tested hybrid lot originates from the non-uniformity of one of the parental lines. Therefore, to establish where the laches occurred, it is necessary to perform post-control tests with reference samples of maize hybrid and parental lines, as well as, the insight into their official descriptions according to the UPOV descriptor. Thus, it is very important to require the deposition of referent samples of hybrids and varieties whose seed production is allowed in Serbia, as well as to have harmonised protocols for conduction of laboratory and field post-control tests.

Allium vineale L. is a wild edible Allium species. This species is collected from nature by the local people in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey and consumed as a vegetable. Aboveground organs of A. vineale plants are used in herbed cheese production in the eastern provinces. Collection from nature is not a sustainable way production of this species. A. vineale can be propagated via seeds and bulbils. It is suitable for cultivation under field and protected conditions. For agricultural production of this species, new cultivars with improved yield and quality traits have to be developed. In this study, an A. vineale germplasm was created with the aim of developing new cultivars that can be used in herbed cheese production. The accessions included in the germplasm were characterized for desired traits such as adaptability to culture conditions, agronomic characteristics and harvest uniformity. The phenotypic diversity of A. vineale accessions were examined using morphological descriptors derived from International Union for the protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). According to the clustering and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) made by evaluation of the morphological features, the accessions were divided into two main groups based on the locations. Germplasm accessions differ from each other for leaf waxiness and color intensity. A. vineale can be distinguished from other Alliums present in the same area with thin leaves, short plant height, and multiple bulbils in the flower scapes.

This study was conducted to estimate genetic relationships among banana clones growing in Turkey via some morphological parameters and two molecular marker systems. In terms of yield parameters such as bunch weight, hand number, fruit weight, and total fruit number, Grand Nain (GN) clone came to the forefront with the highest values. It was followed by Azman (AZ), Dwarf Cavendish (DC), and Erdemli Yerli (EY) clones, respectively. To see the variation between clones more clearly, 24 RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) primers and 48 SRAP (Sequence Related Amplified Polymorphism) primer combinations were used in molecular analysis. The total number of amplified bands was 194, and 142 of them were polymorphic for RAPD analysis. The total and polymorphic bands per primer ranged from 0 to 14. A total of 272 bands were obtained from SRAP analysis, of which 154 were polymorphic. The total number of bands per primer varied between 0 and 11, and the number of polymorphic bands varied between 0 and 10. According to the dendrogram formed by unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) analysis, clones were collected in two main groups. In all evaluation methods, EY was completely separated from the other clones. GN, DC, and AZ were gathered on a single branch in the dendrogram. As a result of the SRAP assessment, DC and GN were the closest related clones. Contrary to the SRAP results, GN and AZ were identified as the most genetically related clones in morphological and RAPD assessments. This study showed that morphological and molecular characterization could be useful to assess the relationship among banana clones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goal 2 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to achieve doubled agricultural productivity and increased income for small-scale food producers while ensuring sustainable food production systems by 2030. It also aspires to maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, promoting access to fair and equitable sharing of benefits. Various international conventions are already in force which directly or indirectly contribute to the realisation of this goal, UPOV, CBD, TRIPS, and ITPGFRA being the flagship ones. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer's Rights Act in India is objectified towards recognising and protecting farmers. rights honouring their contribution to conserving, improving, and making available plant genetic resources for the new variety development. Drawing on the available literature, this article investigates the role that Plant Variety Protection & Farmers Right Act can play in realising this goal. The paper firstly sets the context and examines the relation between IPR, Food Security, and Globalisation. The article further explores the reasons for the recognition of Intellectual property to plant-related inventions and outlines the current levels of international and national protection. The researcher further undertakes to examine the interface between food security and the plant variety protection Act. At last, the paper sets out the conclusion and recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La législation marocaine sur la protection des obtentions végétales a subi d’importants changements ces dernières années, celle-ci a successivement incorporé les standards de protection requis par l’Accord sur les aspects du droit de propriété intellectuelle touchant au commerce (ADPIC). Les différents éléments qui sont ainsi mis en place doivent permettre de saisir l’évolution du cadre juridique et institutionnel qui prévaut en matière de protection de ces obtentions au Maroc et d’en appréhender les conséquences potentielles sur la production et la commercialisation des variétés protégées.

Copyright of Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Journal of Agricultural Sciences (YYU J Agr Sci) is the property of Yuzuncu Yil University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Estimation of the level of durum wheat germplasm genetic diversity is important for its classification and efficient use in breeding programmes. The aim of this study was to assess genetic diversity of durum wheat genotypes developed at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad, Serbia, with 26 morphological characteristics based on the International Union for Protection of New Varieties of Plants guidelines. The Shannon diversity index was used as an indicator of morphological diversity and it ranged from 0.283 for glaucosity of lower side of the flag leaf blade and density of hairiness of uppermost node of the culm, to 0.950 for the ear colour, with the mean value of 0.616, indicating a medium to high level of morphological diversity. On average, the diversity was higher for traits relating to generative organs than for those associated with vegetative plant organs. The 21 morphological characteristics were sufficient to distinguish unique profiles of all durum wheat genotypes. The estimation of varietal diversity and identification of morphological characteristics with the highest discriminative power were done by multiple correspondence analysis. The traits that contributed the most to the distinction of genotypes were the ear colouration, length of beak of the lower glume, lower glume shape, ear length of awns at tip relative to ear length and colour of awns. Morphological characterization using the traits with the highest discriminative power could be a useful complementary method for durum wheat germplasm classification and diversity analysis.

Copyright of Journal of Kirkuk University for Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The plant variety protection system (PVP), which started in 1968 to protect the rights of breeders, was first launched in Korea in 1998 with 27 species, including rice and barley. In 2008, the forest sector started the PVP system, which was later than the agricultural sector, and included 15 species of chestnut, oak mushroom, etc. It was then extended to all plants species in 2012. The new plant variety protection system protects the rights of the breeder for a new variety when it has novelty, denomination, distinctness, uniformity, and stability. In the past decade, a total of 424 new varieties of forest plant applications have been filed, and 193 new varieties have been registered. The number of applications of new varieties has increased every year, with 18 new varieties applied in the early stages of the forest sector’s PVP system, and 20~30 new varieties are registered each year. In the early stages of the operation of the PVP system, the central and local governments mainly took the applications (82 applications), but recently, due to consulting, promotion of the PVP system and support of breeders, applications to the private sector, such as individual breeders and the seed industry have increased (107 applications). The National Forest Seed Variety Center (NFSV) publishes Test Guidelines (292 books) and DUS test manuals (7 books), and conducts the “PVP system information session” every year of the PVP system settlement. NFSV will continue to implement policies for protecting the rights of breeders and the development of the bio-industry sector. These efforts provide a new provision against the Nagoya Protocol Paradigm with the promotion of the forest bio-industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Das 1995 gegründete Gemeinschaftliche Sortenamt (CPVO) verwaltet ein System zum Schutz des geistigen Eigentums an Pflanzensorten. Der gewerbliche Rechtsschutz für Pflanzensorten wird mit besonderen Herausforderungen konfrontiert, denen sich das UPOV-Übereinkommen (UPOV: Internationaler Verband zum Schutz von Pflanzenzüchtungen) angenommen hat. Das Sortenschutzsystem der Europäischen Union basiert auf dem UPOV-Übereinkommen in der Fassung von 1991. Der Beitrag erklärt – auf der Grundlage der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 2100/94 des Rates über den gemeinschaftlichen Sortenschutz sowie der Durchführungsbestimmungen – Schlüsselbegriffe des Sortenschutzsystems.

Мета. Здійснити історичний аналіз практики написання назв сортів та інших позначень культурних рослин, а також розроблення відповідних міжнародних правил та рекомендацій. Результати. Потреба в унормуванні назв культурних рослин визріла в садово-ботанічному середовищі понад півтора століття тому і була реалізована розробленням Міжнародного кодексу номенклатури культурних рослин. Протягом цього періоду він розширювався й удосконалювався, і нині діє IX редакція номенклатурних правил. Цей номенклатурний кодекс не має правового статусу і базується на добровільній згоді фахівців його дотримуватися, що забезпечує номенклатурну стабільність, надзвичайно важливу в міжнародному спілкуванні, науковому і комерційному середовищі. Для забезпечення прав селекціонерів, що створюють нові сорти рослин, підписано міжнародні угоди щодо інтелектуальної власності, які мають юридичну силу. Розроблено відповідні правила, що регулюють особливості створення, реєстрації та функціювання назв сортів та торговельних марок, що стосуються сортів як комерційних об’єктів. Висновки. Правила, розроблені садівниками й ботаніками для найменування культурних рослин, мають певні розбіжності з правилами найменування сортів як об’єктів інтелектуальної власності, які варто врегулювати для гармонізації й підвищення ефективності наукової та господарської діяльності. Знання номенклатурного кодексу та документів UPOV допоможе селекціонерові у його фаховій діяльності.

Copyright of Acta Prataculturae Sinica is the property of Acta Prataculturae Sinica Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Within ten years, the Kazakhstan-Siberian nursery net for spring common wheat improvement (KASIB) working under the auspices of CIMMYT (Intenational Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) characterized accessions of five cultivar blocks with regard to the compositions of gliadin (1B/1R translocation), glutenin HMW and LMW subunits, and grain hardness. HMW glutenin compositions for 188 homogeneous variety samples are given in accordance with UPOV (Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants) regulations and 27, 28 and 29 features in tests for uniformity, distinctness, and stability. Most spring wheat cultivars possess the glutenin spectra 2* 7+9 5+10” (40 %), “2* 7+9 2+12” (up to 30 %), and “17+95+10” (8 %). The Kazakhstan varietal gene pool includes genotypes with a new subunit 4 + 10 on 1D in samples of Erythrospermum 55/94-01-20 and Phyton 41. Cultivar Iridost is noted as carrying the relatively rare allele 5,5 + 10 on chromosome 1D. This allele was previously identified in Tselinogradka, Tselinnaya 24, and Akmola 3 cultivars. The rare subunit 7*+ 8 is typically present in E-607 and E-757. The last three KASIB blocks (8-9; 10-11; 12-13) show higher levels of uniformity: up to 74–84 %. The 1BL.1RS wheat-rye translocation is more frequently identified in accessions by Siberian Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture and Eastern Kazakhstan Research Institute of Agriculture breeding in each KASIB block and also in all the accessions presented by the companies Kurgansemena and Agrosemkonsal and selected by the Fiton company. Varieties Altaiskaya 105, Kurganskaya 5, Lutescens 1300, Phyton 42, Lutescens 53/95-98-1, Lutescens 53/88-94-12, Lutescens 54; Lutescens 30-94, Erythrospermum 607, and Aktobe 1574 showed the whole range of variability in grain hardness (from middle soft to hard) under different growth conditions.

The fragmented international legal instruments on plant breeders' rights include mechanisms that retrogressively limit the vital farmers' privilege to freely save, replant and exchange seeds. Pragmatic choices are essential in Kenya's accession to relevant treaties in order to domestically safeguard the farmers' privilege and, therefore, enhance food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the present study, we have investigated the morphological variation in a set of five Opuntia species from the Algerian steppes using 49 UPOV descriptors. Questions: which of the 49 descriptors that can be used as powerful estimators of the phenotypic diversity within Opuntia species? How is the morphological diversity patterned in Algerian Opuntia? Species study/ Mathematical model: Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia amycleae, Opuntia streptacantha, Opuntia engelmannii, Opuntia robusta. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis were used. Study site: Four counties were studied located in the Algerian steppes. The present research was carried out during 2014. Methods: 49 descriptors adopted by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) were employed in the present research, where cladode, flower and fruit traits were used to determine the overall degree of polymorphism among 5 Opuntia species. Results: Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis indicated a consistent differentiation between all studied species. The relative magnitude of the first two PCA eigenvectors showed that 8 descriptors out of 49 were identified as the most important descriptors for the classification of the species. The dendrogram performed on the calculated Euclidean distances between all species pairs allowed the identification of 3 groups, unlike the PCA that identified 4 groups. The species Opuntia ficus-indica and Opuntia amycleae were identified as very close morphologically. Conclusions: The present outcome represents a paramount step towards the fast selection of interesting species and for their best management and conservation.

Afield study has been conducted at Al-Mishkhab rice research station(Najaf Governorate) in 2011 rice season to study the morphological relationship and distribution of eight rice varieties(Anber33, Jasmine, Furat1, Barnamaj4, Mishkhab1, Mishkhab2, Anber Abbasiya, Anber Al-baraka). Transplanting method has been used for planting in rows(30×20)cm distance between seedlings into plots (5×5)m size. The study has been designed using RCBD in three replications. The recommended fertilizer has been added. At rice cycle, the weeds are removed by hand for three time. The UPOV description of 27 morphological characters has been used. The results obtained show that seven out of the twenty seven studied characters could be distinguish between the eight varieties. The rest of the characters, show less variability among the eight varieties. Genetic similarity based on morphological characters showed that genetic similarity degree ranged from (0.81 to o.98). The genetic similarity between Anber abasiya, Barnamaj4, Mishkhab2, and Furat1 varieties were (0.93). There is a variability between Anber33 and Jasmine with other varieties which appear similarity at the distant is(0.91), these varieties are different as separate branches than the other. The Mishkhab1 and Anber Al- baraka appear similarity as a separate group at distant (0.98).

In view of a wide use of alternative plant variety protection systems in Asia, in this paper I critically analyse whether the UPOV system is the only effective sui generis protection that is compatible with Article 27(3)(b) of TRIPS. This article provides an overview of the UPOV Convention and Article 27(3)(b), and critically analyses whether, nowadays, the 1991 Act of the upov Convention is the only effective sui generis protection of plant varieties.

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Copyright of Julius-Kühn-Archiv is the property of Julius Kuehn Institut and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

El Convenio UPOV de 1991 extiende el contenido de los derechos del obtentor hasta el “producto de la cosecha” o el “fabricado” a partir de ella, restringiendo al mínimo la ancestral costumbre campesina de seleccionar, limpiar, conservar, resembrar, intercambiar y vender semillas en el mercado local. Esto tiene innegables consecuencias sociales que ponen en peligro la economía campesina, al igual que la seguridad y la soberanía alimentarias. El artículo 27.3 literal b) adpic ignora las disposiciones del CDB y el TIRFAA, y otros instrumentos internacionales de igual o superior jerarquía. El artículo 26 de la Decisión 345 de 1993, que sólo prohíbe el derecho de paisanaje y las inmemoriales costumbres de las comunidades campesinas en especies de plantas o variedades de reproducción asexuada, no es aplicado por las autoridades colombianas. La “excepción facultativa” que prevé la versión UPOV de 1991, es apenas un simple saludo a la bandera. La Ley de INDIA de 2001 es una alternativa que concilia los derechos del obtentor con los de los agricultores y reconoce el fitomejoramiento realizado por las comunidades indígenas o nativas y campesinas.