The management of variety reference collections in distinctness, uniformity and stability testing of wheat

摘要: A major challenge facing those involved inthe testing of new plant varieties fordistinctness, uniformity and stability isthe need to compare againstall `of common knowledge', thecorresponding increasing size varietyreference collections (and hence work-load)that this could entail. One possibleapproach would be group (candidate)varieties reference usingdescriptions stored in databases, prior tomore formal testing. We have evaluated themorphological grouping characteristicscurrently used for DUS wheat forthis purpose. also investigated theuse characteristics derived by gelelectrophoresis the seed storageproteins (both high molecular weightglutenin sub-units gliadins) wheatfor their suitability groupingvarieties field Both ofthe biochemical offerconsiderable potential advantages incomparison existing morphologicalgrouping wheat. Theiruse benefits terms ofcost-effectiveness instrengthening quality scope protection offered Plant Breeders'Rights.