Variety testing
The approval / testing of a new plant variety is relatively complex and takes several growing seasons . The Bundessortenamt in Hanover decides whether the new variety receives variety approval according to the Seed Traffic Act and is included in the variety list . In general, new varieties must be homogeneous , distinguishable from the previous varieties and consistent; In addition, in the case of agricultural plant species, there is a test for the “regional cultural value” of the new breed. The variety must therefore bring about a further development in terms of yield, ingredients and disease resistance to the existing varieties. There are exceptions for vegetables and garden plants.
After successful testing, the variety may in Germany sold to. For distribution rights in other EU countries, there are defined procedures for including a tested variety in the European variety catalog, which is managed by the European Plant Variety Office .
An agricultural plant variety is approved for 10 years ( grape varieties 20 years). The admission period can be extended upon request.