general guidelines to the examination of dus and the ... · nation, the dus test center or the...

General Guidelines to the examination of DUS and the

development of harmonized descriptions of plant varieties

1. GENERAL INTRODUCTIONAgriculture is the prime mover of the Indian economy, largest employer, biggest and very old

enterprise. The rapid agricultural growth from mid 1960s that brought about transformation in theproduction system and genetic improvement of plants are some of the important factors that transformedIndia’s agriculture. In many crops large number of land races, farmers’ varieties and scientifically developedcultivars existed in the 19th and early part of the 20th century and much of it have been replaced by newand better varieties. This large-scale loss of varieties that happened globally is a matter of concern eventhough loss of diversity does not necessary mean loss of genes. Definitely, some loss of genetic diversityhappened since the World War I. In order to contain the loss of genetic diversity and sustain agriculturalgrowth and to position India to get maximum advantage, several steps have been taken. The “Protectionof Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act” was passed by the Parliament in 2001 which is a significantleap forward. In the long run it would facilitate the growth of the seed industry and make available highquality seeds and planting material to the farmers. Implementation of the Act will accelerate agriculturaldevelopment; protect plant breeder’s rights for creating new plant varieties through higher research anddevelopment investments in both public and private plant breeding. Above all it will protect the rights ofthe farmers for the contributions made in conserving, improving and making available plant geneticresources for the development of new varieties.

India ratified the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of the Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs)and for purposes of safeguarding our interests and meeting our obligations under the TRIPs an ordinanceto amend the Patent Act, 1970 was promulgated in 1994. India has the observer status in the UPOV(Union Internationale Pour La Protection Des Obtentions Vegetales), an international organization forthe protection of new varieties of plants with its main office at Geneva, Switzerland. The TRIPs agreementunder 27(3) (b) gives an option to member countries to adopt an effective “sui generis” system for plantvariety protection. By adopting a system in the context of UPOV (1978) the PPV&FR Act, 2001 hasbeen made as a widely acceptable registration system.

The plant breeder driven varietal development program generally is rewarding under the well managedhigh input agriculture that is practiced by the affordable farmers. The locally grown varieties or mixtureof varieties cultivated by the poor farmers are well adapted to local growing situations. This rich germplasmconserved, selected, assessed and community shared, often serve as donor lines to breed commerciallyacceptable high yielding new varieties.

The realization of the Farmers’ Rights was highlighted by UNCED in its Agenda 21 and by the Conventionon Biodiversity. The FAO conference in 1993 adopted resolution 7/93 calling for the renegotiation,including the realization of Farmers’ Rights.

The farmers’ rights has several dimensions; compensation for innovations evident from thedevelopment of farmers’ varieties; compensation for making the genetic resources available and provision

128 Volume 1, No. 1

of incentives to continuously sustain it. In fact, there is continuity between the farmer-conserved germplasmand the plant breeder bred new varieties, as one is dependent on the other. Farmers or their communitieshave a right to keep, use, exchange, share, and sell their seeds or planting material. Hence the PPV&FRAretains the basic spirit of the UPOV. As custodians of plant genetic resources and related indigenous andlocal knowledge farmers should have their rights protected and should have access to benefit sharing forthe new material developed out of/using, farmer’s variety. Many nations feel the need for a legal frameworkfor the farmers’ rights and opine that the Indian ‘sui generis’ system accommodates the requirements ofvarying and diverse needs. This “General Guidelines” drew inspiration from the experience and framework material of UPOV.

2. ABOUT THE DOCUMENT2.1 After examination of the candidate variety (the variety of a given denomination applied for registration

under PPV&FR Act, 2001) has shown that it complies with the requirements for protection laiddown in the PPV&FR Act, 2001 and, in particular, that the variety is distinct (D) from other varietywhose existence is a matter of common knowledge at the time of the filing of the application andthat it is sufficiently uniform (U) and stable (S), or “DUS” in short the candidate variety will beentertained for DUS test and registration. The examination, or “DUS Test,” is based mainly ongrowing tests, carried out by the authority competent for granting plant breeders’ rights or by separateinstitutions, such as public research institutes, acting on behalf of that authority or, in some cases, onthe basis of growing tests carried out by the breeder. The examination generates a description of thevariety, using its relevant characteristics (e.g. plant height, leaf shape, flower and fruit characters, bywhich it can be defined as a variety in terms of the above said Act.

2.2 The purpose of this document (hereinafter referred to as the “General Guidelines”), and the associatedseries of Specific Guidelines’ (hereinafter referred to as the “SG Documents”), is to set out theprinciples, which are used in the examination of DUS. The identification of those principles ensuresthat examination of candidate varieties is conducted in a harmonized way to provide effectiveprotection through the development of harmonized internationally recognized descriptions ofprotected varieties.

2.3 The binding obligations are that this document must not be interpreted in a way that is inconsistentwith the PPV&FR Act 2001. This General Guideline attempts to provide guidance for the examinationof all species in accordance with the above said Act, 2001 Further more the PPV&FR Authority hasdeveloped “Guidelines for the Conduct of Species Specific Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability,”tests or “ Specific Guidelines”, for individual species of plant. The purpose of these SpecificGuidelines is to elaborate certain of the principles contained in this document, into detailed practicalguidance for the harmonized examination of DUS and, in particular, to identify appropriatecharacteristics for the examination of DUS and production of harmonized variety descriptions.Specific Guidelines now proposed will be updated when new and additional information becomesavailable. Following this suit specific guideline for a large number of crops will be issued.

2.4 The individual Specific Guidelines were prepared with the assistance of the appropriate Task Force,that the PPV&FRA appointed having experts and professional consultants.

The knowledge and experience of breeders and the seed and plant industries were taken into accountand after series of consultations and discussions this General Guidelines was drafted. The list of individualSpecific Guidelines adopted and information on how to obtain copies of it from the PPV&FR Authorityis given in Annexure 1.

Plant Variety Journal of India 129

2.5 This document seeks to address all aspects related to DUS testing, in addition to providing guidanceon the development of Specific Guidelines.

2.6 Despite the Specific Guidelines being a detailed practical guidance on certain aspects of the exami-nation of DUS and identify appropriate characteristics for variety description, there are certain gen-eral aspects that apply across all Specific Guidelines, which is not necessary to reproduce in all theindividual Specific Guidelines.

2.7 In some situation the DUS examiner can use the basic principles contained in the General Guide-lines, rather than follow the detailed recommendations of the Specific Guidelines, where the cir-cumstances of the DUS examination determine that the recommended approach may not be themost appropriate for a particular set of conditions. Under such circumstances where the SpecificGuidelines are not followed, the DUS examiner should consider how to proceed in a way thatmaintains, as far as possible, harmonization in DUS examination and variety description for thatspecies.

2.8 In addition, the absence of Specific Guidelines for the species or variety grouping concerned willobviously lead the DUS examiner to resort to this General Guidelines, and there is a specific men-tion in column 10. (“Conduct of DUS Testing in the Absence of Specific Guidelines”) in this docu-ment for such an eventuality.

2.9 In conclusion, it is important for any DUS examiner to be familiar with the principles of DUSexamination set out in this document, and to consider them in conjunction with the appropriateindividual Specific Guidelines.

2.10 This document and the associated species specific ‘Specific Guidelines’ documents were reviewedby the Task Force 1/2005. Details of the current versions of all documents are available on PPV&FRAuthority website www.plantauthority.in in which readers are advised to consult if they are in doubtas to the validity of the documents in their possession.

3. THE EXAMINATION OF DISTINCTIVENESS, UNIFORMITY AND STABILITY (“DUSTESTING”)

3.1 Requirement for ExaminationThe PPV&FR Act, 2001 requires that a variety be examined for compliance with the distinctive-

ness, uniformity and stability criteria. It is further elaborated here that, during the course of the exami-nation, the DUS test center or the Authority may grow the variety or carry out other necessary tests,cause the growing of the variety or the carrying out of other necessary tests, or take into account theresults of growing tests or other trials which have already been carried out.

3.2 Test Guidelines as a Basis for DUS Testing3.2.1 Where Authority has established Specific Guidelines for a particular species, or other group(s) of

varieties, these represent an agreed and harmonized approach for the examination of new varietiesand, in conjunction with the basic principles contained in the General Guidelines, should form thebasis of the DUS test.

3.2.2 Where Authority has not established individual Specific Guidelines relevant to the variety to beexamined, the examination should be carried out in accordance with the principles in this documentand, in particular, the recommendations contained in Column 10.

130 Volume 1, No. 1

3.3 Design of the DUS TestsThe design of the growing trial or other tests, with regard to aspects such as the number of growing

cycles, layout of the trial, number of plants to be examined and method of observation, is largely deter-mined by the nature of the variety to be examined. Guidance on design is a key function of the SpecificGuidelines.

3.4 Characteristics as the Basis for Examination of DUS3.4.1 For any variety to be capable of protection it must first be clearly defined. Only after a variety has

been defined, it can be finally examined for fulfillment of the DUS criteria required for protection.The PPV&FR Act, 2001 under Section (15) a variety is defined by its characteristics and that thosecharacteristics are therefore, the basis on which a variety can be examined for DUS.

3.4.2 The Act further states in Section 2 (za) that a variety is a plant grouping that can be “defined by theexpression of the characteristics resulting from a given genotype of that plant grouping” and can be“distinguished from any other plant grouping by the expression of at least one of the said character-istics” and “Considered as a unit with regard to its suitability for being propagated which remainsunchanged after such propagation”. This covers as array of propagating material of such variety,extant variety, transgenic variety, farmers’ variety and essentially derived variety.

3.4.3 In addition to their use in defining a variety, characteristics are the basis for examining distinctive-ness, uniformity and stability.

3.4.4 In the PPV&FR Act 2001, Article 15 (3) (b) specifies that distinctiveness is established by a varietybeing “clearly distinguishable by at least one essential characteristic from any other variety whoseexistence is a matter of common knowledge in any country at the time of filling the applicationform,” while Article 15 (3) (d) requires it to be stable in its “essential characteristics” remain un-changed after repeated propagation or in case of a particular cycle of propagation, at the end of eachcycle. Although the term characteristic is not specified in the criteria for uniformity, it is clearlyimplied that the uniformity requirement relates to the characteristics of the variety, given that theyare the basis for distinctiveness and stability.

3.4.5 In the PPV&FR Act, 2001 Article 15(3) (c) states that uniformity is assessed on the basis of avariety being “sufficiently uniform in its relevant characteristics”. The requirement is that a variety“can be distinguished from any other plant grouping by the expression of at least one of the saidcharacteristics”.

3.5 Requirements of Material for DUS testing3.5.1 Representative Plant Material

The material to be submitted for the examination of DUS should be representative of the candidatevariety. In the case of varieties with a particular cycle of propagation, such as hybrid and syntheticvarieties, this means that the material tested should include the final stage in the cycle of propagation.

3.5.2 General Health of Submitted MaterialThe plant material submitted for examination should be visibly healthy, not lacking in vigor or affectedby any important pests or diseases and, in the case of seed, should have sufficient germination capacityfor the conduct of a satisfactory examination. The material submitted should be out of the recent harvestwith seed moisture levels that would permit medium long storage of the material in the low temperaturemodule. It should be free from any sort of physical or chemical treatment.


3.5.3 Factors that May Affect the Expression of the Characteristics of a Variety.The expression of a characteristic or several characteristics of a variety may be affected by factors,

such as pests and disease, chemical treatment (e.g. growth retardants or pesticides), effects of tissueculture, different rootstocks, scions taken from different growth phases of a tree, etc. In some cases (e.g.disease resistance), reaction to certain factors is intentionally used as a characteristic in the DUS exami-nation. However, where the factor is not intended for DUS examination, it is important that its influencedoes not distort the DUS examination. Accordingly, depending on the circumstances, the testing author-ity should ensure either that:

(a) The varieties under test are all free of such factors or,(b) That all varieties included in the DUS test, including varieties of common knowledge, are sub-

ject to the same factor and that it has an equal effect on all varieties or,(c) In cases where a satisfactory examination could still be undertaken, the affected characteristics

are excluded from the DUS examination unless the true expression of the characteristic of theplant genotype can be determined, notwithstanding the presence of the factor.

4. COOPERATION IN DUS TESTING4.1 Cooperation Between Testing Authorities4.1.1 Cooperation with other test sites and authorities can reduce the overall time, expense and number

of examiners involved in the DUS tests, and minimizes the work involved in the maintenance ofvariety collections. A “General Agreement” developed for this purpose by the Authority is meant toensure that DUS tests are conducted in a perfect manner.

4.1.2 The “centralized” DUS testing is on a regional or national basis, where the entire examination iscarried out on behalf of Authority regardless of the variety or the breeder concerned. This is pos-sible if the environment, whether natural or controlled, is suitable for the examination of all therelevant varieties.

4.2 Cooperation with Breeders4.2.1 In most situations variety testing is administered by an official authority as that, although the

breeders participate in the growing tests to varying degrees.

4.2.2 Close cooperation with breeders is being promoted by, PPV&FR Authority by linking the testsites, strengthening infra structures, competence and by sharing the benefits. They are required toconduct the DUS test and produce a test report in accordance with the principles contained in thisdocument. The decision on DUS may be based entirely on the test report supplied and the Authoritymay verify the results through Qualified Persons (QP). The QP will be designated persons, consult-ants by the Authority and if the Authority so desires, can ask them to visit the DUS site for jointrecording of the observations. The QP will be persons of high professional standing and ethics.

4.2.3 The Authority has drawn up a list of conditions for the examination of a variety on the basis ofDUS tests carried out by or on behalf of breeders.

5. CHARACTERISTICS USED IN DUS TESTING5.1 Characteristics as the Basis for DUS Testing

The basis for using characteristics for the examination of DUS is explained in Chapter 3, section3.4. The purpose of this Chapter is to set out the critical aspects of characteristics and their applicationsin proper conduct of DUS tests.

132 Volume 1, No. 1

5.2 Selection of Characteristics5.2.1 The basic requirements that a characteristic should fulfill before it is used for DUS testing or

producing a variety description are that its expression:

(a) Results from a given genotype or combination of genotypes;(b) Is sufficiently consistent and repeatable in a particular environment;(c) Exhibits sufficient variation between varieties to be able to establish distinctiveness;(d) Is capable of precise definition and recognition;(e) Allows uniformity requirements to be fulfilled;(f) Allows stability requirements to be fulfilled, meaning that it produces consistent and repeatable

results after repeated propagation or, where appropriate, at the end of each cycle of propagation.

5.2.2 It should be noted that there is no requirement for a characteristic to have any intrinsic commercialvalue or merit. However, if a characteristic that is of commercial value or merit satisfies all thecriteria for inclusion it may be considered in the normal way.

5.2.3 The characteristics included in the individual Specific Guidelines are not necessarily exhaustiveand may be expanded with additional characteristics if that proves to be useful and the characteris-tics meet the conditions set out above.

5.3 States of Expression of CharacteristicsTo enable varieties to be tested and a variety description to be established, the range of expression of

each characteristic in the Specific Guidelines is divided into a number of states for the purpose of de-scription, and the wording of each state is attributed a numerical “Note.” The division into states ofexpression is influenced by the type of expression of the characteristic. Where appropriate examplevarieties are provided in the Specific Guidelines to clarify the states of expression of a characteristic onthe patterns of UPOV and the Indian procedure has been adequately harmonized.

5.4 Types of Expression of CharacteristicsTo enable the appropriate use of characteristics in DUS testing, it is important to understand the

different ways in which characteristics can be expressed. The following section identifies the differenttypes of expression and considers their application in DUS testing.

5.4.1 Qualitative Characteristics“Qualitative characteristics” are those that are expressed in discontinuous states [e.g. sex of plant:

dioecious female (1), dioecious male (2), monoecious unisexual (3), monoecious hermaphrodite (4)].Thesestates are self-explanatory and independently meaningful. All states are necessary to describe the fullrange of the characteristic, and every form of expression can be described by a single state. The order ofstates is not important. As a rule, the characteristics are not influenced by environment.

5.4.2 Quantitative Characteristics“Quantitative characteristics” are those where the expression covers the full range of variation from

one extreme to the other. The expression can be recorded on a one-dimensional, continuous or discrete,linear scale. The range of expression is divided into a number of states for the purpose of description[e.g. length of stem: very short (1), short (3), medium (5), long (7), very long (9)]. The division seeks toprovide, as far as is practical, an even distribution across the scale. The Specific Guidelines do notspecify the difference needed for distinctiveness. The states of expression should, however, be meaningfulfor DUS assessment.


5.4.3 Pseudo-Qualitative CharacteristicsIn the case of “pseudo-qualitative characteristics,” the range of expression is at least partly continuous,

but varies in more than one dimension (e.g. shape: ovate (1), elliptic (2), circular (3), obviate (4) andcannot be adequately described by just defining two ends of a linear range. In a similar way to qualitative(discontinuous) characteristics – hence the term “pseudo-qualitative” – each individual state of expressionneeds to be identified to adequately describe the range of the characteristic.

5.5 Observation of Characteristics5.5.1 Trial Design

Where possible and useful, recommendations are given in the Specific Guidelines for plot size,sample size, number of replications and the number of independent growing cycles in order thatcomparable and reliable results may be obtained by the various members.

5.5.2 Bulk SamplesIf it is necessary to examine characteristics in the form of bulk samples, specific guidance is provided

in this document.

5.6 Special Characteristics5.6.1 Characteristics Expressed in Response to External Factors

Characteristics based the response to external factors, such as living organisms (e.g. disease resistancecharacteristics) or chemicals (e.g. herbicide resistance characteristics), may be used provided that theyfulfill the criteria specified in section 5.2. In addition, because of the potential for variation in suchfactors, it is important for those characteristics to be well defined and an appropriate method establishedwhich will ensure consistency in the examination.

5.6.2 Chemical ConstituentsCharacteristics based on chemical constituents may be accepted provided they fulfill the criteria

specified in section 5.2. It is important for those characteristics to be well defined and an appropriatemethod established for examination. A separate consultant group is being chartered to define and identifythe protocols for special characters.

5.6.3 Combined Characteristics5.6.3.1 A combined characteristic is a simple combination of a small number of characteristics. Provided

the combination is biologically meaningful, characteristics that are assessed separately maysubsequently be combined, for example the ratio of length to width, to produce such a combinedcharacteristic. Combined characteristics must be examined for distinctiveness, uniformity and stabilityto the same extent as other characteristics. In some cases, these combined characteristics are examinedby means of techniques, such as Image Analysis.

5.6.3.2 Combined characteristics are not to be confused with the application of methods, such as“multivariate analysis”. The potential for use of multivariate analysis is considered useful in suchcases.

5.7 New Types of CharacteristicsThe use of new types of characteristics, including the possible use of molecular characteristics, will

be considered in due course of time or wherever appropriate.

134 Volume 1, No. 1

5.8 Functional Categorization of Characteristics5.8.1 Grouping characteristics

These are characteristics that can be universally used for grouping the varieties. These are sufficientlyindependent of environmental influences in all regions. Level of expression of these characteristics willbe sufficient for establishing distinctiveness. Grouping characteristics can be of qualitative, quantitativeor pseudo-qualitative types, which provide useful discrimination among the varieties of commonknowledge from documented states of expression recorded at different locations. Such characteristicsshould be asterisked characteristics and should be included in Technical Questionnaire. Recorded statesof expression of these characteristics are used to select varieties of reference collection that can beexcluded from growing trial for testing of distinctiveness. Grouping characteristics can be used, eitherindividually or in combination with other such characteristics to organize the growing trial so that thesimilar varieties are grouped together.

5.8.2 Asterisked characteristicsThese are characteristics that the experts consider important for DUS testing. These characteristics

should be used as a matter of routine for all varieties in every growing period. Such characteristicsshould always be included in variety description except when the regional environmental conditionsrender it impossible. They are marked with asterisk in the Specific Guidelines. A characteristic shouldonly receive an asterisk status if (a) it is important for description (b) it is needed as a minimum informationfor the exchange of information on the variety (c) all experts agree to asterisk (d) for a pest or diseaseresistance characteristics, where it has only “absent, present” states.

5.8.3 Standard characteristicsThere are a number of characteristics that are important but adequate information is not there on

their wide acceptability. Such characteristics have been accommodated without any asterisk.

5.8.4 Additional characteristicsNewly identified characteristics are called additional characteristics. However, these should satisfy

the criteria of characteristics for use in DUS testing. Such characteristics did not find place in theSpecific Guidelines developed initially but could be considered for inclusion in future. These facilitateharmonization in the development and use of new characteristics and provide opportunity for expertreview.

5.8.5 Supportive evidence characteristicsThese are characteristics that the authorities do not consider sufficient on their own to establish

distinctiveness but which may provide supporting evidence for other differences which then are used fordistinctiveness. They are not included in test guidelines, but if they meet certain requirements, are includedas an Annexure to Specific Guidelines with a special mention that they do not form part of the actualSpecific Guidelines. The characteristics are considered useful but not enough on their own to establishdistinctiveness. These are not used as routine characteristics but only at the request of applicant of thecandidate variety and only if a test procedure has been accepted by the competent authority. Supportingevidence characteristics should only be used as a complement to other differences in morphological orphysiological characteristics. For example, in case of electrophoresis, there has to be good knowledgeof genetic background, standard method and a positive result in a ring test method between Countriesproviding Plant Variety Protection. Use of electrophoresis as supportive evidence characteristic hasbeen incorporated in the UPOV Test Guidelines of wheat, maize, soybean and barley crops and PPV&FRA


is also developing guideline on this separately and a team of consultants have been drawn for thispurpose.

5.9 Special Characteristics5.9.1 Characteristics expressed in response to external factors: Some characteristics are expressed inresponse to certain external factors viz., disease resistance characteristics and chemical resistancecharacteristics. It is important that these characteristics are well defined and an appropriate method isavailable to ensure consistency in examination.

5.9.2 Chemical constituents’ characteristics:

Characteristics based on chemical constituents may be used for DUS testing provided they fulfill thecriteria and an appropriate method for examination is available.

5.9.3 Combined characteristics that are assessed separately, but have a clearly biological connection,may subsequently be combined, for examples the ratio of length to width. Combined characteristicsmust be examined for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability to the same extent as othercharacteristics.

5.10 Recording of colour characteristicsExaminer of DUS test is usually required to record the observations on colour characteristics of

plant parts such as seedling, leaf petal, seed etc. Since each colour manifests several shades, recording ofprecise colour and shade becomes confusing. It is, therefore, recommended that Royal HorticulturalSociety (RHS) Colour Charts should be used while recording colour characteristics. The following listexplains the grouping of RHS Colour charts by colour groups. (Example)

1 White: 155A, 155B, 155C, 155D, 157D

2 Yellow-green: 1B, 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D, 3D, 4C, 149A, 150A, 150B, 150C, 150D, 154A, 154B,154C, 154D

3 Light yellow: 4D, 5D, 6D, 8B, 8C, 8D, 9C, 9D, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 11B, 11C, 12C, 12D,13D,14D, 15D, 16D

4 Yellow: 1A, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C, 6A,6B, 7B, 7C, 7D,8A, 9A, 9B, 12A,12B

5 Yellow-orange: 11A, 13A, 13B, 13C, 14A, 14B, 14C, 15A, 15B, 15C, 16A, 16B, 16C, 17A,17B, 17C, 17D, 18A, 19A, 20A, 20B, 21A, 21B, 21C, 22A, 23A, 23B

6. EXAMINING DISTINCTIVENESS

6.1 Requirements of the PPV&FR Act, 2001As per the PPV&FR Act, 2001, to satisfy the requirement of distinctiveness, a variety must be

clearly distinguishable from any other variety whose existence is a matter of common knowledge.

6.2 Varieties of Common KnowledgeKey aspects for determining whether a potential variety is, in fact, a variety and moreover, whether

its existence is a matter of common knowledge are set out below. These considerations apply equally toall types of variety, whether protected or not. A more detailed explanation of the issues related to variet-ies of common knowledge are to be as below.

136 Volume 1, No. 1

6.2.1 Criteria for a VarietyA variety whose existence is a matter of common knowledge must satisfy the definition of a variety

given under Section 2 (i) (iii) of the PPV&FRA, 2001 but this does not necessarily require fulfillment ofthe DUS criteria required for grant of a registration under the Act. If felt necessary using the provisionsunder sub section, such a test can be conducted by the Authority for reasons of getting a clearly distin-guishable character.

6.2.2 Common Knowledge6.2.2.1 Specific aspects which should be considered to establish common knowledge include, among

others:

a) Commercialization of propagating or harvested material of the variety, or publishing a detaileddescription;

b) The filing of an application for the grant of a breeder’s right or for the entering of a variety in anofficial register of varieties, under PPV&FR Act, 2001 which is deemed to render that variety amatter of common knowledge from the date of the application, provided that the application leads tothe grant of a breeder’s right or to the entering of the variety in the official register of varieties, as thecase may be;

c) Existence of living plant material in publicly accessible plant collections.

6.3 Clearly Distinguishing a New Variety

6.3.1 Comparing Varieties

6.3.1.1 It is necessary to examine distinctiveness in relation to all varieties of common knowledge.However, a systematic individual comparison may not be required with all varieties of commonknowledge. For example, where a candidate variety is sufficiently different, in the expression of itscharacteristics, to ensure that it is distinct from a particular group (or groups) of varieties of com-mon knowledge, it would not be necessary for a systematic individual comparison with the varietiesin that group (or those groups).

6.3.1.2 In addition, certain supplementary procedures may be developed to avoid the need for a system-atic individual comparison. For example, the publication of variety descriptions, inviting commentfrom interested parties, or cooperation between states of the Indian Union, in the form of an ex-change of technical information, could be considered as supplementary procedures. However, suchan approach would only be possible where the supplementary procedures, in conjunction with theother procedures, provide an effective examination of distinctiveness overall. Such procedures mayalso be appropriate for consideration of varieties of common knowledge, for which living plantmaterial is known to exist (see section 5.2.2) but where, for practical reasons, material is not readilyaccessible for examination.

6.3.1.3 Wherever a candidate variety can be distinguished in a reliable way from varieties of commonknowledge, by comparing documented descriptions, it is not necessary to include those varieties ofcommon knowledge in a growing trial with the respective candidate variety. Where there is nopossibility of clearly distinguishing them from the candidate variety, the varieties should be com-pared with the candidate variety in a growing trial or other appropriate test. This harmonization ofvariety descriptions is required in minimizing the work load of the DUS examiner.


6.3.1.4 To help in the process of examining varieties, certain information is requested from the breeder,usually through a Technical Questionnaire to be submitted with the application. The model Techni-cal Questionnaire, included in the Test Guidelines, seeks information on specific characteristics ofimportance for distinguishing varieties, information on the breeding scheme of the variety and anyother information, which may help to distinguish the variety. It also requests the breeder to identifysimilar varieties and characteristics by which the candidate may be distinguished from these similarvarieties.

6.3.2 Clearly Distinguishing Varieties Using CharacteristicsThe basis for using characteristics in the examination of distinctiveness is explained in Chapter 3,

section 3.4.

6.3.2.1 Truly qualitative characteristics: Truly qualitative characteristics are those that show discretediscontinuous states with no arbitrary limits. These are recorded on a one dimensional scale andshow discontinuous variation from one extreme to the other. They are divided into a number ofstates of expression for the purpose of description. These characteristics are not influenced by theenvironment. There are not many true qualitative characteristics.

Examples:Plant: sex Dioecious female (1); Dioecious male (2); Monoecious unisexual

(3); Monoecious hermaphrodite (4)

Flower: number of whorls one (1), two (2), three (3)

6.3.2.2 Pseudo-qualitative characteristics: These are qualitative characteristics of which the range ofexpression is at least partly continuous varying in more than one dimension. These characteristicscannot be defined just by two ends of linear range as in the case of to disregard continuous variationfor practical purpose and the states created are meaningful and sufficiently different from each other.

Examples:Shape : ovate (1), elliptic (2), round (3), obviate (4)

Expression : absent or very weakly expressed (1), weakly expressed (2),strongly expressed (3)

6.3.2.3 Quantitative characteristics: These are the characteristics, which are expressed on a one-dimen-sional scale and exhibit continuous variation from one extreme to the other. The expressed can berecorded on a one-dimensional, continuous or discrete, linear scale. They are divided in to a numberof states of expressions for the purpose of descriptions. The guidelines do not specify the differenceneeded for distinctiveness. The whole range of variation of a character is divided into nine states,which are normally equally spaced and measured on one-dimensional scale. Some truly quantitativecharacteristics may be handled as qualitative when only condensed range is used instead of fullrange of nine states.

Examples: Intensity of anthocyanin coloration: full range – absent or very weak (1), very weak to weak(2), weak (3), weak to medium (4), medium (5), medium to strong (6), strong (7), strong to very strong(8), very strong (9)

6.3.3 The Criteria for Distinctiveness Using CharacteristicsThe Act does not elaborate the term “clearly distinguishable.” However, in order to provide some

138 Volume 1, No. 1

guidance on the interpretation of the term, the following basis has been developed for the use of charac-teristics to clearly distinguish varieties. A variety may be considered to be clearly distinguishable if thedifference in characteristics is:

(a) Consistent, and (b) Clear

6.3.3.1 Consistent Differences

6.3.3.1.1 One means of ensuring that a difference in a characteristic, observed in a growing trial, issufficiently consistent is to examine the characteristic on at least two independent occasions. Thiscan be achieved in both annual and perennial varieties by observations made on plantings in twodifferent seasons or, in the case of other perennial varieties, by observations made in two differentseasons after a single planting. Guidance on the possible use of other approaches, such as twodifferent environments in the same year, is explored.

6.3.3.1.2 However, in some circumstances the influence of the environment is not such that a secondgrowing cycle is required to provide assurance that the differences observed between varieties aresufficiently consistent. For example, if the growing conditions of the crop are controlled, such as ina greenhouse with regulated temperature and light, it may not be necessary to observe two growingyears. In addition, the differences observed between varieties could be so clear that a repeated grow-ing cycle may not be necessary. In both these circumstances, the features of propagation of thevariety and the quality of the plant material will need to be taken into account. In other words, theuniformity and stability of the material should be highly convincing to the examiner.

6.3.3.1.3 The individual Specific Guidelines specify whether several independent growing cycles arerequired to show sufficient consistency, or whether, for certain species, the growing test could bereduced or increased.

6.3.3.2 Clear Differences

Determining whether a difference between two varieties is clear depends on many factors, andshould consider, in particular, the type of expression of the characteristic (Chapter 5, section 5.4) beingexamined, i.e. whether it is expressed in a qualitative, quantitative, or pseudo-qualitative manner.

6.3.3.2.1 Truly Qualitative Characteristics

In truly qualitative characteristics, the difference between two varieties may be considered clear ifone or more characteristics have expressions that fall into two different states in the Specific Guidelines.Varieties should not be considered distinct for a qualitative characteristic if they have the same state ofexpression.

6.3.3.2.2 Quantitative Characteristics

Quantitative characteristics are considered for distinctiveness according to the method of observationand the features of propagation of the variety concerned.

6.3.3.2.3 Pseudo-Qualitative Characteristics

A different state in the Specific Guidelines may not be sufficient to establish distinctiveness (Section5.3). However, in certain circumstances, varieties described by the same state of expression may beclearly distinguishable.


6.4 Use of Parental Formula for Distinctiveness in Hybrid VarietiesThe possible use of parental formulae in the examination of DUS of hybrid varieties is one approach.

If distinctiveness is not apparent in the hybrid, but parental lines are different, then a laboratory basedtest for distinctiveness can be considered as ‘special characteristics’.

6.5 Level of UniformityA difference only in the level of uniformity of a characteristic, without any resultant change in the

overall expression of the characteristic in the variety, is not a basis for establishing distinctiveness.

6.6 Interpretation of Observations for the Assessment of Distinctiveness without theApplication of Statistical Methods

6.6.1 In cases where there is very little variation within varieties, the determination of distinctiveness isusually on the basis of a visual assessment, rather than by statistical methods.

6.6.2 For qualitative characteristics, the difference between two varieties may be considered clear if oneor more characteristics have expressions that fall into two different states in the Specific Guidelines.

6.6.3 For quantitative characteristics, a difference of two Notes often represents a clear difference, butthat is not an absolute standard for assessment of distinctiveness. Depending on factors, such as thetesting place, the year, environmental variation or range of expression in the variety collection, aclear difference may be more or less than two ‘Note’.

6.6.4 In the case of pseudo-qualitative characteristics, guidance for the interpretation of observationsfor the assessment of distinctiveness without the application of statistical methods has been providedin document listed in Annexure – II.

6.6.5 If the application of statistics is needed to assess distinctiveness, further guidance can be found indocument ‘statistical technique useful in DUS testing cited in Annexure II.

6.7 Interpretation of Observations for the Assessment of Distinctiveness with theApplication of Statistical Methods

6.7.1 General

6.7.1.1 For measured characteristics as well as for visually assessed characteristics statistical methodscan be applied. Appropriate methods have to be chosen for the interpretation of observations. Thedata structure and the type of scale from a statistical point of view (nominal, ordinal, interval orratio) are decisive for the choice of appropriate methods. The data structure depends on the methodof assessment (visual assessment or measurements, observation of plots or single plants), which isinfluenced by the type of characteristic, the features of propagation of the variety, the experimentaldesign and other factors. DUS examiners should be aware of certain basic rules of statistics andespecially the fact that their use is linked to mathematical assumptions and the use of experimentaldesign practices, such as randomization. Therefore, those assumptions should be verified beforeapplying statistical methods. Some statistical methods are quite robust, however, and can be used,with some caution, even if some assumptions are not fully met.

6.7.1.2 Document “Statistical Techniques useful in DUS testing” by NBPGR 2005 provides guidanceon some appropriate statistical procedures for DUS assessment and includes keys for the choice ofmethods in relation to the data structure.

140 Volume 1, No. 1

6.7.1.3 A combined characteristic should only be used for distinctiveness if the uniformity criteria forthe combined characteristic itself, and not only its components, have been satisfied.

6.7.2 Visually Assessed CharacteristicsNon-parametric statistics may be used when visually assessed characteristics have been recorded on

a scale that does not fulfill the assumptions of the usual parametric statistics. The calculation of themean value, for example, is only permitted if the Notes are taken on a graded scale, which shows equalintervals throughout the scale. In the case of non-parametric procedures, the use of a scale that has beenestablished on the basis of example varieties representative of the different states of the characteristics isrecommended. The same variety should then always receive about the same Note and thereby facilitatethe interpretation of data. More details on the handling of visually assessed characteristics are beingdeveloped and will be standardized.

6.7.2.1 Qualitative Characteristics

For visually assessed qualitative characteristics, different states of expression in direct comparisonsare generally sufficient to assess distinctiveness. In most cases, therefore, no statistical methods areneeded for the interpretation of the results.

6.7.2.2 Quantitative Characteristics

6.7.2.2.1 Quantitative characteristics are not necessarily assessed by measuring or counting and can beassessed visually. Where there is doubt regarding the use of a normally visually assessed quantita-tive characteristic as the distinguishing characteristic in relation to another variety, it should bemeasured and quantified if that is possible with reasonable effort.

6.7.2.2.2 A direct comparison between two similar varieties is always recommended, since direct pairwise comparisons are the most reliable. In each comparison, a difference between two varieties isacceptable as soon as it can be assessed visually and could be measured, although such measure-ment might be impractical or require unreasonable effort.

6.7.2.2.3 The simplest case for establishing distinctiveness is when clear differences between varieties,in pair-wise comparisons, are of the same sign, provided these differences can be expected to recurin subsequent trials (e.g. variety A is consistently and sufficiently greater than B) and there are asufficient number of comparisons. However, in most cases, establishing confidence that varietiesare clearly distinguishable is more complex. This will be explained further in a document that isbeing drafted.

6.7.2.3 Pseudo-Qualitative Characteristics

The use of statistics for the assessment of pseudo-qualitative characteristics depends on the indi-vidual case, and no general recommendation can be made.

6.7.3 Measured CharacteristicsThe following paragraphs provide guidance on the typical methods for examining distinctiveness

according to the particular features of propagation of the variety:

6.7.3.1 Self-Pollinated and Vegetative Propagated Varieties

Several statistical methods for the handling of measured quantitative characteristics are alreadyavailable. One method established for self-pollinated and vegetative propagated varieties is that variet-ies can be considered clearly distinguishable if the difference between two varieties equals or exceeds


the Least Significant Difference (LSD) at a specified probability level with the same sign over an appro-priate period, even if they are described by the same state of expression. This method is appropriate forself-pollinated and vegetative propagated varieties because the level of variation within such varieties isrelatively low.

6.7.3.2 Cross-Pollinated Varieties

6.7.3.2.1 COYD and Refined COYD

UPOV has developed a method known as the Combined Over Years Distinctiveness (COYD) analy-sis, which takes into account variations between years. Its main use is for cross-pollinated, includingsynthetic varieties but, if desired, it can also be used for self-pollinated and vegetative propagated vari-eties in certain circumstances. This method requires the size of the differences to be sufficiently consis-tent over the years and takes into account the variation between years. It is explained further in document“Statistical techniques useful in DUS testing” published by the NBPGR in 2005 (see Annexure – II).

A refinement to the COYD analysis, which is also provided, should be used to adjust the COYDanalysis when environmental conditions cause a significant change in the spacing between varietiesmeans in a year, such as when a late spring causes the convergence of heading dates. It is supplementedby a further LSD method for cases where few varieties in the growing tests lead to less than about 20degrees of freedom for the estimation of standard error.

Where COYD analysis cannot be used because the statistical criteria are not fulfilled, non-paramet-ric procedures can be considered.

7. EXAMINING UNIFORMITY

7.1 Requirements of the Act, 2001.According to The PPV&FR Act Article 15 (3) (c), a material is uniform, subject to variation that

may be expected from the particular features of its propagation, it is sufficiently uniform in its essentialcharacteristics. Thus it is clear what characteristics are the bases for examination of uniformity.

7.2 Relevant CharacteristicsAt least for the purposes of the PPV&FR Act 2001, it is necessary to clarify the meaning of relevant

characteristics. Relevant characteristics of a variety include at least all characteristics used for the ex-amination of DUS or included in the variety description established on the date of grant of protection ofthat variety. Therefore, any obvious characteristic may be considered relevant, irrespective of whether itappears in the Specific Guidelines or not.

7.3 Level of Uniformity According to the Particular Features of PropagationThe uniformity requirement for a variety is linked to the particular features of its propagation. This

means that the level of uniformity required for truly self-pollinated varieties, mainly self-pollinatedvarieties, inbred lines of hybrid varieties, vegetatively propagated varieties, cross-pollinated varieties,mainly cross-pollinated varieties, synthetic varieties, composites, multilines and hybrid varieties will, ingeneral, be different. Being logical, the PPV&FR Authority agrees to these procedural details of uniformity.

7.4 Methods for the Examination of UniformityWhere all the plants of a variety are very similar, and in particular for vegetatively propagated and

self-pollinated varieties, it is possible to assess uniformity by the number of obviously different plants –

142 Volume 1, No. 1

“off-types” – that occur. However, where the range of variation within a variety is larger, because of thefeatures of its propagation, and in particular for cross-pollinated, including synthetic, varieties, the plantsare not all very similar and it is not possible to visualize which plants should be considered as atypical or“off-types.” In this case the uniformity can be assessed by considering the overall range of variation,observed across all the individual plants, to determine whether it is similar to comparable varieties.These two general approaches as generally followed by UPOV and adopted by PPV&FR Authority foruse in India are explained below:

7.4.1 Self -Pollinated and Vegetatively Propagated Varieties

7.4.1.1 Determination of Off-Types by Visual Assessment

A plant is to be considered an off-type if it can be clearly distinguished from the variety in theexpression of any characteristic of the whole or part of the plant that is used in the testing of distinctive-ness, taking into consideration the particular features of its propagation. This definition makes it clearthat, in the assessment of uniformity, the standard for distinctiveness between off-types and a candidatevariety is the same as for distinctiveness between a candidate variety and other varieties.

7.4.1.2 Determination of Off-Types Using Measurements

Most characteristics of self-pollinated and vegetative propagated varieties are observed visually, orby making a single measurement in a group of plants. However, the level of acceptance to call it uniformshall very and has been given in crop specific guideline.

7.4.1.3 Statistical Basis for Setting Numbers of Off-TypesThe acceptable number of off-types tolerated in samples of various sizes is often based on a fixed

“population standard” and “acceptance probability.” The “population standard” can be expressed as thepercentage of off-types to be accepted if all individuals of the variety could be examined. The probabil-ity of correctly accepting that a variety is uniform is called the “acceptance probability.” Based on statis-tical calculations for “population standards” and “acceptance probabilities,” the recommended “popula-tion standard” and “acceptance probability” are stated in the individual Specific Guidelines. The Spe-cific Guidelines also recommend the maximum number of off-types tolerated for a given sample size.

7.4.1.3.1 Mainly Self-pollinated Varieties and Inbred Lines of Hybrid Varieties

For the purpose of DUS testing, mainly self-pollinated varieties are those that are not fully self-pollinated but are treated as self-pollinated for testing. For these, as well as for inbred lines of hybridvarieties, a higher tolerance of off-types can be accepted, compared to truly self-pollinated and vegeta-tive propagated varieties. For individual species/situation the population standard will be prescribed.

7.4.2 Cross-Pollinated VarietiesCross-pollinated varieties, including mainly cross-pollinated and synthetic varieties, generally ex-

hibit wider variations within the variety than vegetative propagated or self-pollinated varieties and in-bred lines of hybrid varieties, and it is more difficult to determine off-types. Therefore, relative tolerancelimits, for the range of variation, are set by comparison with comparable varieties, or types, alreadyknown. This means that the candidate variety should not be significantly less uniform than the compa-rable varieties.

7.4.2.1 Visually Observed Characteristics

For characteristics that are recorded by visual observation of single plants, the acceptable level of


variation for the variety should not significantly exceed the level of variation found in comparablevarieties already known.

7.4.2.2 Measured Characteristics

For measured characteristics, the acceptable level of variation for the variety should not signifi-cantly exceed the level of variation found in comparable varieties already known. UPOV has proposedseveral statistical methods for dealing with uniformity in measured quantitative characteristics and manyare covered in the statistical techniques useful in DUS testing of NBPGR 2005. One method, whichtakes into account variations between years, is the Combined Over Years Uniformity (COYU) method.The Authority will do the analysis for listed DUS parameters that are measured characters.

7.4.3 Assessment of Uniformity in Hybrid Varieties

7.4.3.1 General

7.4.3.1.1 The assessment of uniformity in hybrid varieties depends on the type of hybrid, i.e. whether itis a single-cross hybrid or another type, and whether it is a hybrid resulting from inbred parent lines,vegetatively propagated lines, or from cross-pollinated parents.

7.4.3.1.2 The uniformity and stability of a hybrid variety may be assessed by examining the uniformityand stability of the hybrid itself or, under certain conditions, that of the progenitors and the hybrid.

7.4.3.2 Single- Cross Hybrid Varieties Resulting from Inbred Parent Lines

Single-cross hybrid varieties resulting from inbred lines are treated as mainly self-pollinated variet-ies. However, an additional tolerance is allowed for the occurrence of self-pollinated inbred parentplants. It is not possible to fix a percentage, as decisions differ according to the species and the methodof propagation. However, the percentage of such plants should not be so high as to interfere with thetrials. Where appropriate, a maximum number will be set in the Specific Guidelines.

7.4.3.3 Single- Cross Hybrid Varieties Not Resulting Exclusively from Inbred Parent Lines

For hybrid varieties resulting from at least one cross-pollinated parent, relative tolerance limitsshould be used, and they should be treated as cross-pollinated or synthetic varieties as long as no otherproof is given.

7.4.3.4 Multiple-Cross Hybrid Varieties

7.4.3.4.1 For other than single-cross hybrids (e.g. three-way crosses or double crosses), a segregation ofcertain characteristics is acceptable if it is compatible with the method of propagation of the variety.Therefore, if the heredity of a clear-cut segregating characteristic is known, it is required to behavein the predicted manner. If the heredity of the characteristic is not known, it is treated in the sameway as other characteristics in cross-pollinated varieties, i.e. relative tolerance limits, for the rangeof variation, are set by comparison with comparable varieties, or types, already known.

7.4.3.4.2 For setting a tolerance for the occurrence of self-pollinated parent plants, the same consider-ations apply as for a single-cross hybrid variety.

7.5 Unrelated and Very Atypical PlantsThe test material may contain plants that are very atypical or unrelated to those of the variety. These

are not necessarily treated as off-types, or part of the variety, and may be disregarded, and the test may becontinued, as long as the removal of these very atypical or unrelated plants does not result in an insuffi-

144 Volume 1, No. 1

cient number of suitable plants for the examination, or make the examination impractical. In choosingthe term “may be disregarded,” it is clear that it will depend on the judgment of the crop expert. Inpractice, in tests conducted with a small number of plants, just one single plant could interfere with thetest, and therefore should not be disregarded. The field population size if not disturbed by this Atypicalplant (Rogue or another plant species) then an impartial assessment can be made.

8. EXAMINING STABILITY8.1 Requirements of the PPV&FR Act, 2001

Section 15 (3) (d) of the Act says that a variety is stable “if its essential characteristics remainunchanged after repeated propagation or, in the case of a particular cycle of propagation, at the end ofeach cycle”.

8.2 Relevant / Essential CharacteristicsThe relevant or essential characteristics include at least all characteristics used for the examination

of DUS or included in the variety description established at the date of grant of protection of that variety.Therefore, all obvious characteristics may be considered, irrespective of whether they appear in the TestGuidelines or not.

8.3 Methods for the Examination of Stability

8.3.1 General

8.3.1.1 In practice, it is not usual to perform tests of stability that produce results as certain as those ofthe testing of distinctiveness and uniformity. However, experience has demonstrated that, for manytypes of variety, when a variety has been shown to be uniform, it can also be considered to be stable.Furthermore, if the variety is not stable, material produced will not conform to the characteristics ofthe variety, and where the breeder is unable to provide material conforming to the characteristics ofthe variety, the breeder’s right may be cancelled.

8.3.1.2 Where appropriate, or in cases of doubt, stability may be tested, either by growing a furthergeneration, or by testing a new seed or plant stock to ensure that it exhibits the same characteristicsas those shown by the previous material supplied. Further, guidance on the examination of stabilityis considered and would be drafted.

8.3.2 Hybrid VarietiesThe stability of a hybrid variety may, in addition to an examination of the hybrid variety itself, also

be assessed by examination of the uniformity and stability of its parent lines, if so demanded.

9. COMPOSITION OF TEST GUIDELINES9.1 Coverage of Individual Specific Guidelines

In most cases, individual Specific Guidelines are prepared for each species. Although, in somecases, it may be appropriate to prepare Specific Guidelines covering a wider or narrower grouping ofvarieties. Different groups of varieties within a species can be dealt with in separate or subdividedSpecific Guidelines, if the categories can be reliably separated on the basis of characteristics suitable fordistinctiveness, or where an appropriate procedure has been developed to ensure that all varieties ofcommon knowledge will be adequately considered for distinctiveness.


9.2 Development of Specific Guidelines

9.2.1 The individual Specific Guidelines are prepared and may get revised subsequently by the appropri-ate Technical Working Party for the species concerned. The team of consultants verified and final-ized the specific guideline listed in Annexure. On the basis of the comments received, the draftSpecific Guidelines finalized by the Task Force-01/2005 (Annexure IV) and presented to thePPV&FRA for final adoption and publication. The twelve species of crops that have been notifiedfor registration purposes, the DUS test centers proposed and additional centers advised by the taskforce is give in Annexure – V.

9.2.2 The list of DUS test site nodal officers is indicated in Annexure III. Full text of the specificguidelines is also available in www.plantauthority.in or with the Registrar of the Authority.

10. CONDUCT OF DUS TESTING IN THE ABSENCE OF TEST GUIDELINESA number of Specific Guidelines have been developed and there are continual additions, an up-to-date list of which is provided in the “List of Guidelines Adopted by PPV&FRA in 2006” (AnnexureII)

10.1 DUS Testing Procedures for New Species or Variety Groupings

10.1.1 When developing such testing procedures, DUS centers are encouraged to align them on theprinciples set forth in this General Guideline, by following this document and the guidance for thedevelopment of Specific Guidelines contained in this document.

10.1.2 The testing procedure should be documented, in accordance with the requirements of SpecificGuidelines, to the extent that experience and information permit.

10.1.3 The office should then inform the Registrar, PPV&FR Authority in New Delhi of these develop-ments according to the measures provided in document, so that the information can then given to thedevelopment of Specific Guidelines, if felt correct.

146 Volume 1, No. 1

Annexure 1

How to obtain copy of the specific guidelines

The specific guidelines for the 12 crops can be downloaded from the web site of PPV&FR Authorityi.e. www.plantauthority.in or hard copy for a specific crop can be sought along with application form bypaying the application form charges.

S. No. Common Name Botanical Name1. Rice Oryza sativa L.

2. Bread wheat Triticum aestivum L.

3. Maize Zea mays L.

4. Sorghum Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

5. Pearl millet Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.

6. Chickpea Cicer arietinum L.

7. Pigeon pea Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.

8. Green gram Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

9. Blackgram Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper

10. Lentil Lens culinaris Medik

11. Field pea Pisum sativum L.

12. Kidney bean Phaseolus vulgaris L.


Annexure II

Associated documents developed by PPV&FR Authority funded/assisted program

S. No. Author Title Source

1 Agarwal, R.C., Statistical Techniques useful in NBPGR, Pusa Campus,Dinesh, K. and DUS testing 2005, NBPGR New Delhi - 12Dhillon, B.S. ICAR, 231 pp

2 Prakash, S., Testing of Plant Varieties for IARI, Pusa Campus,Sharma, S.P. Distinctiveness, Uniformity and New Delhi - 12and Stability-Principles and Application.Dadlani, M. Team of Excellence, Division of

Seed Science & Technology, IARI,New Delhi

3 Anonymous Preparation for Plant Variety Directorate of Seed Research,Protection and DUS testing through Village – Kusmaur (P.O. Kaithli)ICAR-SAU system Mau – 275 101 (UP)

148 Volume 1, No. 1

Annexure III

Nodal officers for twelve crops and their address(Facilities created under Grant-in-Aid of PPV&FRA during the 10th Plan Period)

S. No. Crop Nodal Person of the Main DUS Center1. Rice Dr. (Mrs.) N. Shoba Rani, DRR, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural

University Campus, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad 500 030Telephone: 040-24015036 Fax: 04024015308E-mail: [email protected]

2. Bread wheat Dr. (Mrs.) S. Kundu, DWR, Post Box 158, Aggrasain Road,Karanal 132 001Telephone: 0184-2267490 Fax: 0184-2267390E-mail: [email protected]

3. Maize Dr. Sujoy Rakshit, Cumming’s Lab, IARI, New Delhi - 110012Telephone: 011-25841805 Mobile: 9968014073Fax: 011-25848195E-mail: [email protected]

4. Sorghum Dr. S. Audilakshmi, National Research Centre for Sorghum,ANGRAU Campus, Hyderabad 500 030.E-mail: [email protected]

5. Pearl millet Dr. I.S. Khairwal, Pearlmillet (Bajra), Mandor, Jodhpur 342 304 (Raj.)Telephone: 0291-2571408 Fax: 0291-2571909E-mail: [email protected]

6. Chickpea Dr. N. P. Singh, Project Coordinator, IIPR, Kalyanpur,Kanpur - 208 024Telephone: 0512-2570109 Mobile: 09336215015Fax: 0512-2572809E-mail:[email protected]

7. Pigeonpea Dr. N.D. Majumder, PC, IIPR, Kalyanpur, Kanpur - 208 024Telephone: 0512-2570145 Fax: 0512-2572582E-mail: [email protected]

8. Green gram, Black Dr. B.B. Singh, MULLaRP, IIPR, Kalyanpur, Kanpur 208 024gram and Lentil Telephone: 0512-2570163 Fax: 0512-2570163

E-mail: [email protected]

9. Kidney bean and Dr. B.B. Singh (Pulse Type)Field pea MULLaRP, IIPR, Kalyanpur, Kanpur 208 024

Telephone: 0512-2570163 Fax: 0512-2570163E-mail: [email protected]. Sanjeet Kumar (Vegetable Type)Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, P.B. # 5002, P.O. BHU,Varanasi -221 005 (Uttar Pradesh)Telephone: 0542-2635236, 2635247 Fax: 05443-229007E-mail: [email protected]


Annexure IV

Task Force 1/2005 Members

1. Dr. M.V. Rao, Chairman,Chief ConsultantA.P. Netherlands Biotechnology Project,I.P.E. Osmania University CampusHyderabad - 500 007Andhra PradeshTel. No. : 040-27097018, 27098148

2. Dr. S.P. SharmaA-2, Type – V,Indian Agricultural Research Institute,Pusa Campus,New Delhi – 110012Mobile No. : 9818423070

3. Dr. A. SeetharamEmeritus Scientist,Ex-Project Coordinator (SM),ACIRP on Small Millets,University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK,Bangalore – 560065Tel. No. : 080 – 23332387

4. Mrs. Malthi Laxmi KumaranB-6/10, Safdarjung Enclave,New Delhi – 110029Mobile No. : 9818301173Email: [email protected]

5. Dr. Bala RaviMSSRF, 3rd Cross Street,Taramani Institutional Area,Chennai – 600113Tamil NaduTel. No. : 040- 22541229, 22542698

6. Dr. J.L. TickooC-17 F, Munirka, DDA Flats,New Delhi – 110067Mobile No. : 9312268715

7. Dr. B.S. DhillonDirector of Research,Punjab Agricultural University,Ludhiana – 141004 (Punjab)Tel. No. : 0161-2401221

8. Dr. O.P. MakhijaA-103, Samrahya Apartments,Near Fatehganj Head P.O.,Fatehganj, Vadodra–390 002 (Gujarat)Tel. No. :0265 - 3097967

9. Dr. Roshini NayarNBPGR, Pusa Campus,New Delhi – 110012Mobile No. : 9811324961

10 Dr. R.V. Singh, HeadGermplasm Exchange Division,NBPGR, Pusa Campus,New Delhi – 110012

11. Dr. S.K. ChakrabortyDivision of Seed Science &Technology,Indian Agricultural Research Institute,New Delhi – 110012Tel. No. : 011-25841428

150 Volume 1, No. 1

Annexure V*

List of Crops Species for which “Specific Guidelines” have been developed

S. No. Common Botanical Name Nodal DUS Center Other test CentersName

1. Rice Oryza sativa L. DRR, Hyderabad CRRI, Cuttack; IARI,Karnal; TNAU, Coimbatore;(NSP); AAU, Jorhat

2. Bread wheat Triticum aestivum L. DWR, Karnal UAS, Dharwad (NSP);IARI(RS), Indore; CSUA&T,Kanpur (NSP);PAU, Ludhiana (NSP)

3. Maize Zea mays L. DMR, New Delhi VPKAS, Almora; ANGRAU,Hyderabad (NSP); RAU,Dholi (NSP); UAS,Dharwad (NSP)

4. Sorghum Sorghum bicolor (L.) NRCS, Hyderabad MPKV, Rahuri (NSP);Moench GBPUA&T, Pantnagar

(NSP); CCS HAU,Hisar (NSP)

5. Pearl millet Pennisetum glaucum MPKV, Rahuri (NSP) PC (PM), RAU, Mandore;R. Br. TNAU, Coimbatore (NSP)

6. Chickpea Cicer arietinum L. IIPR, Kanpur MPKV, Rahuri (NSP); CCSHAU, Hisar (NSP)

7. Pigeon pea Cajanus cajan (L.) IIPR, Kanpur PKV, Akola (NSP); TNAU,Millsp. Coimbatore (NSP)

8. Green gram Vigna radiata (L). IIPR, Kanpur ANGRAU, HyderabadWilczek (NSP); IARI,

New Delhi (SS&T)

9. Blackgram Vigna mungo (L.) IIPR, Kanpur TNAU, Coimbatore (NSP);Hepper ANGRAU Hyderabad (NSP)

10. Lentil Lens culinaris Medik IIPR, Kanpur JNKVV, Jabalpur (NSP)

11. Field pea Pisum sativum L. Pulse Type : JNKVV, Jabalpur (NSP);IIPR, Kanpur IIHR, BangaloreVegetable Type :IIVR, Varanasi

12. Kidney bean Phaseolus vulgaris L. Pulse Type : VPKAS, Almora;IIPR, Kanpur SKUAS&T, Srinagar; IIHR,Vegetable Type : BangaloreIIVR, Varanasi

* Copies can be had from our web site www.plantauthority.in


Specific DUS test guidelines for twelve notified crops

RICE (Oryza sativa L.)

I. Subject

These test guidelines shall apply to all varieties, hybrids, transgenics and parental lines of Rice(Oryza sativa L.)

II. Seed material required

1. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV & FRA) shall decide when,where and in what quantity and quality of the seed material are required for testing a varietydenomination applied for registration under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights(PPV & FR) Act, 2001. Applicants submitting such seed material from a country other than Indiashall make sure that all customs and quarantine requirements stipulated under relevant nationallegislations and regulations are complied with. The minimum quantity of the seed to be provided bythe applicant shall be 3000 grams in case of the candidate variety or hybrid and 1500 grams for eachof the parental line of the hybrid. Each of these seed lots shall be packed, sealed and properly labeledwith details, in ten equal weighing packets and submitted in one lot. Wherever, individual paniclesare to be supplied, such panicles shall be individually packed and submitted along with the said seedlot, with proper labeling of the denomination, harvest year and such related details.

2. At least 100 panicles each representing the normal ear size and drawn from the main tiller of thecandidate variety shall be submitted.

3. The seed and ears submitted shall have at least 80% germination, 98% physical purity, highestgenetic purity, uniformity, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards. In addition, the moisture contentof the seed shall not exceed 11-12% to meet the safe storage requirement. The applicant shall alsosubmit along with the seed a certified data on germination test made not more than one month priorto the date of submission.

4. The seed material submitted shall not have been subjected to any chemical or bio-physical treatment.

III. Conduct of tests

1. The minimum duration of DUS tests shall normally be at least two independent similar growingseasons.

2. The tests shall normally be conducted at two test locations. If any essential characteristics of thecandidate variety are not expressed for visual observation at these locations, the variety shall beconsidered for further examination at another appropriate test site or under special test protocol onexpressed request of the applicant.

3. The field test shall be carried out under conditions favouring normal growth and expression of alltest characteristics. The size of the plots shall be such that parts of plants could be removed for

152 Volume 1, No. 1

measurement and observation without prejudicing the observations on the standing plants until theend of the growing period. Each test shall include about 2500 plants, in the plot size and plantingspace specified below across three replications. Separate plots for observation and for measurementcan only be used if they have been subjected to similar environmental conditions. All the replicationsshall be sharing similar environmental conditions of the test location.

4. Test plot design

Number of rows : 30

Row length : 6 m

Row to row distance : 30 cm

Plant to plant distance : 20 cm

Expected plants / replications : 900

Number of replications : 3 (irrigated and shallow lowland tests)

: 5 (upland, saline-alkaline, semi-deep)water and deep water tests.

5. Observations shall not be recorded on plants in border rows.

6. Additional test protocol for special purpose shall be established by the PPV & FR Authority.

IV. Methods and observations

1. The characteristics described in the Table of characteristics (see section VII) shall be used for thetesting of varieties, inbred lines and hybrids for their DUS.

2. For the assessment of Distinctiveness and Stability observations shall be made on 30 plants or partsof 30 plants, which shall be equally divided among 3 replications (10 plants per replication).

3. For the assessment of Uniformity of characteristics on the plot as a whole (visual assessment by asingle observation of a group of plants or parts of plants), a population standard of 0.1% with anacceptance probability of at least 95% shall be applied. In the case of a sample size of 1500 plantsthe number of off-types shall not exceed 4.

4. For the assessment of Uniformity of characteristics on single panicle-rows, plants or parts of plants(visual assessment by observations of a number of individual panicle-rows, plants or parts of plants)the number of aberrant panicle-rows, plants or parts of plants shall not exceed 2 in 50.

5. For the assessment of all colour characteristics, the latest Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) colourchart shall be used.

6. Unless otherwise indicated, all observations on the leaf shall be made on the penultimate leaf.

V. Grouping of varieties

1. The candidate varieties for DUS testing shall be divided into groups to facilitate the assessment ofDistinctiveness. Characteristics, which are known from experience not to vary, or to vary only slightlywithin a variety and which in their various states are fairly evenly distributed across all varieties inthe collection are suitable for grouping purpose.


2. The following characteristics are proposed to be used for grouping rice varieties:

a) Basal leaf: Sheath colour (Characteristic 2)

b) Time of heading (50% of plants with panicles) (Characteristic 20)

c) Stem: Length (excluding panicle; excluding floating rice) (Characteristic 29)

d) Decorticated grain: Length (Characteristic 54)e) Decorticated grain: Shape (in lateral view) (Characteristic 56)

f) Decorticated grain: Colour (Characteristic 57)

g) Endosperm: Content of amylose (Characteristic 59)

h) Decorticated grain: Aroma (Characteristic 62)

VI. Characteristics and symbols1. To assess Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability, the characteristics and their states as given in

the Table of characteristics (Section VII) shall be used.

2. Note (1 to 9) shall be used to describe the state of each character for the purpose of digital dataprocessing.

3. Legend:

(*) Characteristics that shall be observed during every growing season on all varieties and shallalways be included in the description of the variety, except when the state of expression of any ofthese characters is rendered impossible by a preceding phenological characteristic or by theenvironmental conditions of the testing region. Under such exceptional situation, adequate explanationshall be provided.

(+) See Explanation on the Table of characteristics in Section VIII. It is to be noted that for certaincharacteristics, the plant parts on which observations to be taken are given in the explanation orfigure(s) for clarity and not the colour variation.

4. A decimal code number in the sixth column of Table of characteristics indicates the optimum stagefor the observation of each characteristic during the growth and development of plant. The relevantgrowth stages corresponding to these decimal code numbers are described below:

Decimal Code for the Growth Stages

10 After germination, emergence of first leaf through coleoptile/second leaf visible (less than 1 cm)

40 Booting : the increase in the size of the young panicle and its inward extension inside the upper leafsheaths detectable as a bulge in the rapidly elongating culm

50 1st spikelet of inflorescence just visible

55 ½ of inflorescence emerged

60 Beginning of anthesis : it begins with the protrusion of the first dehiscing anthers in the terminalspikelets on the panicle branches

65 Anthesis half way

70 Milk development stage: formation of white milky sap within the spikelets.

80 Dough development (spikelets become hard)

90 Ripening (terminal spikelets ripened)

92 Caryopsis hard (can be no longer be dented by thumb nail and over 90% spikelets ripened)

154 Volume 1, No. 1

5. Type of assessment of characteristics indicated in column seven of Table of characteristics is asfollows.

MG: Measurement by a single observation of a group of plants or parts of plantsMS: Measurement of a number of individual plants or parts of plantsVG: Visual assessment by a single observation of a group of plants or parts of plantsVS: Visual assessment by observation of individual plant or parts of plants

VII. Table of characteristics

S. Characteristics States Note Example varieties Stage Type ofNo. of obser- assess-

vation ment

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. Coleoptile: Colour Colourless 1 Krishna Hamsa, Prasad 10 VS(+) Green 2 —

Purple 3 —

2. Basal leaf: Sheath Green 1 Rasi, Heera 40 VS(*) colour Light purple 2 Annada, Bhogali

Purple lines 3 MahamayaUniform purple 4 IR 24, Aruna

3. Leaf: Intensity of Light 3 Rasi, Vandana 40 VGgreen colour Medium 5 Heera, Sugandha

Dark 7 IR 24, Swarna 40 VG

4. Leaf: Anthocyanin Absent 1 Sugandhacolouration Present 9 IR 24, Aruna

5. Leaf: Distribution of On tips only 1 Vivek Dhan 62, CSR 10 40 VGanthocyanin On margins only 2 Aruna, IR 24colouration In blotches only 3 —

Uniform 4 Shyamala

6. Leaf Sheath: Absent 1 Prasad, Govind 40 VG(+) Anthocyanin Present 9 IR 24, Aruna

colouration

7. Leaf sheath: Intensity Very weak 1 — 40 VGof anthocyanin Weak 3 Rongileecolouration Medium 5 Aruna, IR 24

Strong 7 —Very strong 9 Shyamala

8. Leaf: Pubescence of Absent 1 Sneha, Sugandha 40 VS(*) blade surface Weak 3 Nagarjana, Vibhava

Medium 5 IR 24, ArunaStrong 7 Jaya, Pantdhan 10Very strong 9 Govind, Jaishree


9. Leaf: Auricles Absent 1 Vikramarya 40 VS(*) Present 9 Jaya, Bas. 370(+)

10. Leaf: Anthocyanin Colourless 1 IR 24 40 VS(*) colouration of auricles Light purple 2 Aruna, Amulya

Purple 3 Hemavathi, Janaki

11. Leaf: Collar Absent 1 — 40 VS(+) Present 9 Rasi, IR 24

12. Leaf: Anthocyanin Absent 1 Rasi, IR 24 40 VScolouration of collar Present 9 Hemavathi, Aruna

13. Leaf: Ligule Absent 1 — 40 VS(+) Present 9 Triguna, IR 24

14. Leaf: Shape of ligule Truncate 1 — 40 VS(*) Acute 2 —(+) Split 3 Vijetha, IR 24

15. Leaf: Colour of ligule White 1 Rasi, Pantdhan 10 40 VS

(*) Light purple 2 Aruna, JitendraPurple 3 IR 24, Shyamala

16. Leaf: Length of blade Short (<30 cm) 3 VL Dhan 221, CSR 10 40 MSMedium (30-45 cm) 5 Bas.385, Bas.386Long (>45 cm) 7 Bas. 370, Dubraj

17. Leaf: Width of blade Narrow (<1 cm) 3 Bas. 386, Bas. 370 40 MSMedium (1-2 cm) 5 Pant Dhan 4,VajramBroad (>2 cm) 7 PTB 56

18. Culm: Attitude Non procumbent 1 — 40 VS(for floating rice only) Procumbent 9 —

19. Culm: Attitude Erect 1 Pantdhan 11, IR 24 40 VS(+) Semi-erect 3 IR8,VL Dhan 206

Open 5 Janaki, PrasadSpreading 7 —

20. Time of heading Very early (<71 days) 1 Heera 55 VG(*) (50% of plants with Early (71-90 days) 3 Rasi, Ravi

panicles) Medium (91-110 days) 5 Vikas, TrigunaLate (111-130 days) 7 Bas. 370Very late (> 131 days) 9 Kushal, Sabita

21. Flag leaf: Attitude Erect 1 IR 24, Indira 60 VG(*) of blade (early Semi-erect 3 VL Dhan 81, Jawahar(+) observation) Horizontal 5 —

Drooping 7 —

156 Volume 1, No. 1

22. Spikelet: Density Absent 1 — 60-80 VS(*) of pubescence of Weak 3 Krishna Hamsa

lemma Medium 5 Rasi, NDR 359Strong 7 Vasumati, VandanaVery strong 9 K 429

23. Male sterility Absent 1 IR 24 65 VGPresent 9 IR 58025A

24. Lemma: Absent or very weak 1 IR 24, Swarnadhan 65 VS(+) Anthocyanin Weak 3 Bhadra, Remya

colouration of keel Medium 5 ArunaStrong 7 Makom, JanakiVery strong 9 Malaviyadhan

25. Lemma: Anthocyanin Absent 1 IR 24, VL Dhan 81 65 VS(+) colouration of area Weak 3 Remya, Mandya Vijaya

below apex Medium 5 Bhadra, ArunaStrong 7 Bhogali, MakomVery strong 9 Janaki, Malaviyadhan

26. Lemma: Anthocyanin Absent 1 Phalguna 65 VS(*) colouration of apex Weak 3 Mandya Vijaya, Jalpriya(+) Medium 5 Anjali, Shyamala

Strong 7 RasiVery strong 9 Janaki

27. Spikelet: Colour White 1 Jaya, Bas. 370 65 VS(*) of stigma Light green 2 —(+) Yellow 3 Mahi Sugandha 70 MS

Light purple 4 IR 24, PoornimaPurple 5 Rasi, Mahamaya

28. Stem: Thickness Thin (<0.40 cm) 3 Sneha, K 429Medium(0.40-0.55 cm) 5 Lachit, GovindThick (>0.55 cm) 7 NDR 359, Janaki

29. Stem: Length Very short (<91 cm) 1 Heera 70 MS(*) (excluding panicle; Short (91-110 cm) 3 PR 106, Vajram

excluding floating rice) Medium (111-130 cm) 5 SabitaLong (131-150 cm) 7 NirajaVery long (>150 cm) 9 —

30. Stem: Anthocyanin Absent 1 Chaitanya, IR 24 70 VS(*) colouration of nodes Present 9 Amulya, Hemavathi

31. Stem: Intensity of Weak 3 CSR 27, RCM 5 70 VSanthocyanin Medium 5 Shaymala, Rongileecoloration of nodes Strong 7 Amulya, Saraswati


32. Stem: Anthocyanin Absent 1 IR24,Krishnaveni 70 VS

colouration of Present 9 Prasanna, Janakiinternodes

33. Panicle: Length Very short (<16 cm) 1 K 429, Sneha 70-90 MS(*) of main axis Short (16-20 cm) 3 VL Dhan 221, Poornima(+) Medium (21-25 cm) 5 NDR 359, Shyamala

Long (26-30 cm) 7 Bas. 370, RongileeVery long (>30 cm) 9 —

34. Flag leaf: Attitude of Erect 1 IR 24 90 VG(*) blade (late Semi-erect 3 Prasanna, VL dhan 81(+) observation) Horizontal 5 VL Dhan 206

Deflexed 7 —

35. Panicle: Curvature Straight 1 — 90 VG(*) of main axis Semi-straight 3 Barh-avarodhi, Lachit(+) Deflexed 5 Govind, ADT 37

Dropping 7 Poornima, Bas. 386

36. Panicle: Number Few (<11) 3 Kranti, Heera 80-90 MSper plant Medium (11-20) 5 Tulasi, Krishna Hamsa

Many (>20) 7 —

37. Spikelet: Colour of White 1 Aditya, Pantdhan 6 80-90 VS(*) tip of lemma Yellowish 2 Prasanna, Pantdhan 12

Brown 3 Madya Vijaya, Bas. 385Red 4 —Purple 5 Rasi, HemavathiBlack 6 —

38. Lemma and Palea: Straw 1 Aditya, Chaitanya 80-90 VG(+) Colour Gold and gold furrows 2 Vibhava, Pant Dhan 11

on straw backgroundBrown spots on straw 3 CTH 3Brown furrows on straw 4 —Brown (tawny) 5 —Reddish to light purple 6 BhogaliPurple spots / furrows 7 Shyamalaon strawPurple 8 —Black 9 —

39. Panicle: Awns Absent 1 Jaya,Krishnaveni 90 VG(*) Present 9 Pusa Bas.1(+)

40. Panicle: Colour of Yellowish white 1 Nidhi, Pantdhan 11 90 VS(*) awns (late Yellowsh brown 2 Nagarjuna, Bas. 370

observation) Brown 3 —Reddish brown 4 Bas. 385

158 Volume 1, No. 1

Light red 5 —Red 6 —Light purple 7 —Purple 8 —Black 9 Bhogali

41. Panicle: Length of Very short 1 Nidhi, Pantdhan 11 90 VG-MSlongest awn Short 3 Shamyala

Medium 5 Bas. 385Long 7 Kasturi, Bas. 386Very long 9 —

42. Panicle: Distribution Tip only 1 Jawahar, Pantdhan 11 90 VS(*) of awns Upper half only 3 Bas. 370, ASD 20

Whole length 5 Pusa Bas. 1, Bas. 385

43. Panicle : Presence Absent 1 — 90 VG(+) of secondary Present 9 Rasi, Bas. 370

branching

44. Panicle: Secondary Weak 1 Pantdhan 10, Bas. 386 90 VG(+) branching Strong 2 Annada, Pantdhan 11

Clustered 3 —

45. Panicle: Attitude of Erect 1 — 90 VG(*) branches Erect to semi-erect 3 Sasyasree(+) Semi-erect 5 Mangala

Semi-erect to spreading 7 Pantdhan 10Spreading 9 Pantdhan 4

46. Panicle: Exertion Partly exserted 3 Suraksha, Vibhava 90 VG(*) Mostly exserted 5 Chaitanaya, Pantdhan 4(+) Well exserted 7 VL Dhan 221

47. Time maturity (days) Very early (<100) 1 Heera 90 VGEarly (101-120) 3 Rasi, RaviMedium (121-140) 5 Vikas, TrigunaLate (141-160) 7 Bas. 370Very late (>160) 9 Kushal, Sabita

48. Leaf: Senescence Early 3 VL Dhan 81, K 429 92 VGMedium 5 IR 8, Bas. 385Late 7 Bas. 370

49. Sterile lemma: Straw 1 Tulasi, Pantdhan 11 92 VS(*) Colour Gold 2 Vibhava, Shanti(+) Red 3 Ambemohar 157

Purple 4 Bhogali

50. Grain: Weight of Very low (<15 g) 1 PKV HMT, Sugandha 92 MG fully developed Low (15-20 g) 3 Dubraj, Sita grains 1000 Medium (21-25 g) 5 Bas. 370, Bas. 386


High (26-30 g) 7 Mahamaya, PR 113Very high (>30 g) 9 Pant Dhan 4

51. Grain: Length Very short (<6.0 mm) 1 Tarunbhog 92 MS(+) Short (6.1-8.5 mm) 3 Vajram, CSR 10

Medium(8.6-10.5 mm) 5 Pant Dhan 4, CSR 13Long (10.6-12.5 mm) 7 Sabita, Bas. 386Very long (>12.5 mm) 9 IET 18004, IET 18006

52. Grain: Width Very narrow 1 Sugandha 92 MS(<2.0 mm)Narrow (2.1-2.5 mm) 3 Dubraj, Bas. 370Medium (2.6-3.0 mm) 5 Pant Dhan 4, SabitaBroad (3.1-3.5 mm) 7 Kranthi, MatanginiVery broad (>3.5 mm) 9 —

53. Grain: Phenol reaction Absent 1 — 92 VG(+) of lemma Present 9 —

54. Decorticated grain: Short 1 Kushal 92 MS(*) Length Medium 3 Samba Mahsuri(+) Long 5 Ratna, Triguna

Long* 7 Kasturi, Bas. 370(Long for Basmati type)Extra long 9 —

55. Decorticated grain: Narrow (<2.0 mm) 3 Shanti 92 MS(*) Medium (2.0-2.5 mm) 5 Heera(+) Width Broad (>2.5 mm) 7 —

56. Decorticated grain: Short slender 1 Dubraj 92 MS(*) Shape (in lateral Short bold 2 Salivahana(+) view) Medium slender 3 Samba Mahsuri

Long bold 4 VikramaryaLong slender 5 Krishna HamsaLong slender* 5 Kasturi(For Basmati type)Extra long slender 6 —

57. Decorticated grain: White 1 Sugandhamati 92 VG(*) Colour Light brown 2 —

Variegated brown 3 —Dark brown 4 —Light red 5 JyothiRed 6 Red TriveniVariegated purple 7 —Purple 8 —Dark purple 9 —

160 Volume 1, No. 1

58. Endosperm: Presence Absent 1 — 92 MG(+) of amylose Present 9 Vasumati

59. Endosperm: Content Very low (<10%) 1 Hiyokumochi 92 MG(*) of amylose Low (10-19%) 3 Norin 18(+) Medium (20-25%) 5 Taroari Basmati

High (26-30%) 7 JayaVery high (>30%) 9 —

60. Varieties with Absent or very small 1 — 90 MG(+) endosperm of amylose Small 3 —

absent only Medium 5 —Polished grain: Large 7 —Expression of Fully chalky 9 —white core

61. Gelatinization Low 1 Pusa Basmati 1 92 MG(+) temperature through Medium 3 Taroari Basmati

alkali spreading value High medium 5 Kasturi

High 7 —

62. Decorticated grain: Absent 1 Jaya 92 MG(*) Aroma Present 9 Bas. 370(+)

VIII. Explanation for the Table of characteristics:

Characteristic 1. Coleptile: colour


Characteristic 6. Leaf Sheath: Anthocyanin colouration

Characteristic 9. Leaf: Auricle

Characteristic 11. Leaf: Collar

Characteristic 13. Leaf: Ligule

Leaf sheath

Leaf blade

Ligule

Auricle

Collar

Leaf sheath

Prophyllum

InternodeLeaf sheath

Sheath Pulunus

Internode

Nodal Septum

Tiller

Adventitious root

Internode

162 Volume 1, No. 1

Characteristic 24. Lemma: Anthocyanin colouration of keel

Characteristic 25. Lemma: Anthocyanin colouration of area below apex

Characteristic 26. Lemma: Anthocyanin colouration of apex

Characteristic 27. Spikelet: Colour of stigma

Characteristic 38. Lemma and Palea: Colour

Characteristic 39. Panicle: Awns

Characteristic 49. Sterile lemma: Colour

Awn

Area below apex

Keel

Nerves

Sterile lemmas

Rudimentary glumes

Lem

ma

Anther

StemanFilament

Apicul

Stigma

Style

Ovary

Rachila

Pedicel

Pal

ea


Characteristic 14. Leaf : Shape of ligule

Split

3

Truncate

1

Actute2

Characteristic 19. Culm : attitude

Erect

1

Open

5

Semi-erect

3

Spreading

7

Characteristic 33. Panicle : Length of main axis

Part of Panicle

PedicelSpikelet

Secondary branch

Panicle axisPrimary branchFlagPanicle base

Uppermost internode

164 Volume 1, No. 1

Characteristic 21 and 34. Flag leaf : Attitude of blade [early observation (21), late obeservation (34)]

Erect1

Semi-erect

3

Horizontal

5

Deflexed

7

Characteristic 35. Panicle : Curvature of main axis

Straight

1Semi-straight

3

Deflexed

5

Drooping

7

Characteristic 43. Panicle : Presence of secondary branching

Absent1

Present

9


Characteristic 44. Panicle : Secondary branching

Characteristic 45. Panicle : Attitude of branches

Erect

1Erect to Semi-erect

3

Semi-erect

5

Semi-erect to spreading

7

Spreading

9

Weak

1Strong

2

Clustered

3

166 Volume 1, No. 1

Partly exserted

<80%

3

Characteristic 46. Panicle : Exsertion

Mostly exserted

91-99%

5

Well exserted

100%

7

Characteristic 51: Grain: Length

Characteristic 53: Grain: phenol reaction of lemma

Grains are soaked in 1.5 percent aqueous phenol solution for 24 hours, drained and air-dried. Hull coloris then recorded unstained and stained (Chang, T.T. and E.A. Bardenas, 1965).

Characteristic 54: Decorticated grain: Length (mm)

Please see the diagram “length and width measures of the grain”.

Characteristic 55: Decorticated grain: Width (mm)

Please see the diagram “Length and width measures of the grain”.

Flag leaf

Paniclebase

Penultimateleaf

Flag leaf

Paniclebase

Penultimateleaf

Flag leafPaniclebase

9. Very long

7. Long

5. Medium

3. Short

1. Very short


Characteristic 56: Decorticated grain: Shape (in lateral view)

After dehusking (brown rice) or after milling (polished rice) the length and breadthof the grains are measured for computing the shape and size. Select minimum 10 fullgrains per replication with both the ends intact and measure the length and breadth byusing Grain Shape Tester or Dial Micrometer. Average of their measurements are takenin millimeters and length/breadth ratio is calculated. Ramaiah, 1969 classification isused to assign the grain shape based on length and length / breadth ratio.

As referred in Rice Research in India: ICAR Publication, 1985.

State Kernel length (mm) Length/breadth ratio Note

Short Slender < 6.0 > 3.0 1

Short Bold < 6.0 < 2.5 2

Medium Slender < 6.0 2.5-3.0 3

Long Bold > 6.0 < 3.0 5

Long Slender > 6.0 > 3.0 4

Basmati type > 6.61 > 3.0 5

Extra Long Slender > 7.5 > 3.0 6

Characteristic 58: Endosperm: Presence of amylose

By observation glutinous rice has waxy grains and non-glutinous rice has non-waxy to transparentwith various grades according to the amylose content of the endosperm. When it is necessary glutinousrice and rice with various grades of amylose content, chemical analysis is needed.

Characteristic 59: Endosperm: Content of amylose

The simplified procedure of Juliano (1971) is used for the amylose content analysis. Twenty whole-grain milled rice is ground in a UDY cyclone mill (sieve mesh size 60). 100 mg of rice powder is put intoa 100 ml volumetric flask and 1 ml of 95% ethanol and 9 ml of 1N Sodium hydroxide are added. Thecontents are heated on a boiling water bath to gelatinize the starch. After cooling for one hour, distilledwater is added and contents are mixed well. For each set of samples run, low, intermediate and highamylose standard varieties are included to serve as checks. Five ml of the starch solution is put in a 100ml volumetric flask with a pipette. One ml of 1 N acetic acid, 2 ml of iodine solution (0.2 g iodine and2.0 g potassium iodide in 100 ml of aqueous solution) is added and volume is made up with distilledwater. Contents are shaken well and let stand for 20 minutes. Absorbance of the solution is measuredat 620 nm with a spectrophotometer of standard make. Amylose content is determined by using aconversion factor and the results are expressed on a dry weight basis. The moisture content of the sampleis essentially constant and need not be determined if the relative humidity and temperature of the laboratoryis controlled.

Note : The classification of extra long slender grain is done according to SES, IRRI 1996; for Basmati type long slender grain length shallbe more than 6.61 mm as per the proceedings of Annual Rice Workshop, 1998.

168 Volume 1, No. 1

State % Amylose Content Note

Very low 3-9 1

Low 10-19 3

Medium 20-25 5

High 26-30 7

Very high > 30 9

Characteristic 60: Polished grain: Expression of white core (Varieties with endosperm of amyloseabsent only)

Degree of chalkiness describes the milled of rice sample with respect to (a) white core (b) whitebelly and (c) white back. Chalky white spots often appear in the starchy endosperm. A white chalkyregion extending to the edge of the ventral side and towards the centre of the endosperm is called a whitecore. Soft textured, white spots occurring in the middle part on the ventral side (side on which theembryo lies) are called abdominal white or white belly. A long white streak on the dorsal side is calledthe white back.

State Kernel (%) Note

Absent or very small None 1

Small <25% 3

Medium 26-50% 5

Large 51-75% 7

Fully chalky >75% 9

Characteristic 61: Gelatinization temperature

Gelatinization temperature through alkali spreading and clearing test (Little et. al., 1958)

Duplicate sets of six whole milled grains are spaced evenly in transparent plastic boxes (50 mm x 42mm x 22 mm) containing 10 ml of 1.7% Potassium Hydroxide. The dishes are kept at 27-30oC for 23hours undisturbed in an incubator. Standard varieties must be used as checks for high, intermediate andlow gelatinization temperature. The spreading of kernels noted on a 7 point scale is expressed as averageof six values. Scoring is done as follows:

Alkali spreading Value / Scale

1. Kernel not affected

2. Kernel swollen

3. Kernel swollen, collar incomplete and narrow

4. Kernel swollen, collar complete and wide

5. Kernel split or segmented, collar complete

6. Kernel dispersed, merging with collar

7. All kernel dispersed and intermingled


Alkali Spreading Classification Gelatinization NoteValue / Scale Temperature

6-7 High Low 1

4-5 Medium Medium 3

3 Low-Medium High-Medium 5

1-2 Low High 7

Characteristic 62: Decorticated grain: Aroma

The method consists of adding about 15 ml of water to 5g of rice sample in a test tube (200 mm x 35mm), soak for 10 minutes. Cook the sample in the water bath for 15 minutes. Transfer the cooked rice into a petri dish. After cooling keep it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Then the petri plates are openedand the contents are smelled. The samples possessing the scent, as one could easily feel, produce a sharpand readily recognizable aroma. (DRR, unpublished).

SS: Strongly Scented

MS: Mild Scented

NS: Non Scented

IX. Literature1. “T. Matsuo (edit) (1993-97) : “Science of the Rice Plant (Volumes 1-3)” Rural culture Associa-

tion, Tokyo, Japan.

Vol.1 Morphology (1993)

Vol.2 Physiology (1995)

Vol.3 Genetics (1997), Indices (1997)

2. Chang T.T. and E A Bardenas 1965. The morphology and varietal characters of the rice plant.Technical Bulletin 4, IRRI, Philippines, 40 p

3. Ramaiah K., 1969. Grain Classification page No. 629 - Rice Research in India, ICAR Publica-tion, 1985.

4. Juliano BO, 1971. A simplified assay for milled rice amylose. Cereal Sci. Today 16: 334-339.

5. Little RR, G.B. Hilder and E.H. Dawson 1958. Differential effect of dilute alkali on 25 Varietiesof milled white rice. Cereal Chem. 35: 111-126.

170 Volume 1, No. 1

BREAD WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.)

I. Subject

These test guidelines shall apply to all varieties, hybrids and parental lines of Bread wheat (Triticumaestivum L.)


1. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV & FRA) shall decide whereand in what quantity and quality of the seed material are required for testing a variety denominationapplied for registration under the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers’ Rights (PPV & FR) Act,2001. Applicants submitting such seed material from a country other than India shall make sure thatall customs and quarantine requirements stipulated under relevant national legislations and regulationsare complied with. The minimum quantity of the seed to be provided by the applicant shall be 3000gram in the case of the candidate variety or hybrid and 1500 gram for each of the parental line of thehybrid. Each of these seed lots shall be packed and sealed in ten equal weighing packets and submittedin one lot. Wherever, individual spikes are to be supplied, such spikes shall be individually packedand submitted along with the said seed lot.

2. At least 100 ears, each representing the normal ear size and drawn from the main tiller of the candidatevariety shall be submitted.

3. The seeds and ears submitted shall have at least 95 % germination, 98% physical purity, highestgenetic purity, uniformity, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards. In addition the moisture content ofthe seed shall not exceed 8 - 9% to meet the safe storage requirement. The applicant shall alsosubmit along with the seed a certified data on germination test made not more than one month priorto the date of submission.

4. The seed material shall not have been subjected to any chemical and bio-physical treatment.


1. The minimum duration of the DUS tests shall normally be at least two independent similar growingseasons.

2. The test shall normally be conducted at least at two test locations. If any essential characteristics ofthe candidate variety are not expressed for visual observation at these locations, the variety shall beconsidered for further examination at another appropriate test site or under special test protocol onexpressed request of the applicant.

3. The field tests shall be carried out under conditions favouring normal growth and expression of alltest characteristics. The size of the plots shall be such that plants or parts of plants could be removedfor measurement and observation without prejudicing the other observations on the standing plantsuntil the end of the growing period. Each test shall include about 1000 plants, in the plot size andplanting space specified below across three replications. Separate plots for observation and formeasuring can only be used if they have been subjected to similar environmental conditions. All thereplications shall be sharing similar environmental conditions of the test location.


4. Test plot design:

Number of rows : 6

Row length : 6 m



Expected plants / replication : 360

Number of replications : 3


6. Additional test protocols for special purpose shall be established by the PPV & FR Authority.


1. The characteristics described in the Table of characteristics shall be used for the testing of varieties,inbred lines and hybrids for their DUS.


3. For the assessment of Uniformity of characteristics on the plot as a whole (visual assessment byobservations of a number of individual panicle-rows, plants or parts of plants) the number of aberrantor odd plants or parts of plant shall not exceed 2 in 1000.

4. For the assessment of Uniformity of characteristics on single ear-rows, plants or parts of plant shallbe visually observed on all individual ear-rows, plants or parts of plants. An ear-rows having at leastone aberrant or odd plant or parts of plant is dealt as an aberrant row. A variety shall be deemeduniform when the number of such aberrant ear-rows shall not exceed 3 in 100.

5. For the assessment of color characteristics, the latest Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) colourchart shall be used.


1. The candidate varieties for DUS testing shall be divided into groups to facilitate the assessment ofDistinctiveness. Characteristics, which are known from experience not to vary or to vary only slightly,within a variety and which in their various states are fairly evenly distributed across all varieties inthe collection, are suitable for grouping purposes.

2. The following characteristics are proposed to be used for grouping bread wheat varieties:

a) Flag leaf : Anthocynin coloration of auricle (Characteristic 4)

b) Time of ear emergence (Characteristic 7)

c) Plant length (Characteristic 14)

d) Awn or scurs : Presence (Characteristic 18)

e) Outer glume : Pubescence (Characteristic 23)

f) Ear : Colour (Characteristic 24)

g) Season type (Characteristic 37)

h) Grain hardness (Characteristic 38)

172 Volume 1, No. 1

VI. Characteristics and symbols

1. To assess Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability, the characteristics and their states as given inthe Table of characteristics (Section VII) shall be used.

2. Note (1 to 9) is used to describe the state of each character for the purpose of digital data processing.

3. Legend :(*) Characteristics that shall be observed during every growing season on all varieties and shall always

be included in the description of the variety, except when the state of expression of any of thesecharacters is rendered impossible by a preceding phenological characteristic or by the environmentalconditions of the testing region. Under such exceptional situation, adequate explanation shall beprovided.

(+) See Explanation on the Table of characteristics in Section VIII. It is to be noted that for certaincharacteristics the plant parts on which observations to be taken are given in the explanation orfigure(s) for clarity and not the colour variation.

4. The optimum stage for the observation of each characteristic during the plant growth and developmentis indicated by a decimal code number in the sixth column of table of characteristics. The relevantgrowth stages corresponding to these decimal code numbers are described below:

Decimal code for the growth stage

Growth Stage Code Corresponding Growth StageGermination

09 Leaf just at coleoptile tip

10 First leaf through coleoptile

11 First leaf unfolded

Tillering25 Main shoot and 5 tillers

26 Main shoot and 6 tillers




Booting40 Early boot stage

41 Flag leaf sheath extending

43 Boots just visibly swollen

47 Flag leaf sheath opening

49 First awns visible [in awned forms only]

Inflorescence50-51 First spikelet of inflorescence just visible

52 1/4 of inflorescence emerged


Anthesis60-61 Beginning of anthesis

64-65 Anthesis half-way

68-69 Anthesis complete

Milk development73 Early milk

75 Medium milk

77 Late milk

Dough development83 Early dough

85 Soft dough

87 Hard dough

Ripening91 Caryopsis hard (difficult to divide by thumb-nail)

92 Caryopsis hard (can no longer be dented by thumb-nail)

93 Caryopsis loosening in daytime

94 Over-ripe, straw dead and collapsing

5. Type of assessment of characteristics indicated in column seven of Table of characteristics is asfollows:

MG: Measurement by a single observation of a group of plants or parts of plantsMS: Measurement of a number of individual plants or parts of plantsVG: Visual assessment by a single observation on a group of plants or parts of plantsVS: Visual assessment by observations of individual plants or parts of plants



vation ment1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. Coleoptile : Absent 1 AKW381, AKW 1071 09-11 VS(*) Anthocyanin Present 9 HD 2781, DWR195(+) colouration

2. Plant : Growth habit Erect 1 K9644, HD 2842 25-29 VG(*) Semi-erect 3 AKW381, PBW222(+) Intermediate 5 HD1941, HW2004

Semi-prostrate 7 VL616,Prostrate 9 —-

3. Foliage : Colour Pale green 1 HYB 633, C 306 40-45 VG(*) Green 5 CPAN 3004, AKW 381

Dark green 9 HD2428,HP 1731

174 Volume 1, No. 1

4. Flag leaf : Anthocyanin Absent 1 AKW1071, CPAN 3004 49-51 VG(*) colouration of auricles Medium 5 HD1949, HD2428

Very strong 9 GW 89,HD20095. Flag leaf : Hairs on Absent 3 DL 788-2, CPAN 3004 49-51 VG

(*) auricle Medium 5 DL 803-3, GW 322Strong 7 GW 89

6. Plant : Flag leaf attitude Erect 1 HP 1744, HD 2733 47-51 VG(+) Semi-erect 3 DL 784-3, HS 277

Drooping 5 AKW 381, AKW10717. Ear: Time of Very early 1 WR 544 50-52 VG

(*) emergence (first Early 3 Sonalika, DL788-2spikelet visible on Medium 5 AKW1071,HD 228150% of ears) Late 7 UP 2113, HD 2733

Very late 9 HS 277, VL 829

8. Flag leaf: Waxiness Absent 1 — 60-65 VG(*) of sheath Weak 3 DWR 39, K 8962

Medium 5 AKW 381, HD 2281Strong 7 DL 788-2, HD 2327Very strong 9 CPAN 3004, CPAN 1676

9. Flag leaf: Waxiness Absent 1 DL 153-2 60-65 VG(*) of blade Weak 3 GW 173, HS207

Medium 5 DL 803-3, GW 322Strong 7 HD 2733, HS 295Very strong 9 HPW 89, HS 277

10. Ear: Waxiness Absent 1 DL 153-2, AKW 381 60-69 VG(*) Weak 3 GW 173, HS 207

Medium 5 HI977, DL 788-2Strong 7 HS 295, HS 1136-6-4Very strong 9 AKW 1071, HPW 89

11. Culm: Waxiness of Absent 1 K8962 60-69 VG(*) neck (Peduncle) Weak 3 HI1500, HD2402

Medium 5 HD 2281, K 9006Strong 7 DL788-2, HS295Very strong 9 HD2733, HPW89

12. Flag leaf: Length Short 1 HD1949,PBW373 70-80 MSMedium 5 GW 322,C 306Long 9 HP89, HI 1500

13. Flag leaf: Width Narrow 1 NP846,PBW373 70-80 MSMedium 5 GW 173,C306Broad 9 GW89, HD2281

14. Plant: Length Very short 1 Lal Bahadur, HD 1949 75-92 MS(*) (excluding awns/scurs) Short 3 HD 1941, K816

Medium 5 HD2009,DL784-3Long 7 C 306,Dl 803-3very long 9 HI617, HP1493


15. Ear: Shape in profile Tapering 1 PBW 222, PBW343 92 VS(*) Parallel sided 2 NUW533, HI 1500(+) Club shaped 3 HUW 234

Fusiform 4 —

16. Ear: Density Very lax 1 — 80-92 VS-MS(*) Lax 3 Sonalika, HB 208(+) Medium 5 JAJ1 482, DL 153-2

Dense 7 GWR162, K 816Very dense 9 —

17. Ear: Length (excluding Very short 1 VL404 80-92 MS(*) awns and scurs) Short 3 NP 52

Medium 5 HI 617, HYB 633Long 7 K 9107Very long 9 K 9644, K9006

18. Awns or scurs: Both absent 1 NP 4, NP770 80-92 VG(*) Presence Scurs present 2 Ridley, NP771(+) Awns present 3 PBW222, PBW343

19. Scurs: Type Short tip 1 NP 809 80-92 VG(*) Long tip 9 Ridley(+)

20. Awns: Length Very short 1 Raj Molya Rodhak 80-92 VG or(*) Short 3 VL 829, WH 542 MS

Medium 5 HD 2009, CPAN 1676Long 7 HPW 89Very long 9 PBW 222

21. Awn: Colour White 1 HD 2009, AKW 1071 80-92 VSLight brown 2 HS 1138-6-4, DL 784-3Dark brown 3 AKW 381, SonalikaBlack 4 K 68 , K 9644

22. Awn: Attitude Appressed 1 HP 1493, NP 839 80-92 VS(+) Medium 2 DL788-2, DWR 162

Spreading 3 DL784-3, AKW1071

23. Outer glume: Absent 5 AKW381, CPAN 3004 90-92 VS(*) Pubescence Medium 3 C 306, HI 1500

Very strong 7 DL 153-2, K 68

24. Ear: Colour White 1 HD2009, AKW 1071 90-92 VG(*) Light brown 2 HS 1138-6-4

Dark brown 3 HD 2329, Sonalika

25. Lower glume: Shaller Absent or very narrow 1 VL 832 80-92 VS(*) width (spikelets in Narrow 3 CPAN 1796, HD 2270(+) mid-third of ear) Medium 5 HD2281, HI 977

Broad 7 GW322, AKW 1071Very broad 9 NP 4, NP 771

176 Volume 1, No. 1

26. Lower glume: Shaller Sloping 1 HUW 533, VL 832 80-92 VS(*) shape (as for 25) Round 3 HD1949, AKW 381(+) Straight 5 HD 2824, HD 2009

Elevated 7 HP 1744, HD 2236Strongly elevated 9 —with 2nd point present

27. Lower glume: Very short 1 VL 738, NP 771 80-92 VSBeak length Short 3 HD 2285, HD 2009(as for 25) Medium 5 AKW1071, DWR 162

Long 7 DL788-2, H 2270Very long 9 UP 2113, K 9107

28. Lower glume: Beak Straight 1 GW 322, AKW 1071 80-92 VS(+) shape (as for 25) Moderately curved 2 HD 2329, C 306

Strongly curved 3 HUW 533, NP 839Geniculate 4 NP 770

29. Peduncle : Length Short 1 HD 1941, K 816 80-92 MSMedium 5 HPW 42, DL 803-3Long 9 K 9465, HI 1500

30 Spike attitude (at the Straight 3 Sonalika, AKW 381 VG(+) time of maturity) Bent 5 RAJ 1482

Crooked 9 Kalyansona

31. Grain: Colouration None 1 — 92 VG(*) with phenol Light 3 NI 917(+) Medium 5 C 306, HD 2281

Dark 7 AKW 381, DWR 162Very dark 9 K9107, HD 2009

32. Grain: Colour White 1 GW89,HB208 92 VG(*) Amber 2 C 306, NP 4

Red 3 HS 207, Sonora 64

33. Grain : Shape Round 1 — 92 VG(*) Ovate 2 CPAN3004, GW322(+) Oblong 3 C306, DL153-2

Elliptical 4 PBW222

34. Grain: Germ width Narrow 3 HD 1949, DL803-3 92 VG(*) Medium 5 AKW 381, DL803-3(+) Wide 7 WH291, PBW 222

35. Brush hair : Length Absent / short 3 HD2285, HI 617 92 VG(*) Medium 5 AKW381, PBW 373(+) Long 7 GW 322, DL 153-2

36. Seed : Size Small 3 WH 542,VL404 92 VG or(*) (weight of 1000 Medium 5 GW 89, PBW 299 MG

grains) Large 7 WH283, LOK 1Very large 9 K 68, NP 839


37. Season: Type Winter type 1 — VG(*) Alternative type 2 VL 616, HS 277

Spring type 3 PBW 373, PBW 222

38. Grain : Hardness Soft 3 HB 208, VGHPW 89

Semi-hard 5 HD 2329,HD 2278

Hard 7 NP 4, K 68

VIII. Explanations on the Table of characteristics.

Characteristic 1. Coleoptile: Method for determination of colour of anthocyanin

Number of grains per test 20 grains for Distinctiveness, 100 grains for homogeneity

Preparation of grains Set up non-dormant grains on moistened filter paper covered with apetri dish lid during germination

Place Laboratory

Light After the coleoptiles have reached a length of about 1 cm in darkness,they are placed in artificial light (daylight equivalent), at 15,000 luxcontinuously for 3-4 day

Temperature: 15 to 200 C

Time of recording: Coleoptiles fully developed (about 1 week) at stage 09-11

Scale of recording: See characteristics 1

Note: At least, two of the example varieties shall be included as a controlwhen testing for Distinctiveness.

Characteristic 2. Plant: Growth habit

1 Erect3 Semi-erect

5 Intermediate

7 Semi-prostrate

9 Prostrate

The growth habit shall be assessed visually from the attitude of the leaves and tillers. The angle formed by the outer leavesand the tillers with an imaginary vertical axis shall be used.

178 Volume 1, No. 1

Erect Semi-erect Drooping1 3 5

Characteristic 6. Plant: Flag leaf attitude

1Very lax

3Lax

5Medium

7Dense

9Very dense

Characteristic 16. Ear: Density

Characteristic 15. Ear: Shape in profile

Tapering Parallel sided Semi-clavate Clavate Fusiform1 2 3 4 5


Characteristic 19. Scurs:

1Scurs at tip only

9Scurs on whole ear

1 2 3Both absent Scurs present Awns present

Characteristic 18. Awns or scurs: Presence

Appressed Medium Spreading1 2 3

Characteristic 22. Awn: Attitude

180 Volume 1, No. 1

Characteristic 25. Lower glume: Shoulder width (spikelet in mid-third of ear)

Absent or very narrow Narrow Medium Broad Very broad1 3 5 7 9

Characteristic 26. Lower glume: Shoulder shape (spikelet in mid-third of ear)

Sloping Round Straight Elevated Strongly elevated with2nd point present

1 3 5 7 9

Characteristic 28. Lower glume: Beak shape (spikelet in mid-third of ear)

Straight Moderately Strongly Geniclulatecurved curved

1 2 3 4


Characteristic 30. Spike attitude (at the time of flowering)

Straight Bent Crooked1 2 3

Characteristic 31. Grain: Method for colour determination of with phenol reaction

Number of grains per test 20 grains for Distinctiveness, 100 grains for homogeneity.The grains shall not have been treated chemically

Preparation of grains Soak in tap water for 16 to 20 hours, drain and removesurface water, place the grains with crease downwards,cover dish with lid

Concentration of solution 1 per cent Phenol-solution (freshly made up)

Amount of solution The grains shall be about 3/4 covered

Place Laboratory

Light Daylight - out of direct sunshine

Temperature 18 to 200C

Time of recording 4 hours (after adding solution)

Scale of recording See characteristics 31 in the Table of characteristics

Note: At least, two of the example varieties shall be included as a control.

Characteristic 33. Grain: Shape

Round Ovate Oblong Elliptical1 2 3 4

182 Volume 1, No. 1

3 5 7Absent / Short Medium Long

Characteristic 35. Brush hair: Length

Narrow Medium Wide3 5 7

Characteristic 34. Grain: Germ width


MAIZE (Zea mays L.)

I. Subject

These test guidelines shall apply to all varieties, hybrids and parental lines of Maize (Zea mays L.)


1. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV & FRA) shall decide when,where and in what quantity and quality of the seed material are required for testing a varietydenomination applied for registration under the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers’ Rights(PPV & FR) Act, 2001. Applicants submitting such seed material from a country other than Indiashall make sure that all customs and quarantine requirements stipulated under relevant nationallegislations and regulations are complied with. The minimum quantity of the seed to be provided bythe applicant shall be 3000 gram in the case of the candidate variety or hybrid and 1500 gram foreach of the parental line of the hybrid. Each of these seed lots shall be packed and sealed in ten equalweighing packets and submitted in one lot.

2. The seeds submitted shall have the following standards for germination capacity, moisture contentand physical purity.

a. Germination capacity

i. Inbred lines and single cross hybrids : 80% (minimum)

ii. Varieties and double cross hybrids : 90% (minimum)

b. Moisture content : 8-10 % (maximum)

c. Physical purity : 98% (minimum)

3. The applicant shall also submit along with the seed a certified data on germination test made notmore than one month prior to the date of submission. It also shall possess the highest genetic purity,uniformity, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards.

4. The plant material shall not have been subjected to any chemical and bio-physical treatment.




3. The field tests shall be carried out under conditions favouring normal growth and expression of alltest characteristics. The size of the plots shall be such that plants or parts of plants could be removedfor measurement and observation without prejudicing the other observations on the standing plantsuntil the end of the growing period. Each test shall include about 250 plants in the plot size and

184 Volume 1, No. 1

planting space specified below across three replications. Separate plots for observation andmeasurement can only be used if they have been subjected to similar environmental conditions. Allthe replications shall be sharing similar environmental conditions of the test location.

4. Test plot design

Number of rows

i. Inbred lines and single cross hybrids : 4

ii. Varieties and other hybrids : 8

Row length : 6 m





6. Additional tests for special purpose shall be established by the PPV & FR Authority.


1. The characteristics described in the Table of characteristics (see Section VII) shall be used for thetesting of varieties, inbred lines and hybrids for their DUS.

2. For the assessment of Distinctiveness and Stability, observations shall be made on (excluding out-crossed plants in inbred lines and plants obviously resulting from the selfing of a parental line insingle cross hybrids) at least 30 plants for inbreds/single cross hybrids and 60 plants for varietiesand other hybrids.

3. For the assessment of Uniformity of inbred lines and single-cross hybrids a population standard of1% with an acceptance probability of 95% shall be applied. In the case of a sample of 100 plants,maximum number of variants allowed would be 3 in case of inbreds and single cross hybrids and 6in case of other varieties and hybrids. For three-way cross hybrids, double-cross hybrids and open-pollinated varieties, the variability within the variety shall not exceed the variability of comparablevarieties already known.

4. All observation on ear shall be made on the upper well-developed ear.



1. The candidate varieties for DUS testing shall be divided into groups to facilitate the assessment ofDistinctiveness. Characteristics, which are known from experience not to vary, or to vary only slightlywithin a variety and which in their various states are fairly evenly distributed across all varieties inthe collection are suitable for grouping purpose.


2. The following characteristics are proposed to be used for grouping maize varieties:

a) Tassel : Time of anthesis (Characteristic 4)

b) Ear : Time of silk emergence (50% plants) (Characteristic 11)

c) Ear : Anthocyanin colouration of silks (Characteristic 12)

d) Plant : Length (Characteristic 15.1 and 15.2)

e) Ear : Type of grain (Characteristic 22)



2. Notes (1 to 9) shall be given for each state of expression for different characteristics for the purposeof electronic data processing.

3. Legend :(*) Characteristics that shall be observed during every growing season on all varieties and shall always



(S) Characteristics may segregate in three-way cross hybrids and double cross hybrids with the effectthat several states of expression occur side by side in a hybrid variety.


Decimal Code for the Growth Stage

Stage Code General Description

00 Dry seed12 2 leaves unfolded14 4 leaves unfolded51 Inflorescence just visible61 Beginning of anthesis65 Anthesis halfway71 Caryopsis watery ripe75 Medium milk85 Soft dough92 Caryopsis hard (can no longer be dented by thumbnail)93 Caryopsis loosening daytime

186 Volume 1, No. 1

5. Type of assessment of characteristics indicated in column 7 of Table of characteristics is as follows:

MG: Measurement by a single observation of a group of plants or parts of plants

MS: Measurement of a number of individual plants or parts of plants

VG: Visual assessment by a single observation of a group of plants or parts of plants

VS: Visual assessment by observation of individual plant or parts of plants

VIII. Table of characteristicsS. Characteristics States Note Example varieties/ Stage Type of

No. line of obser- assess-vation ment

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. Leaf: Angle between Small (<450) 3 HHM 2 61 VG(+) blade and stem (on Wide (>450) 7 Vivek 5

leaf just aboveupper ear)

2. Leaf: Attitude of blade Straight 1 HHM 2 61 VG(+) (on leaf just above Drooping 9 HKI 323

upper ear)

3. Stem: Anthocyanin Absent 1 HKI 163 65-75 VS(S) colouration of brace Present 9 HKI 327T

roots

4. Tassel: Time of anthesis Very early (<45 days) 1 HKI 335 65 VG(*) (on middle third of Early (45-50 days) 3 HKI 1025

main axis, 50 % Medium (50-55 days) 5 HKI 323of plants) Late (>55 days) 7 HKI 1126

5. Tassel: Anthocyanin Absent 1 HKI 1344 65 VS(+) colouration at base of Present 9 HKI 161(S) glume (in middle third

of main axis)

6. Tassel: Anthocyanin Absent 1 HKI 209 65 VS(S) colouration of glumes Present 9 HKI 161

excluding base (inmiddle third ofmain axis)

7. Tassel: Anthocyanin Absent 1 HKI 209 65 VG(S) colouration of anthers Present 9 HKI 161

(in middle third ofmain axis on freshanthers)

8. Tassel: Density of Sparse 3 HKI 1126 65 VGspikelets (in middle Dense 7 HKI 288-2third of main axis)


9. Tassel: Angle between Narrow (<45°) 3 CM 145 65 VG(*) main axis and lateral Wide (>450) 7 —-(+) branches (in lower

third of tassel)

10. Tassel: Attitude of Straight 1 HKI 193-1 65 VG(*) lateral branches (in Curved 5 HKI 323, 46(+) lower third of tassel) Strongly curved 9 HKI 163

11. Ear: Time of silk Very early (<48 days) 1 HKI 335 65 VGemergence (50% plants) Early (48-53 days) 3 HKI 1025

Medium (53-58 days) 5 HKI 323Late (>58 days) 7 HKI 1126

12. Ear: Anthocyanin Absent 1 HKI 1025 65 VG(*) colouration of silks Present 9 HKI 323

(on day of emergence)

13. Leaf: Anthocyanin Absent 1 HKI 163 71 VScolouration of sheath Present 9 CM 300(below the ear)

14. Tassel: Length of main Short (<20 cm) 3 HKI 1128 71 MSaxis above lowest Medium (20-30 cm) 5 HKI 327Tside branch Long (> 30 cm) 7 HKI 1105

15.1 Inbred lines only: Short (<120 cm) 3 HKI 1348-6-2 75 MS(*) Plant : Length Medium (120-150 cm) 5 HKI 323

(up to flag leaf) Long (>150cm) 7 HKI 1128

15.2 Hybrids and open Short (<150 cm) 3 HM 1 75 MS(*) pollinated varieties Medium (150-180 cm) 5 HM 4

only: Plant : Length Long (181-210 cm) 7 HQPM 1(up to flag leaf) Very long (>210 cm) 9 African Tall

16. Plant: Ear placement Low 3 HKI 1011 75 MSMedium 5 HM 4High 7 HQPM 1

17. Leaf: Width of blade Narrow (<8 cm) 3 HKI 323 75 MS(leaf of upper ear) Medium (8-9 cm) 5 HKI 295

Broad (> 9cm) 7 HKI 1126

18. Ear: Length without Short (<10 cm) 3 HKI 536 92 MS(*) husk Medium (10-15 cm) 5 HKI 163

Long (>15 cm) 7 HQPM 1

19. Ear: Diameter without Small (<4 cm) 3 HKI 323 92 MS husk (in middle) Medium ( 4-5 cm) 5 HKI 327T

Large ( > 5 cm) 7 HQPM 1

20. Ear: Shape Conical 1 HKI 1344 92 VG(+) Conico-cylinderical 2 HKI 295

Cylindrical 3 HKI 1105

188 Volume 1, No. 1

21. Ear: Number of Few (£8) 3 — 92 MSrows of grains Medium (10-12) 5 HKI 163

Many (>14) 7 HM 5

22. Ear: Type of grain Flint 1 HKI 1105 92 VG(*) (in middle third of ear) Semi flint/ semi dent 2 HKI 1344

Dent 3 HM 5

23. Ear: Colour of White 1 CM 300 92 VG(*) top of grain White with cap 2 HKI 1344

Yellow 3 HKI 1025Yellow with cap 4 HKI 209Orange 5 HKI 323Red 6 —Other (specify) 7 —

24. Ear: Anthocyanin White 1 HKI 163 93 VG(*) colouration of glumes Light purple 2 HKI 295

of cob Dark purple 3 HKI 161

25. Kernel: Row Straight 1 HM2 93 VG(+) arrangement Spiral 2 HM5

(middle of ear) Irregular 3 HKI 1344

26. Kernel: Poppiness Absent 1 HM 1Present 9 Amber popcorn

27. Kernel: Sweetness Absent 1 HM 1Present 9 Madhuri

28. Kernel: Waxiness Absent 1 HM 1Present 9 —

29. Kernel: Opaqueness Absent 1 HM 1Present 9 CML142

30. Kernel: Shape Shrunken 1 Madhuri 93 VG(+) Round 2 HKI 1342

Indented 3 HM 5Toothed 4 HKI 1348-6-2Pointed 5 —

31. Kernel: 1000 Very small (<100 g) 1 Madhuri 93 MGkernel weight) Small (100-200 g) 3 HKI 1025

Medium (200-300 g) 5 HQPM 1Large (>300 g) 7 —


VIII. Explanations for the Table of characteristics

Characteristic 1: Leaf: Angle between blade and stem (on leaf just above upper ear

Small Wide 3 7

Characteristic 2: Leaf: attitude of blade (on leaf just above upper ear)

Straight Drooping 1 9

Characteristic 5: Tassel: Anthocyanin colouration at base of glume (in middle third of main axis)

Absent Present1 9

190 Volume 1, No. 1

Characteristic 9: Tassel: Angle between main axis and lateral branches (in lower third of tassel)

Narrow Wide3 7

Characteristic 10: Tassel: Attitude of lateral branches (in lower third of tassel)

Straight Curved Strongly curved1 5 9

Characteristic 20. Ear: Shape

Conical Conico-cylindrical Cylindrical 1 2 3


Characteristic 25. Kernel: Row arrangement (middle of ear)

Straight Spiral Irregular 1 2 3

Characteristic 30. Kernel: Shape

Toothed Pointed 4 5

Shrunken Round Indented 1 2 3

192 Volume 1, No. 1

SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)

I. Subject

These test guidelines shall apply to all varieties, hybrids and parental lines of Sorghum (Sorghumbicolor (L.) Moench)


1. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV & FRA) shall decide when,where and in what quantity and quality of the seed material are required for testing a varietydenomination applied for registration under the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers’ Rights(PPV& FR) Act, 2001. Applicants submitting such seed material from a country other than Indiashall make sure that all customs and quarantine requirements stipulated under relevant nationallegislations and regulations are complied with. The minimum quantity of the seed to be provided bythe applicant shall be 3000 gram in the case of the candidate variety or hybrid and 1500 gram foreach of the parental line of the hybrid. Each of these seed lots shall be packed and sealed in ten equalweighing packets and submitted in one lot. If requested by the competent authority in addition 100panicles shall be submitted.





b. Moisture content : 10-12 %( maximum)


3. The applicant shall also submit along with the seed a certified data on germination test made notmore than one month prior to the date of submission. It also shall possess the highest genetic purity,uniformity, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards.

4. The seed material shall not have been subjected to any chemical or bio-physical treatment.




3. The field tests shall be carried out under conditions favouring normal growth and expression of alltest characteristics. The size of the plots shall be such that plants or parts of plants could be removed


for measurement and observation without prejudicing the other observations on the standing plantsuntil the end of the growing period. Each test shall include about 900 plants in the plot size andplanting space specified below across four replications. Separate plots for observation andmeasurement can only be used if they have been subjected to similar environmental conditions. Allthe replications shall be sharing similar environmental conditions of the test location.


Number of rows : 6

Row length : 6 m





6. Additional tests for special purpose shall be established by the PPV & FR Authority.


1. The characteristics described in the Table of characteristics shall be used for the testing of varieties,inbred lines and hybrids for their DUS.

2. For the assessment of Distinctiveness and Stability, observations shall be made on 40 plants or partsof 40 plants, which shall be divided among 4 replications (10 plants in each replication).

3. For the assessment of Uniformity of characteristics on the plot as a whole (visual assessment by asingle observation of a group of plants or parts of plants), the number of aberrant plants or parts ofplants shall not exceed 6 in 100.

4. For the assessment of Uniformity of characteristics on single ear-rows, plants or parts of plants(visual assessment by observations of a number of individual ear-rows, plants or parts of plants) thenumber of aberrant ear-rows, plants or parts of plants shall not exceed 6 in 100.

5. For the assessment of colour characteristics, the latest Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) colourchart shall be used.


1. The candidate varieties for DUS testing shall be divided into groups to facilitate the assessment ofDistinctiveness. Characteristics, which are known from experience not to vary, or to vary only slightlywithin a variety and which in their various states are fairly evenly distributed across all varieties inthe collection are suitable for grouping purposes.

2. The following characteristics are proposed to be used for grouping sorghum varieties:

a. Kharif or rabi adaptation

b. Plant: Time of panicle emergence (50% of the plants with complete panicle emergence) (Characteristics 4)

c. Plant: Total height at maturit) (Characteristics 18)

194 Volume 1, No. 1

d. Panicle: Shape (Characteristics 27)

e. Caryopsis : Colour after threshing (Characteristics 33)




3. Legend:

(*) Characteristics that shall be observed during every growing period on all varieties and shall alwaysbe included in the description of the variety, except when the state of expression of any of thesecharacters is rendered impossible by a preceding phenological characteristic or by the environmentalconditions of the testing region. Under such exceptional situation, adequate explanation shall beprovided.


4. The optimum stage of plant growth for assessment of each characteristic is given in the sixth column.





VS: Visual assessment by observation of individual plants or parts of plants



vation ment

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1 Seedling : Yellow green 1 AKMS 14B Seedling(+) Anthocyanin (RHS 144-144N)

colouration of Grayed purple 2 M 35-1, AKR 150 7-8 days after VScoleoptile (RHS 183-187) sowing

2 Leaf sheath: Yellow green 1 AKMS 14B, 5 leaf VS(*) Anthocyanin (RHS 144-144N)

colouration Grayed purple 2 Pant Chari 4(RHS 183-187)


3. Leaf: Mid rib White RHS 155-N 155 1 SPV462, JJ 1041 5th leaf VScolour (5th fully Yellow green 2 CS 3541developed leaf) (RHS 144-N 144)

Grayed yellow (RHS 162) 3 -Grayed purple 4 -(RHS 183-187)

4. Plant: Time of panicle Very early (<56 days) 1 GFS 4 Panicle VG(*) emergence (50% of Early (56-65 days) 3 CSH 14 emergence

the plants with 50% Medium (66-75 days) 5 CSH 16anthesis) Late (76-85 days) 7 Pant Chari 5

Very late (>85 days) 9 SSV 84

5. Plant: Natural height Very short (<76 cm) 1 - panicle MSof plant up to base Short (76-150 cm) 3 296B emergenceof flag leaf Medium (151-225 cm) 5 RS 29

Tall (226-300 cm) 7 Pant chari 3Very tall (>300 cm) 9 -

6. Flag leaf: Yellow Absent 1 CS 3541 Panicle VS(*) colouration of midrib Present 5 27B emergence

7. Lemma: Arista Absent 1 CS 3541 Flowering VS(*) formation Present 9 296B

8. Stigma: Anthocyanin Absent 1 CS 3541 Upper portion VS(*) colouration Present 9 SSG 59-3 of the panicle

at the endof flowering

9 Stigma: Yellow Absent 1 CS 3541 Flowering VS(*) colouration Present 9 27B

10 Stigma: Length Short (<1mm) 3 AKMS 14B Flowering MSMedium (1-2mm) 5 IMS 9BLong (>2mm) 9 MAN T1

11. Flower with Very short 1 - Flowering MS(+) pedicel: Length Short 3 -

of flower Medium 5 CS 3541Long 7 27BVery long 9 SSG 59-3

12 Anther: Length Short (<3mm) 3 C 43 Flowering MSMedium (3-4mm) 5 27BLong (>4mm) 7 -

13 Anther: Colour of Yellow orange 1 2219B End of VGdry anther (RHS 14-23) flowering

Orange (RHS 24-29) 2 CS 3541Orange red (RHS 30-35) 3 -Grayed orange 4 CSH 16(RHS 163-177)

196 Volume 1, No. 1

14. Glume : Colour Green white (RHS 157) 1 - Physio-logical VG(*) Yellow white (RHS 158) 2 2077B maturity of(+) Grayed yellow 3 Pant chari 5 grain

(RHS 160-162)Grayed orange 4 UPMC 503(RHS 163-177)Grayed red 5 -(RHS 178-182)Grayed purple 6 Pant chari 4(RHS 183- N 187)

15. Plant: Total height Very short (< 76 cm) 1 - Physio-logical MS(*) Short (76-150 cm) 3 2219 B maturity

Medium (151-225 cm) 5 RS 673Long (226-300 cm) 7 GJ 39Very long (> 300 cm) 9 -

16 Stem : Diameter Small (<2 cm) 3 CS 3541 Physio-logical MS(at lower one third Medium (2 – 4 cm) 5 2077B maturityheight of plant) Large (> 4 cm) 7 -

17 Leaf: Length of Short (< 41 cm) 3 - Physio-logical MSblade (the third Medium (41 – 60 cm) 5 2219B maturityleaf from top Long (61– 80 cm) 7 CS 3541including flag leaf) Very long (> 80 cm) 9 CSH 18

18 Leaf: Width of blade Narrow (< 4.1 cm) 3 GFS 4 Physio-logical MS(the third leaf from Medium (4.1 – 6.0 cm) 5 - maturitytop including flag Broad (6.1 – 8.0 cm) 7 CSV 17leaf) Very broad (> 8.0 cm) 9 CSH 16

19 Panicle : Length Very short (<11 cm) 1 - Physio-logical MS(*) without peduncle Short (11 – 20 cm) 3 SSV 84 maturity

Medium (21 – 30 cm) 5 CS 3541Long (31 – 40 cm) 7 IMS 9BVery long (> 40 cm) 9 SSG 59-3

20. Panicle : Length of Short (<5.1 cm) 3 - Physio-logical MSbranches (middle Medium (5.1-10 cm) 5 CS 3541 maturitythird of panicle) Long (10.1-15 cm) 7 2077B

Very long (>15 cm) 9 SSG 59-3

21. Panicle : Density at Very loose 1 SSG 59-3 Physio-logical VG(*) maturity (ear head Loose 3 Pant Chari 4 maturity

compactness) Semi loose 5 CSH 16Semi compact 7 C 43Compact 9 Surat 1

22. Panicle : Shape Reversed pyramid 1 - Physio-logical VG(*) Panicle broader in upper 2 JJ 741 maturity(+) part


Symmetric 3 CSH 9Panicle broader in 4 MAN T1lower partPyramidal 5 SSG 59-3

23 Neck of panicle : Absent or very short 1 296B Physio-logical MS(*) Visible length above (<5.1 cm) maturity

sheath Short (5.1-10 cm) 3 JJ 1041Medium (10.1-15 cm) 5 Pant chari 4Long (15.1-20 cm) 7 GJ 37Very long (>20cm) 9 CSH 16

24. Glume : Length Very short (25% of 1 CSH 9 Physio-logical MS(+) grain covered) maturity

Short (50% of 3 CSV 15grain covered)Medium (75% of 5 2219Bgrain covered)Long (100% of 7 SSG 59-3grain covered)Very long 9 -(longer than the grain)

25 Grain : Freely threshable (<11%) 1 C 43 Maturity VG(+) Threshability unthreshed grain)

Partly thresahble (11– 50 5 MR 750unthreshed grain)Difficult to thresh 7 SSG 59-3(>50% unthreshed grain)

26. Caryopsis: Colour White 155 1 MAN T1 After VG(*) after threshing Greyed white 156 2 Pant Chari 4 threshing

Yellow white 158 3 Pant Chari 5Yellow orange 14-20 4 27BGreyed orange 200 5 UPMS 503

27. Grain : Weight of Very low (< 16 g) 1 SSG 59-3 After MG1000 grains Low (16-25 g) 3 2219B threshing

Medium (26-35 g) 5 C 43High (36-45 g) 7 -Very high (> 45 g) 9 -

28. Grain: Shape Narrow elliptic 1 SSG 59-3 After VG(+) (in dorsal view) Elliptic 2 2219B threshing

Circular 3 27B

29. Grain: Shape in Narrow elliptic 1 SSG 59-3 After VG(+) profile view Elliptic 2 2219B threshing

Circular 3 27B

198 Volume 1, No. 1

30. Grain: Size of Very small 1 - After VG(+) mark of germ Small 3 RS 29 threshing

Medium 5 296BLarge 7 C 43Very large 9 DSV 4

31 Grain: Texture of Fully vitreous 1 - After VG(*) endosperm (in (100% corneous) threshing

longitudinal section) ¾ vitreous 3 -(75% corneous)Half vitreous 5 AKMS 14B(50% corneous)¾ farinaceous 7 296B(25% corneous)Fully farinaceous 9 -(0% corneous)

32 Grain: Colour of Grayed yellow160-162 1 AKMS 14B After VGvitreous albumen Grayed orange rhs 166 2 SSG 59-3, UPMC 503 threshing

Grayed purple RHS N 187 3 Pant Chari 4

33 Grain : Lustre Non-lustrous 1 296B After VG

(*) Lustrous 5 CS 3541, M 35-1 threshing

VIII. Explanations on the Table of characteristics

Characteristic 1. Seedlings : Anthocyanin colouration of coleoptile

Cultivation for production of seedlings of sorghum under controlled conditions as per Payne et al.,1980.

Soil : 1/3 compost + 2/3 sand

Temperature : 24°C

Lighting : Continuous light at 24000 lux

Duration of test : About 14 days with the day of sowing included

Actual observation : 2 times on 25 seedlings


Very Short Short Medium 1 3 5

Characteristic 11. Flower with pedicel: Length of flower (at flowering)

Long Very Long 7 9

Characteristics 14. Glume: ColourGlume colour is to be recorded at the time of physiological maturity i.e., when the black layer is

formed on the base of the grain.

Very Short Short Medium 1 3 5

Long Very Long7 9

Characteristic 22. Panicle: Shape (at maturity)

Long (100%) Very Long 7 9

Characteristic 24. Glume: Length (at maturity)

Very Short (25%) Short (50%) Medium (75%) 1 3 5

200 Volume 1, No. 1

Characteristic 28. Grain: shape in dorsal view

Characteristic 25. Grain: Threshability

Three primary branches each from top, middle and bottom portions (total 9 primary branches) of thepanicle shall be selected after one week of physiological maturity and hand threshed. Ten panicles perreplication shall be randomly selected for this purpose.

Narrow Elliptic Elliptic Circular1 2 3

Characteristic 29. Grain: Shape in profile view

Narrow Elliptic Elliptic Circular 1 2 3

Characteristic 30. Grain: Size of mark of germ

Very Short (25%) Short (50%) Medium (75%)1 3 5

Long (100%) Very Long7 9


IX. Literature

1. UPOV (1989), TG/122/3 Guidelines for the conduct of tests for Distinctiveness, homogeneityand stability in Sorghum.

2. IBPGR and ICRISAT, 1984, “Revised Sorghum Descriptors”.

3. IBPGR and ICRISAT, 1993, “Descriptors for Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) 99

4. Payne, R.C., Koszykolowski, T.U. Morris, L. P., 1980: “Differentiation of Sorghum, Sudangrass and Sorghum x Sudan Grass Cultivars by seedling pigmentation patterns,” Journal of SeedTechnology Nr 1.

202 Volume 1, No. 1

PEARL MILLET (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.)

I. Subject

These test guidelines shall apply to all varieties, hybrids and parental lines of Pearl millet (Pennisetumglaucum (L.) R. Br.)


1. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV & FRA) shall decide when,where and in what quantity and quality of the seed material are required for testing a varietydenomination applied for registration under the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers’ Rights.(PPV& FR) Act, 2001. Applicants submitting such seed material from a country other than Indiashall make sure that all customs and quarantine requirements stipulated under relevant nationallegislations and regulations are complied with. The minimum quantity of the seed to be provided bythe applicant shall be 1000 gram in the case of candidate variety or hybrid and 500 gram for each ofthe parental line of the hybrid. Each of these seed lots shall be packed and sealed in ten equalweighing packets and submitted in one lot.





b. Moisture content : 10-12% (maximum)


3. The applicant shall also submit along with the seed a certified data on germination test made notmore than one month prior to date of submission. It also shall possess the highest genetic purity,uniformity, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards.

4. The plant material shall not have been subjected to any chemical or bio-physical treatment.


1. The minimum duration of DUS tests shall normally be at least two independent similar growingseasons.

2. The tests shall normally be conducted at least at two test locations. If any essential characteristics ofthe candidate variety are not expressed for visual observation at these locations, the variety shall beconsidered for further examination at another appropriate test site or under special test protocol onexpressed request of the applicant.

3. The field tests shall be carried out under conditions favouring normal growth and expression of alltest characteristics. The size of the plot shall be such that plants or parts of plants could be removedfor measurement and observation without prejudicing the other observations on the standing plantuntil the end of the growing period. Each test shall include about 900 plants in the plot size andplanting space specified below across four replications. Separate plots for observation and


measurement can only be used if they have been subjected to similar environmental conditions. Allthe replications shall be sharing similar environmental conditions of the test location.

4. Test plot design:Number of rows : 6

Row length : 6 m


Plant to plant distance : 15cm



6. Additional tests for special purpose may be established by PPV & FR Authority.



2. For the assessment of Distinctiveness and Stability, observation shall be made on (excluding outcrossed plants in inbred lines and plants obviously resulting from the selfing of a parental line insingle cross hybrids) at least 30 plants for inbreds / single cross hybrids and 60 plants for varietiesand other hybrids.

3. For the assessment of Uniformity of inbred lines and single cross hybrids a population standard of 1% with an acceptance probability of 95 % shall applied. In the case of a sample of 100 plants,maximum number of variants allowed shall not exceed 3 in case of inbred and single cross hybridsand 6 in case of other varieties and hybrids.

4. Leaf characteristics shall be observed on penultimate leaf.

5. Spike, leaf, node and internode characteristics shall be observed on primary tiller of the plant.

6. For the assessment of colour characteristics, the latest Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) colourchart shall be used.



2. The following characteristics are proposed to be used for grouping field pea varieties:

a) Plant: Time of spike emergence (Characteristic 3)

b) Anther: Colour (Characteristic 8)

c) Spike: Shape (Characteristic 19)

d) Seed: Colour (Characteristic 24)

e) Seed: Shape (Characteristic 25)

204 Volume 1, No. 1


1. To assess Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability, the characteristics and their states as given in

the Table of characteristics (Section VII) shall be used.


3. Legend:

(*) Characteristics that shall be observed during every growing season on all varieties and shall alwaysbe included in the description of the variety, except when the state of expression of any of thesecharacters is rendered impossible by a preceding phenological characteristic or by the environmentalconditions of the testing region. Under such exceptional situation, adequate explanation shall beprovided.



Decimal Code for the Growth Stages:

Code Growth stage3 Emergence stage

5 Three leaf stage

8 Five leaf stage

30 Flag leaf stage

35 Boot stage

45 Half bloom stage

50 Anthesis

60 Milk stage

65 Dough stage

70 Physiological maturity stage

75 Harvest maturity

5. Type of assessment of characteristics indicated in column seven of Table of characteristics is asfollows.

MG: Measurement by a single observation of a group of plants or part of plants.

MS: Measurement of a number of individual plants or parts of plants.

VG: Visual assessment by a single observation of a group of plants or parts of plants.





vation ment

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. Plant : Anthocyanin Absent 1 841B, H-77/833-2 Seedling VS(*) coloration of first emergence

leaf sheath Present 9 842B, ICMA 88004 (3)

2. Plant : Growth Erect 1 842B, J 2296, Spike VG(+) habit G73-107 emergence

Intermediate 5 H 77/833-2, Pusa 23, (45)D 23

Spreading 7 -—

3. Time of spike Very early(<43days) 1 H 77/833-2, HHB 67 Spike VG(*) emergence (50% Early (43-46 days) 3 ICMH 356 emergence

plants with atleast Medium (47-50 days) 5 Pusa 23, Pusa 605, 843 A (45)one spike emerged Late (51-54 days) 7 GHB 316, ICMH 451fully) Very late (>54 days) 9 HHB 117, J-2290

4. Leaf: Sheath Absent 1 842B, 841B Spike VGpubescence emergence

(45)Present 9 MS 81 A

5. Leaf: Sheath length Short (<10 cm) 3 J 2296, H 77/833-2, Spike MSICMB 88004 emergence

Medium (11-15 cm) 5 ICMR 356, D 23 (45)Long (>15 cm) 7 842B, Pusa 23

6. Leaf: Blade length Very short (<41 cm) 1 843 A Spike MSShort (41-50 cm) 3 H 77/833-2, ICMB 88004 emergenceMedium (51-60 cm) 5 842B, 841B, D 23 (45)Long (61-70 cm) 7 ICMP 423, PPMI69, Pusa 23Very long (>70 cm) 9 RHRBH 892, RHRBI 458

7. Leaf: Blade width Narrow (<3 cm) 3 H 77/833-2, ICMB 88004 Spike MS(at widest point) Medium (3-4 cm) 5 842B, D 23, HHB 117 emergence

Broad (>4 cm) 7 841A, Pusa 23, ICMH 423 (45)

8. Spike: Anther Yellow 1 HHB 94, G 73-107, Anthesis VG(*) colour RHRBI 458 (50)

Brown 2 842 B, 81BPurple 3 RHB 30, 403 A

9. Plant: Node Absent 1 H77/833-2, 842 B, Dough VG(*) pubescence RHB 30 grain

Present 9 841B, D 23 (65)

206 Volume 1, No. 1

10. Plant: Number of Low (<11) 3 GHB 526, HHB 117, Dough grain MSnodes HHB 60, RHB 30 (65)

Medium (11-15) 5 -High (>15) 7 -

11. Plant: Node Whitish 1 G 73-107, CZP 9802, Dough grain MS(*) pigmentation RCB 2 (65)

Green 2 H 77/833-2, 841B, Pusa 23Brown 3 RHB 30, RHB 58, HHB 94Red 4 HHB 60, HMS 7A, GHB 526Purple 5 842 B, ICMH 356, 88004 A

12. Plant: Internode Whitish 1 MBH 183, G 73-107 Dough grain VG(*) pigmentation Green 2 H 77/833-2, Pusa 23 (65)

(between 3rd & 4th Brown 3 —node from top) Red 4 —

Purple 5 ICMH 356, ICMB 88004

13. Spike exertion Partial 1 GHB 558, ICMA 88004, Dough grain VSJ 2290 (65)

Complete 3 GHB 526, HHB 67, HHB94

14. Spike: Length Very small (< 11cm) 1 H 90/4-5 Dough grain MS(*) Small (11-20 cm) 3 ICMA 88004, ICMR 356 (65)

Medium (21-30 cm) 5 GHB 526, HHB 60, 843 ALong (31-40 cm) 7 JMSA 101, PHB 47, GHB 316Very long (>40 cm) 9 —

15. Spike: Anthocyanin Absent 1 RHRB 1A, RHRBI 138, Dough grain VG(*) pigmentation of RHRBI 458 (65)

glume Present 9 H 77/833-2, Pusa 23, D 23

16. Spike: Bristle Absent 1 Pusa 23, D23 Dough grain VGPresent 9 ICMP 451, ICMH 451, (65)

MB 110

17. Spike: Bristle colour Green 1 ICMP 451, ICMH 451 Dough grain VS(*) Brown 2 — (65)

Red 3 —Purple 4 RHRBI 138, RHRBI 458

18. Spike: Girth Thin (<1.6 cm) 3 — Dough grain MS(*) at maximum point Medium (1.6-3.0 cm) 5 HHB 67, HHB 94, RHB 30 (65)

(excluding bristles) Thick (>3.0 cm) 7 J 2290, J 2405

19. Spike shape Cylindrical 1 H 77/833-2, Pusa 23, D23 Dough grain VG(*) Conical 2 842B, ICMP 423,ICMH 356 (65)(+) Spindle 3 PT 1890, G 73-107

Candle 4 843 ALanceolate 5 HHB 67

Dumb-bell 6 —


Club 7 —

Oblanceolate 8 —

Globose 9 —

20. Plant: Number of Monoculm 1 HTP 94/54 Dough grain MS(*) productive tillers Low (2-3 tiller) 3 GHB 316, J 2290 (65)(+) Medium (4-6 tiller) 5 HHB 117, 843A, 88004 A

High (>6 tiller) 7 —

21. Plant: Height Very short (<101cm) 1 81 B, 842 B, 843 A Dough grain MS(*) (excluding spike) Short (101-150 cm) 3 843 B, 88004 A (65)

Medium (151-200 cm) 5 GHB 558, HHB 67Tall (201-250 cm) 7 —Very tall (>250 cm) 9 —

22. Spike: Tip sterility Absent 1 H 77/833-2, H 77/29-2, Harvest VS732 A maturity

Present 9 GHB 526, HHB 60, 843 A (75)

23. Spike: Density Very loose 1 — Harvest VG(*) Loose 3 — maturity

Semi-compact 5 HHB 67, HHB 94, 843 A (75)Compact 7 HHB 117, GHB 526,

GHB 558Very compact 9 —

24. Seed: Colour Whitish 1 — Harvest VG(*) Cream 2 — maturity

Yellow 3 — (75)Grey 4 842 B, D 23Deep grey 5 GHB 558Grey brown 6 PPMI 69, GHB 526Yellow brown 7 81B, HHB 67

25. Seed: Shape Obovate 1 842 B, Pusa 23 Harvest VG(*) Elliptical 2 — maturity(+) Hexagonal 3 — (75)

Globular 4 843 B, HHB 67

26. Seed: Weight of Very low (<5 g) 1 — Harvest(*) 1000 grains Small (5.0-7.5 g) 3 H77/833-2, RIB 335/74 maturity

Medium (7.6-10 g) 5 GHB 526, 843 A (75)Bold (10.1-12.5 g) 7 88004 A, Pusa 322Very bold (>12.5 g) 9 —

208 Volume 1, No. 1

Applicable to forage pearl millet only


vation ment

1. Forage characters Dry 1 — Harvest VGStay green 5 HHB 117 maturity

(75)

2. Stalk juiciness Non-juicy 1 — Dough grain MSJuicy 5 HS 1, K 2, K 3 (65)

3. Green fodder Poor 3 HHB 67

yield potential Average 5 — (35)

Good 7 —


Characteristics 2: Plant: Growth habit

Erect 1


Characteristics: 19 Spike: Shape

Cylindrical Conical Spindle Candle Lanceolate1 2 3 4 5

Dumb-bell Club Oblanceolate Globose6 7 8 9

Characteristics 20. Plant: Number of productive tillers

Number of spikes bearing seeds. Spikes younger than the dough stage are not counted

Medium5

210 Volume 1, No. 1

Characteristics 25. Seed: Shape

Obovate Elliptical 3 5

Hexagonal7

Globular 9


CHICKPEA (Cicer arietinum L.)

I. Subject

These test guidelines shall apply to all varieties, hybrids and parental lines of Chickpea (Cicerarietinum L.)


1. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV & FRA) shall decide when,where and in what quantity and quality of the seed material are required for testing a varietydenomination applied for registration under the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers’ Rights(PPV& FR) Act, 2001. Applicants submitting such seed material from a country other than Indiashall make sure that all customs and quarantine requirements stipulated under relevant nationallegislations and regulations are complied with. The minimum quantity of the seed to be provided bythe applicant shall be 3000 gram in the case of Kabuli type and 2000 gram for Desi type of thecandidate variety. Each of these seed lots shall be packed and sealed in ten equal weighing packetsand submitted in one lot.

2. The seed submitted shall have at least 95 % germination, 98% physical purity, highest genetic purity,uniformity, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards. In addition the moisture content of the seed shallnot exceed 8 - 9% to meet the safe storage requirement. The applicant shall also submit along withthe seed a certified data on germination test made not more than one month prior to the date ofsubmission.





3. The field tests shall be carried out under conditions favouring normal growth and expression of alltest characteristics. The size of the plots shall be such that plants or parts of plants could be removedfor measurement and observation without prejudicing the other observations on the standing plantsuntil the end of the growing period. Each test shall include about 500 plants, in the plot size andplanting space specified below across three replications. Separate plots for observation andmeasurement can only be used if they have been subjected to similar environmental conditions. Allthe replications shall be sharing similar environmental conditions of the test location.

4. Test plot design

Number of rows : 8

Row length : 5 m

212 Volume 1, No. 1



Expected plants/replication : 200






2. For the assessment of Distinctiveness and Stability, observations shall be made on 30 plants or partsof 30 plants, which shall be divided among 3 replications (10 plants in each replication).

3. For the assessment of Uniformity of characteristics on the plot as a whole (visual assessment by asingle observation of a group of plants or parts of plants), a population standard of 1% with anacceptance probability of at least 95% shall be applied. In the case of a sample size of 100 plants, thenumber of off-types shall not exceed 3.




2. The following characteristics are proposed to be used for grouping Chickpea varieties:

a) Time of flowering (Characteristic 3)

b) Flower : Colour (Characteristic 9 )

c) Seed: Colour (Characteristic 15 )

d) Seed : Size (Characteristic 16 )




3. Legend:

(*) Characteristics that shall be observed during every growing period on all varieties and shall alwaysbe included in the description of the variety, except when the state of expression of any of these


characters is rendered impossible by a preceding phenological characteristic or by the environmentalconditions of the testing region. Under such exceptional situation, adequate explanation shall beprovided.


4. The optimum stage of plant growth for assessment of each characteristic is given in the sixth columnof Table of characteristics.

5. Type of assessment of characteristics indicated in column seven of Table of characteristics is asfollows :






S. Characteristics States Note Example varieties Stage of Type ofNo. observation assess-

ment

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. Stem: Anthocyanin Absent 1 KAK 2, BG 329, Before VS(*) colouration L 550 flowering

Present 9 Avarodhi, BG 256,SAKI 9516

2. Stem: Length at Low (<8 nodes) 3 - First MSinitiation of first Medium (8-15 nodes) 5 Vijay, Chaffa, floweringflower KAK 2

High (>15 nodes) 7 BG 1053, BG 261,BG 372

3. Time of flowering Extra early (<40 days) 1 - First VG(*) (50% of the plants flowering

with at least one Early (40-60 days) 3 ICCV 2, KAK 2open flower)

Medium (61-80 days) 5 JG 74, DCP 92-3,BG 256

Late (>80 days) 7 Sadabahar, BGM 408,L 551

214 Volume 1, No. 1

4. Plant: Growth habit Erect (0-15° 3 BG 261, BG 267 50 % VG(*) from vertical) flowering(+) Semi-erect 5 KWR 108, DCP 92-3,

(16-60° from vertical) BG 1053Spreading 7(61-80° from vertical) KAK 2, JGK 1

5. Plant: Colour of Light green 1 C 235, L 550 50% VG(*) foliage Medium green 2 Pusa 312, KWR 108, flowering

HK 98-155Dark green 3 Phule G 5,

K 850, PBG 1Greenish purple 4 -

6. Leaflet : Size/ Small (<10mm long) 3 Vijay, RS 10 50% MS(*) length flowering

(middle of the plant Medium (10-15mm) 5 JG 130, Vishal,and middle of the K 850leaf) Large (>15mm) 7 KAK 2, JGK 1

7. Leaf: Pattern Simple 1 - 50% VSCompound 3 BG 329, L 550 flowering

8. Flower: Number Single 1 KAK 2, 50% MSper peduncle BG 256, K 850 flowering

Twin 3 RSG 888, CSJD 884

9. Flower: Colour White 1 KAK 2, JGK 1 50% VG(*) Pink 2 JG 130, K 850, flowering

BG 256Blue 3 -

10. Flower : Stripes on Absent 1 KAK 2, JGK 1 50% VGstandard Present 9 Phule G 5, JG 315 flowering

11. Peduncle: Length Short (<5mm) 3 Chaffa, RS 11 Pod VGMedium (5-10 mm) 5 ICCV 10, development

BG 256, VijayLong (>10 mm) 7 KAK 2, PBG 5

12. Plant : Height Short (<45 cm) 3 JG 130, Phule G 5, Fully MS(*) KPG 59 developed

Medium (45-65 cm) 5 BG 1053, PBG 1, green podBG 256

Tall (>65 cm) 7 BG 261

13. Pod: Size(length) Small (<15 mm) 3 Sadabahar, JG 11 Harvest MS(*) Medium (15-20 mm) 5 K 850, maturity

KWR 108, L 550Large (>20 mm) 7 KAK 2, JGK 1


14. Pod: Number of One 1 Avarodhi, GNG 1292 Harvest MSseeds More than one 3 PBG 1, PDG 4, maturity

Annegiri 1

15. Seed: Colour Beige (kabuli) 1 KAK 2, JGK 1 30 days VG(*) Creamy beige 2 L 551, HK 94-134 after

Green 3 Sadabahar harvestYellow 4 BG 261, Pant G 114Orange 5 -Brown 6 JG 11, Phule G 5Dark brown 7 JG 130, Gujarat Gram2Grey 8 -Black 9 -

16. Seed : Size (weight Very small (<20g) 1 Annegiri 1, DCP 92-3 30 days MG(*) of 100 seeds at 10% Small (20-25 g) 3 GNG 1292, ICCV 10 after

moisture content) Medium (26-35g) 5 HK 98-134, harvestGG 2, KAK 2

Large (36-45 g) 7 -Very large (>45g) 9 -

17. Seed: Shape Pea-shaped 1 BG 329, JG 218 30 days VG(*) Owl’s head 2 JGK 1, KAK 2 after(+) Angular 3 RSG 888, Radhey, harvest

KWR 108

18. Seed: Testa texture Rough 1 BG 362, RSG 963, 30 days VG(*) Avarodhi after(+) Smooth 2 BG 391, BG 267 harvest

Tuberculated 3 Vishal, BG 240

19. Seed : Ribbing Absent 1 Phule G 5, L 550 30 days VG(*) Present 9 KWR 108, BG after

256, BG 1003 harvest

20. Seed: Type Desi 1 K 850, BG 256, 30 days VGSAKI 9516 after

Kabuli 3 KAK 2, JGK 1, harvest VG

BG 1053

216 Volume 1, No. 1

VIII. Explanations on the table of characteristics


Erect Semi-erect Spreading 3 5 7

Characteristic 17. Seed: Shape

Characteristic 18. Seed: Testa texture

Pea shaped Owl’s head Angular1 2 3

Rough Smooth Tuberculated 1 2 3


PIGEON PEA (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.)

I. Subject

These test guidelines shall apply to all varieties, hybrids and parental lines of Pigeon pea (Cajanuscajan (L.) Millsp.)


1. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV & FRA) shall decide when,where and in what quantity and quality of the seed material are required for testing a varietydenomination applied for registration under the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers’ Rights(PPV & FR), Act 2001. Applicants submitting such seed material from a country other than Indiashall make sure that all customs and quarantine requirements stipulated under relevant nationallegislations and regulations are complied with. The minimum quantity of the seed to be provided bythe applicant shall be 2000 gram in the case of the candidate variety or hybrid and 1500 gram foreach of the parental line of the hybrid. Each of these seed lots shall be packed and sealed in ten equalweighing packets and submitted in one lot.

2. The seed submitted shall have at least 95 % germination, 98% physical purity, highest genetic purity,uniformity, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards. In addition the moisture content of the seed shallnot exceed 8 - 9% to meet the safe storage requirement. The applicant shall also submit along withthe seed a certified data on germination test made not more than one month prior to the date ofsubmission.





3. The field tests shall be carried out under conditions favouring normal growth and expression of alltest characteristics. The size of the plots shall be such that plants or parts of plants could be removedfor measurement and observation without prejudicing the other observations on the standing plantsuntil the end of the growing period. Each test shall include about 500 plants, in the plot size andplanting space specified below across three replications. Separate plots for observation and formeasurement can only be used if they have been subjected to similar environmental conditions. Allthe replications shall be sharing similar environmental conditions of the test location.

4. Test plot design

Number of rows : 6

Row length : 5 m

218 Volume 1, No. 1

Row to row distance : 60 cm (early varieties)80 cm (late varieties)





6. Additional test, protocols for special purpose shall be established by the PPV & FR Authority.




3. For the assessment of Uniformity of characteristics on the plot as a whole (visual assessment by asingle observation of a group of plants or parts of plants), a population standard of 1% with anacceptance probability of at least 95% shall be applied. In the case of a sample size of 300 plants, thenumber of off-types shall not exceed 4.

4. All observations on growth habit and leaf shall be made at the time of full flowering unless indicatedotherwise.

5. All observations on the pod shall be made at dough stage unless indicated otherwise.

6. All observations on the seed shall be made on harvested dry seeds.


V. Grouping of varieties based on characters


2. The following characteristics are proposed to be used for grouping Pigeon pea varieties:


b) Plant: Growth habit (Characteristic 4)

c) Stem: Colour (Characteristic 5)

d) Pod: Waxiness (Characteristic 12)

e) Seed: Colour (Characteristic 18)





3. Legend:(*) Characteristics that shall be observed during every growing period on all varieties and shall always









VII. Table of characteristicsS. Characteristics States Note Example varieties Stage of Type of

No. observation assess-ment

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. Plant: Anthocyanin Absent 1 DA 11, BSMR 736 Seedling VS(*) colouration of Present 9 UPAS 120, Pusa 992

hypocotyl

2. Plant: Branching Erect (<300) 3 ICPL 151, GI 100 First VS(+) pattern Semi-spreading(300-600) 5 Paras, BDN 2 flowering

Spreading (>600) 7 MA 6, MAL 13

3. Time of flowering Very early 1 - First VG(*) (50% of the plants (<60 days) flowering

with at least one Early (61-90 days) 3 UPAS 120, Pusa 992open flower) Pusa 855,ICPL 151

Medium (91-130 days) 5 Pusa 855ICPL 155

220 Volume 1, No. 1

Late (131-160 days) 7 Azad, DA11Very late (>160 days) 9 Amar, Bahar

4. Plant: Growth habit Determinate 1 ICPL 151, GT 100 50 % VG(*) Indeterminate 3 Manak, Paras flowering(+)

5. Stem : Colour Green 1 Manak, Paras 50% VG(*) Purple 2 BDN 2, Hy 3C flowering

6. Leaf: Shape Oblong 1 AL 15, AL 201 50% VG(*) Obovate 3 TS 3 flowering(+) Narrowly 5 Manak, MA 3

Oblong(sesame)

7. Leaf : Pubescence Absent 1 UPAS 120, Pusa 992 50% VG(*) on lower surface Present 9 — flowering

of the leaf

8. Flower: Colour of Light yellow 1 --- 50% VG(*) base of petal Yellow 2 Manak, Paras flowering

(standard) Orange yellow 3 ---Purple 4 ---Red 5 Hy 3C, BSMR 853

9. Flower: Pattern of Absent 1 BDN 2, BSMR 736 50% VG(*) streaks on petal Sparse 3 Amar flowering(+) (standard) Medium 5 ICPL 87, AKT 8811

Dense 7 NDA 1Mosaic 9 —

10. Pod: Colour Green 1 BSMR 736, GT 1 Premature pod VG(*) Green with 2 ICPL 87, LRG 30 (dough stage)

brown streaksGreen with purple 3 CO 6, PT 221streaksPurple 4 Amar, BaharDark purple 5 —

11. Pod: Pubescence Absent 1 Manak, Pusa 885 Fully VG(*) Present 9 — developed

green pods

12. Pod: Waxiness Absent 1 UPAS 120, Pusa 992 Premature pods VG(*) Present 9 — (dough stage)

13. Pod : Surface Absent 1 — Premature VGstickiness Present 9 Paras, ICPL 332 pods

14. Pod: Constriction Slight 3 Hy 3C, ITB 7 Mature pods VG(*) Prominent 7 AL 15, AL 201,(+) MAL 13


15. Pod: Size (cm) Small (< 4 cm) 3 — Mature pods VG(*) Medium (4-5 cm) 5 —

Long (>5 cm) 7 —

16. Pod: No. of seeds 2 3 — Mature pods MS(*) 3 5 —

4 7 —

17. Plant: Height Short(<100 cm) 3 Al 15, ICPL 87 Harvest MS(*) Medium (100-150 cm) 5 Pusa 992, AL 15 maturity

Tall (>150 cm) 7 JKM 7, ICPL 85063

18. Seed: Colour Cream 1 T 1515, GT 1 Ripe seeds VG(*) Brown 2 Azad, Amar

Dark brown 3 Vamban 1, AKT 8811Grey 4 —Purple 5 —

19. Seed: Colour pattern Uniform 1 Manak, GT 100 Dry seeds VG(*) Mottled 2 DA 11(+)

20. Seed: Shape Oval 1 Paras, GT 100 Dry seeds VG(*) Globular 2 GS 1, T 7(+) Elongate 3 Pusa 33, Pusa 9

21. Seed: Size Small (<7g ) 3 LRG 30 Dry seeds MG(100 seed weight ) Medium (7-9g ) 5 Paras, Co 6

Large (>9-11g ) 7 ICPL 87, LRG 38Very large (>11g) 9 Hy 3C, Amar

VIII. Explanations on the table of characteristics

Characteristic 2. Plant: Branching pattern

Erect Semi-spreading Spreading 3 5 7

222 Volume 1, No. 1


Characteristic 9. Flower: Pattern of streaks on petal (standard)

Absent Sparse Medium 1 2 3

Dense Mosaic 4 5

Indeterminate Determinate 1 2

Characteristic 6. Leaf: Shape

Oblong Obovate Narrowly oblong (sesame) 1 2 3


Oval Globular Elongate 1 2 3


Characteristic 19. Seed: Colour pattern

Uniform Mottled 1 2

Characteristic 14. Pod: Constriction

Slight Prominent 3 7

224 Volume 1, No. 1

GREEN GRAM (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)

I. Subject

These test guidelines shall apply to all varieties, hybrids and parental lines of Green gram (Vignaradiata (L.) Wilczek)


1. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV & FRA) shall decide when,where and in what quantity and quality of the seed material are required for testing a varietydenomination applied for registration under the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers’ Rights(PPV & FR) Act, 2001. Applicants submitting such seed material from a country other than Indiashall make sure that all customs and quarantine requirements stipulated under relevant nationallegislations and regulations are complied with. The minimum quantity of the seed to be provided bythe applicant shall be 1000 gram in the case of the candidate variety. Each of these seed lots shall bepacked and sealed in ten equal weighing packets and submitted in one lot.

2. The seed submitted shall have at least 95 % germination, 98% physical purity, highest genetic purity,uniformity, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards. In addition the moisture content of the seed shallnot exceed 8 - 9% to meet the safe storage requirement. The applicant shall also submit along withthe seed, a certified data on germination test made not more than one month prior to the date ofsubmission.




2. The test shall normally be conducted at least at two test locations. If any essential characteristics ofthe candidate variety are not expressed for visual observation at these locations, the variety shall beconsidered for further examination at another appropriate test site or under special test protocol onrequest of the applicant.


4. Test plot design

Number of rows : 4

Row length : 5 m









1. The characteristics described in the Table of characteristics (see section VII) shall be used for thetesting of varieties for their DUS.

2. For the assessment of Distinctiveness and stability observations shall be made on 30 plants or partsof 30 plants, which shall be equally divided among 3 replications (10 plants per replication).

3. For the assessment of uniformity of characteristics on the plot as a whole, which shall be done bysingle visual observation of a group of plants or parts of plant a population standard of 0.5% with anacceptance probability of at least 95%, shall be applied. In the case of a sample size of 250 plants,the number of off-types shall not exceed 4.




2. The following characteristics are proposed to be used for grouping Green gram varieties:

a) Hypocotyl: Anthocyanin colouration (Characteristic 1)

b) Time of flowering (Characteristic 2)

c) Seed: Lusture (Characteristic 22)

d) Seed: Size (Characteristic 24)




3. Legend:(*) Characteristics that shall be observed during every growing season on all varieties and shall always

be included in the description of the variety, except when the state of expression of any of these

226 Volume 1, No. 1

characters is rendered impossible by a preceding phenological characteristic or by the environmentalconditions of the testing region. Under such exceptional situation, adequate explanation shall beprovided.

(+) See explanation on the Table of characteristics in Section VIII. It is to be noted that for certaincharacteristics the plant parts on which observations to be taken are given in the explanation orfigure(s) for clarity and not the colour variation.









ment

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. Hypocotyl: Absent 1 PM 3, HUM 12 Cotyledons VS(*) Anthocyanin Present 9 PDM 54, Unfolded

colouration Pant M2

2. Time of flowering Early (<40 days) 3 PDM 139, 50% plants VG(*) Pusa Vishal with at least

Medium (40-50days) 5 Pant M 4, NDM 1 one openflower

Late (>50 days) 7 CO 4, CO 5

3. Plant: Growth habit Erect 3 NDM-1, 50% VG(+) IPM 99-125 flowering

Semi-erect 5 K 851, PDM 139Spreading 7 CO 5

4. Plant: Habit Determinate 1 PDM 139, 50% VG(*) Pusa Vishal flowering(+) Indeterminate 3 CO 5

5. Stem: Colour Green 1 PDM 54, HUM 6 50% VG(*) Green with 2 RMG 62, NDM 1 flowering

purple splashesPurple 3 PKVM 8802


6. Stem: Pubescence Absent 1 — 50% VG(*) Present 9 Pant M 2, SML 668 flowering

7. Leaflet: Lobes Absent 1 NDM 1, Ganga 8 50% VG(+) (terminal) Present 9 — flowering

8. Leaf: Shape Deltoid 1 — 50% VG(+) (terminal) Ovate 2 PDM 11 flowering

Lanceolate 3 —Cuneate 4 —

9. Leaf: Colour Green 1 PDM 54, Pant M 5 50% VG(*) Dark green 2 AKM 8802, TARM 1 flowering

10. Leaf: Vein colour Green 1 COGG 912, HUM 12 50% VGGreenish purple 2 Pant M3, Pusa Vishal floweringPurple 3 TARM 1, NDM 1

11. Petiole: Colour Green 1 HUM 12 50% VGGreen with 2 NDM 1, Pant M 4 floweringpurple splashesPurple 3 AKM 8802

12. Leaf: size Small 3 PDM 139, Sona 50% MS(*) (at 5th node from Medium 5 Pant M 4, Pant M 5 flowering

the base) Large 7 Pant Moong 3,Pant Moong 1

13. Flower: Colour of Yellow 3 TARM 1, Pusa 9072 50% VGpetal (standard) Light yellow 5 PDM 139, HUM 12 flowering

14. Pod: Colour of Green 1 PDM 11, PDM 54 Fully VGpre-mature pod Green with developed

pigmented suture 2 TARM 1, TARM 2 green pods

15. Pod: Pubescence Absent 1 — Fully VS(*) Present 9 Pant M 4, NDM 1 developed

green pods

16. Pod: Position Above canopy 1 AKM 8803, Pusa Vishal Fully VG(*) Intermediate 2 Sujata developed

Not visible 3 — green pods

17. Plant: Height Short (<50 cm) 3 AKM 8802, Sona Fully MS(*) Medium (50-70 cm) 5 PDM 11, Pant M 5 developed

green podsLong (>70 cm) 7 CO 4, Pusa 9072

18. Pod: Colour Brown 1 — Harvest VG(*) Black 2 PDM 139, Pant M 3 maturity

19. Pod: Curvature of Straight 1 PDM 11, PDM 139 Harvest VG(+) mature pod Curved 3 RMG 268, RMG 344 maturity

228 Volume 1, No. 1

20. Pod: Length Short (< 8 cm) 3 Sujata, Sona Harvest MS(*) (mature pod) Medium (8-10 cm) 5 IPM 99-125 maturity

Long (> 10 cm) 7 Pusa Ratna,Pusa Vishal

21. Seed: Colour Yellow 1 Sona Mature seeds VG(*) Green 2 IPM 99-125,

Asha, HUM 1Mottled 3 —Black 4 —

22. Seed: Lusture Shiny 1 IPM 99-125, HUM 1 Mature seeds VG(*) Dull 2 Pant M 4, NDM 1

23. Seed: Shape Oval 1 PDM 54, PDM 139 Mature seeds VG(+) Drum shaped 3 Pusa Ratna, NDM 1

24. Seed: Size Small (<3 g) 3 Sona, PDM 139 Mature seeds MG(*) (weight of 100 Medium (3 to 5 g) 5 AKM 9910,

seeds) IPM 99-125Large (> 5 g) 7 Pusa Vishal, SML 668



Erect Semi-erect Spreading 3 5 7

Characteristic 4. Plant: Habit

Determinate Indeterminate 1 3


Characteristic 7. Leaflet: Lobes

Absent Present 1 9

Characteristic 8. Terminal leaflet: Shape

Deltoid Ovate Lanceolate Cuneate 1 2 3 4

Characteristic 19. Pod: Curvature of mature pod

Straight Curved 1 3


Oval Drum shaped 1 3

230 Volume 1, No. 1

BLACKGRAM (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

I. Subject

These test guidelines shall apply to all varieties, hybrids and parental lines of Blackgram (Vignamungo ( L.) Hepper).



2. The seed submitted shall have at least 95 % germination, 98% physical purity, highest genetic purity,uniformity, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards. In addition, the moisture content of the seed shallnot exceed 8 - 9% to meet the safe storage requirement. The applicant shall also submit along withthe seed, a certified data on germination test made not more than one month prior to the date ofsubmission.

3. The seed material shall not be subjected to any chemical or bio-physical treatment.



2. The test shall normally be conducted at least at two test locations. If any essential characteristics ofthe candidate variety are not expressed for visual observation at these locations, the variety shall beconsidered for further examination at another appropriate test site or under special test protocols onexpressed request of the applicant.


4. Test plot designNumber of rows : 4

Row length : 5m









1. The characteristics described in the Table of characteristics (see section VII) shall be used for thezesting of varieties, inbred lines and hybrids for their DUS.

2. For the assessment of Distinctiveness and Stability, observations shall be made on 30 plants or partsof 30 plants, which shall be equally divided among 3 replications (10 plants per replication).

3. For the assessment of Uniformity of characteristics on the plot as a whole which shall be done bysingle visual observation of a group of plants or parts of plants a population standard of 0.5% withan acceptance probability of at least 95% shall be applied. In the case of a sample size of 250 plants,the number of off-types shall not exceed 4.

4. All pod characteristics shall be recorded in the middle portion of the main stem.




2. The following characteristics are proposed to be used for grouping Blackgram varieties:


b) Plant: Habit (Characteristic 4)

c) Pod: Pubescence (Characteristic 14)

d) Seed: Lusture (Characteristic 19)

e) Seed: Size (Characteristic 21)




3. Legend:

(*) Characteristics that shall be observed during every growing season on all varieties and shall always

232 Volume 1, No. 1


(+) See Explanation on the Table of characteristics in Section VIII. It is to be noted that for certaincharacteristics the plant parts on which observations to be taken are shown in the explanation ordiagram for clarity and not the colour variation.



MG: Measurement by a single observation of a group of plants or parts of plantsMS: Measurement of a number of individual plants or parts of plantsVG: Visual assessment by a single observation of a group of plants or parts of plantsVS: Visual assessment by observation of individual plants or parts of plants



ment

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. Hypocotyl: Absent 1 — Cotyledons VS(*) Anthocyanin Present 9 IPU 94-1, unfolded

colouration Pant U 35

2. Time of flowering Early (<40days) 3 Pant U 19, T 9 50% plants VG(*) Medium (40-50 Days) 5 LBG 685, CO 5 with at least one

Late (>50 days) 7 LBG 17, LBG 402 open flower

3. Plant: Growth Erect 3 T 9, TAU 1 50% VG(+) habit Semi-erect 5 Pant U 35, NDU 1 flowering

Spreading 7 Vamban 1, Naveen

4. Plant: Habit Determinate 1 T 9, Pant U 19, 50% VG(*) Pant U 30 flowering(+) Indeterminate 2 IPU 94-1

5. Stem : Colour Green 1 — 50% VS(*) Green with 2 NDU 1, RBU 38 flowering

purple splashesPurple with 3 IPU 94-1,green splashes Azad Urd 2Purple 4 —

6. Stem: Pubescence Absent 1 — 50% VS(*) Present 9 Pant U 19, NDU 1 flowering


7. Leaflet( terminal) : Deltoid 1 — 50% VG(*) Shape Ovate 2 CO 5 flowering(+) Lanceolate Cuneate 3 Pant Urd 19, WBU108

4 Vamban 1

8. Foliage: Colour Green 1 PDU 1, Mash 1 50% VG(*) Dark green 2 Uttara, NDU 1 flowering

9. Leaf: Vein colour Green 1 Pant U 19, NDU 1 50% VGPurple 2 LBG 20, LBG 648 flowering

10. Leaf: Pubescence Absent 1 — 50% VS(*) Present 9 KU96-3, WBU 108 flowering

11. Petiole: Colour Green 1 — Fully VGGreen with 2 NDU 1, RBU 38 developedpurple splashes green podsPurple 3 —

12. Pod: Intensity of Yellowish green 3 PDU 1, Shekhar U 2 Fully VGgreen colour of Green 5 AKU 9904, T 9 developedpremature pods Dark green 7 Uttara green pods

13. Pod: Pubescence Absent 1 T 9, TAU 2, Fully VG(*) Present 9 Pant U 19, NDU 1 developed

green pods

14. Peduncle: Length Short (< 5 cm) 3 — Harvest MS(*) Medium (5-10 cm) 5 NDU 1, PDU 1 maturity

Long (>10 cm) 7 —

15. Pod: Length Small (<5cm) 3 Azad Urd 2 HarvestMedium (5-7 cm) 5 Shekhar Urd 2 maturityLong (>7cm) 7 —

16. Pod: Colour of Buff (off-white) 1 PDU 1 Harvest VG(*) mature pod Brown 2 Shekhar 2, TU 94-2 maturity

Black 3 Uttara, TAU 1

17. Plant: Height Short (<45 cm) 3 T 9, WBU 108 Harvest MS(*) Medium (45-60 cm) 5 Shekhar U 1 maturity

Long (>60 cm) 7 Pant U 30, RBU 38

18. Seed: Colour Green 1 Shekhar U 2 Mature VG(*) Greenish brown 2 JU 2 seeds

Brown 3 Pant Urd 30Black 4 IPU 94-1Mottled 5 —

19. Seed: Lusture Shiny 1 LBG 17 Mature VG(*) Dull 2 Uttara, NDU 1 seeds

20. Seed: Shape Globose 1 — Mature VG(*) Oval 2 Uttara, seeds(+) Drum shaped 3 KU 96-3, LBG 623

234 Volume 1, No. 1

21. Seed : Size (weight Small (<3 g) 3 — Mature MG(*) of 100 seeds ) Medium (3-5 g) 5 IPU 94-1, Pant Urd 30 dseeds

Large (>5 g) 7 —

VIII. Explanation on the Table of characteristics


Erect Semi erect Spreading 3 5 7

Characteristic 4. Plant: habit

Determinate Indeterminate 1 2


Characteristic 7. Terminal leaflet: Shape


Globose Oval Drum shaped1 2 3

Deltoid Ovate Lanceolate Cuneate1 2 3 4

236 Volume 1, No. 1

LENTIL (Lens culinaris Medik)

I. Subject

These test guidelines shall apply to all varieties, hybrids and parental lines of Lentil (Lens culinarisMedik)



2. The seed submitted shall have at least 85% germination, 98% physical purity, highest genetic purity,uniformity, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards. In addition the moisture content of the seed shallnot exceed 8 - 9% to meet the safe storage requirement. The applicant shall also submit along withthe seed a certified data on germination test made not more than one month prior to the date ofsubmission.






4. Test plot design

Number of rows : 6

Row length : 5 m











3. For the assessment of Uniformity of characteristics on the plot as a whole (visual assessment by asingle observation of a group of plants or parts of plants), a population standard of 0.5% with anacceptance probability of at least 95% shall be applied. In the case of a sample size of 250 plants, thenumber of off-types shall not exceed 3.

4. All observations on leaflets shall be recorded on first fully developed leaf on the main stem.

5. All observations on the flower colour shall be made on the freshly open flower.




2. The following characteristics are proposed to be used for grouping lentil varieties:

a) Stem: Anthocyanin colouration (Characteristic 2)

b) Time of flowering (Characteristic 3)

c) Leaf: Pubescence (Characteristic 4)

d) Flower: Colour of standard (Characteristic 7)

e) Seed: Size (Characteristic 10 )

f) Seed: Testa colour (Characteristic 11)



2. Note (1 to 9) is used to describe the state of each character for the purpose of digital data processing.

238 Volume 1, No. 1

3. Legend:

(*) Characteristics that shall be observed during every growing period on all varieties and shall alwaysbe included in the description of the variety, except when the state of expression of any of thesecharacters is rendered impossible by a preceding phenological characteristic or by the environmentalconditions of the testing region. Under uch exceptional situation, adequate explanation shall beprovided.

(+) See Explanation on the Table of characteristics in Section VIII. It is to be noted that for certaincharacteristics, the plant parts on which observations to be taken are given in the explanation orfigure(s) for clarity and not the colour variation.






ment

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. Foliage: Intensity Light 1 VL 1, VL 103 Flower bud VGof green colour Medium 2 DPL 15, DPL 62 stage

Dark 3 JL 1, JL 3

2. Stem: Anthocyanin Absent 1 K 75, NDL 1 50% VS(*) colouration Present 9 PL 4, PL 234 flowering

3. Time of flowering Early (<60 days) 3 — 50% of the VG(*) Medium 5 DPL 15, DPL 62 plants with

(60-80 days) at least oneLate (>80 days) 7 VL 4, VL 103 open flower

4. Leaf: Pubescence Absent 1 — 50% VG(*) Present 9 Subrita, Ranjan flowering

5. Leaflet: Size Small 3 VL 1, VL 103 50% MS(*) (length) Medium 5 DPL 15, DPL 62 flowering(+) Large 7 PL 5

6. Plant: Growth habit Erect (<300) 1 DPL 15, Ranjan 50% VG(*) Semi-erect (30-600) 3 DPL 62 flowering

Horizontal (>600) 5 —


7. Flower: Colour of White 1 — 50% VS(*) standard Pink 2 — flowering

Blue 3 —Violet 4 PL 4, K 75Others (specify) 5 PL 4, K 75

8. Plant: Height Short (<40 cm) 3 — Harvest MS(*) Medium 5 DPL 15, DPL 62 maturity

(40-60 cm)Long (>60 cm) 7 —

9. Pod: Anthocyanin Absent 1 DPL 15, DPL 62 Fully VG(*) colouration Present 9 Asha developed

green pod

10. Seed: Size (weight Small (<2 g) 3 PL 406, PL 234 Mature seed MG(*) of 100 seeds) Medium (2-2.5 g) 5 DPL 15, K 75

Large (2.6-3.0 g) 7 VL1, VL 4Very large (>3.0 g) 9 DPL 62, PL 5

11. Seed: Testa colour Green 1 — Mature VG(*) Grey 2 — seed

Pink 3 —Brown 4 DPL 15, K 75Black 5 VL1, VL 4

12. Seed: Testa Absent 1 PL 406, K 75 Mature VG(*) mottling Present 9 — seed

13. Cotyledon: Colour Yellow 1 — Mature VG(*) Olive green 2 — seed

Orange 3 DPL 15, DPL 62

VIII. Explanation on the table of characteristics

Characteristic 5. Leaflet: Size

Small Medium Large 3 5 7

240 Volume 1, No. 1

FIELD PEA (Pisum sativum L.)

I. Subject

These test guidelines shall apply to all varieties, hybrids and parental lines of Field pea (Pisumsativum L.).



2. The seed submitted shall have at least 85% germination, 98% physical purity, highest genetic purity,uniformity, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards. In addition the moisture content of the seed shallnot exceed 8 - 9% to meet the safe storage requirement. The applicant shall also submit along withthe seed a certified data on germination test made not more than one month prior to the date ofsubmission.







Number of rows : 5

Row length : 5 m


Row to row distance : 60 cm (determinate types)

90 cm (indeterminate types)








2. For the assessment of Distinctiveness and Stability, observations shall be made on 30 plants or partsof 30 plants, which shall be equally divided among 3 replications (10 plants per replication).

3. For the assessment of Uniformity of characteristics on the plot as a whole (visual assessment by asingle observation of a group of plants or parts of plants), a population standard of 0.5% with anacceptance probability of at least 95% shall be applied. In the case of a sample size of 300 plants, thenumber of off-types shall not exceed 4.




2. The following characteristics are proposed to be used for grouping field pea varieties:

a) Plant : Height (Characteristic 14)

b) Stipule : Rabbit-eared stipules (Characteristic 6)

c) Flower : Opening (days) (Characteristic 8)

d) Pod : Shape of the distal part (Characteristic 12)

e) Seed : Cotyledon colour (Characteristic 17

f) Seed : Shape (Characteristic 15)




242 Volume 1, No. 1

3. Legend:

(*) Characteristics that shall be observed during every growing season on all varieties and shall alwaysbe included in the description of the variety, except when the state of expression of any of thesecharacters is rendered impossible by a preceding phenological characteristic or by the environmentalconditions of the testing region. Under such exceptional situation, adequate explanation shall beprovided.







ment

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. Stem: Anthocyanin Absent 1 HFP 4, Rachna Initiation of VS(*) colouration Present 9 — first flower

2. Foliage: Colour Light green 3 Rachna, HUP 2 Initiation VG(*) Green 5 HUDP 15, HFP 8909 of first

Dark green 7 VL 3, B 22 flower

3. Foliage: Waxy Absent 1 — Initiation of VG(*) bloom Present 9 HFP 4, HFP 8909, first flower

KPMR 400

4. Leaf: Leaflets Absent 1 HUDP 15, HFP 4 Initiation of VG(*) (afila type) first flower(+) Present 9 Rachna, IPF 99-25

5. Leaf: Axil colour Green 1 HUDP 15, Rachna Initiation of VSPurple 2 B 22 first flower

6. Stipule: Rabbit Absent 1 DDR 23, B 22 Initiation of VG(*) eared stipules Present 9 Rachna, HUDP 15 first flower

7. Stipule: Type Normal 1 Rachna, DMR 7 initiation of VGVestigial 3 — first flower


8. Flower: Opening Extra early (<40 days) 1 Arkel, NDVP 24 50% of the VG(*) (days) Early (40-50 days) 2 DDR 23 plants with at

Medium (51-70 days) 3 HUDP 15, HFP 8909 least oneLate (> 70 days) 4 — open flower

9. Flower: Standard White 1 HUDP 15, HFP 4, 50% VGpetal colour Bonneville flowering

Blue 2 —Pink 3 —Red 4 —Purple 5 B 22

10. Pod : Number/Axil Single 1 Arka Ajit Fully VS(*) Double 2 HUDP 15, Rachna developed

Multiple 3 — green pod

11. Pod: Curvature Absent 1 — Fully VG(*) Weak 3 — developed(+) Medium 5 Rachna, KFP 103 green pod

Strong 7 —

12. Pod: Shape of distal Pointed 1 HFP 4, Rachna Fully VS(*) part Blunt 9 — developed(+) green pod

13. Pod: Intensity of Light green 3 VL3 Fully VGgreen colour Green 5 HFP 8909, DMR 7, developed

Arkel green podDark green 7 HUDP 15, IPFD 99-13

14. Plant: Height Short (< 60 cm) 3 HFP 4, KPMR 400 Peak MS(*) Medium (60-80 cm) 5 HUDP 15, Azad pea 1 flowering

Long (> 80 cm) 7 Rachna, KFP 103

15. Seed: Shape Spherical 1 HFP 4, Rachna Mature VG(*) Cylindrical 2 —- seed(+) Dimpled 3 —-

16. Seed: Surface Smooth 1 HUDP 15, Rachna Mature VG(+) Wrinkled 2 Arkel seed

Azad pea 1

17. Seed: Cotyledon Creamy 3 HUDP 15, HFP 4 Mature VG(*) colour Green 5 HFP 9907 B seed

Yellow 7 —

18. Seed: Weight of Small (<150 g) 3 B 22 Mature MG1000 seeds Medium (150-200 g) 5 — seed

Large (> 200g) 7 Rachna, Jayanti

19. Seed: Testa mottling Absent 1 HUDP 15, Rachna Mature VGPresent 9 — seed

20. Seed parchment Absent 1 HUDP 15, Rachna Fully developed VGPresent 9 — green pod

244 Volume 1, No. 1

VIII. Explanation for the table of characteristics

Characteristic 6. Stipule: Rabbit-eared stipules

Absent Present 1 9

Characteristic 11. Pod: Curvature

Absent Weak Medium Strong1 3 5 7

Pointed Blunt 1 9

Characteristic 12. Pod: Shape of distal part


Spherical Cylindrical Dimpled 1 2 3


Characteristic 16. Seed: Surface

Smooth Wrinkled 1 3

246 Volume 1, No. 1

KIDNEY BEAN (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

I. Subject

These test guidelines shall apply to all varieties, hybrids and parental lines of Kidney bean (Phaseolusvulgaris L.)



2. The seed submitted shall have at least 85 % germination, 98% physical purity, highest genetic purity,uniformity, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards. In addition, the moisture content of the seed shallnot exceed 8 - 9% to meet the safe storage requirement. The applicant shall also submit along withthe seed, a certified data on germination test made not more than one month prior to the date ofsubmission.




2. The test shall normally be conducted at least at two test locations. If any essential characteristics ofthe candidate variety are not expressed for visual observation at these locations, the variety shall beconsidered for further examination at another appropriate test site or under special test protocols onexpressed request of the applicant.


4. Test plot designNumber of rows : 4

Row length : 5 m

Row to row distance : 40 cm (determinate type)

80 cm (indeterminate type)








1. The characteristics described in the table of characteristics (see section VII) shall be used for thetesting of varieties, inbred lines and hybrids for their DUS.

2. For the assessment of Distinctiveness and stability observations shall be made on 30 plants or partsof 30 plants, which shall be equally divided among 3 replications (10 plants per replication).

3. For the assessment of uniformity of characteristics on the plot as a whole (visual assessment by asingle observation of a group of plants or parts of plants), a population standard of 0.5% with anacceptance probability of at least 95% shall be applied. In the case of a sample size of 300 plants, thenumber of off-types shall not exceed 4.




2. The following characteristics are proposed to be used for grouping Kidney bean varieties:

Time of flowering (Characteristic 1)

Plant: Habit (Characteristic 6)

Pod: Colour (Characteristic 15)

Seed: Colour (Characteristic 21)




3. Legend:

(*) Characteristics that shall be observed during every growing season on all varieties and shall alwaysbe included in the description of the variety, except when the state of expression of any of thesecharacters is rendered impossible by a preceding phenological characteristic or by the environmental

248 Volume 1, No. 1

conditions of the testing region. Under such exceptional situation, adequate explanation shall beprovided.







ment

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. Time of flowering Early (<50 days) 3 HUR 137 50% plants VG(*) Medium (50-75 days) 5 IPR 96-4 with at least

Late (76-100 days) 7 — one openVery late (>100 days) 9 — flower

2. Stem: Anthocyanin Absent 1 PDR-14, IPR 98-5 Peak VS(*) colouration Present 9 — flowering

3. Leaflet: Size (at Small 3 IPR 98-5 Peak MSterminal leaflet of Medium 5 IPR 96-4, HUR 15 floweringfirst flowering node) Large 7 PDR 14

4. Plant: Growth type Erect 3 PDR 14, IPR-96-4 Peak VG(+) Semi-erect 5 Arka Bold flowering

Spreading 7 Kentucky Wondor

5. Plant: Twining habit Viny 1 IPR 98-5 Peak VG(*) Non-viny 9 PDR 14 flowering(+)

6. Plant: Habit Determinate 1 PDR 14 Peak VG(*) Indeterminate 3 Kentucky Wondor flowering(+)

7. Leaf: Intensity of Light 3 HUR 15 Peak VGgreen colour Dark 7 - flowering


8. Leaflet: Shape of Cordate 1 IPR-96-4, IPR 98-5 Peak VG(*) central leaflet Ovate 2 PDR 14, HPR 35 flowering(+) Rhombohedric 3 —

Hastate 4 —

9. Flower: Colour of White 1 PDR 14, IPR 96-4 Peak VG(*) standard petal Yellow 2 — flowering

Pink 3 ContenderViolet 4 —

10. Flower: Outer Striped 1 IPR 98-5, Peak VG(+) surface of IPR 96-4, flowering

standard petal Non-striped 3 HUR 15

11. Pod: Curvature Absent 1 PDR 14, IPR 96-4 Fully VG(*) Medium 5 HUR 15 grown(+) Strong 7 Contender green pod

12. Pod: Shape of Cordate 1 PDR 14, HUR 15 Fully grown VG(*) cross section Circular 2 Anupama green pod

(through seed) Eight shaped 3 —Oval 4 —

13. Pod: Shape (in Concave 1 Contender Fully VG(*) relation to suture) S -shaped 2 — grown(+) Convex 3 PDR 14, HUR 137 green pod

14. Pod: Shape of Acute 3 PDR 14, HUR 15 Fully grown VG(*) distal part Acute to truncate 5 — green pod(+) (excluding beak) Truncate 7 —

15. Pod: Colour Pale green 1 HUR 15 Fully grown VG(*) Green 2 PDR 14, IPR 96-4 green pod

Purple 3 HPR 35

16. Pod: Stringiness Absent 1 HUR 15 Fully grown VSPresent 9 PDR 14, IPR 96-4 green pod

17. Pod: Pigmentation Absent 1 HPR 35 Fully grown VSon pod shell Present 9 PDR 14, IPR 96-4 green pod

18. Plant: Height Short (<40cm) 3 HUR 15, HUR 137 Harvest MSMedium (40-75cm) 5 PDR 14, IPR 96-4 maturityTall (>75cm) 7 Arka Komal, Contender

19. Seed: Shape Circular 1 — Mature VG(*) Circular to elliptic 2 PDR 14, IPR 96-4 seed(+) Elliptic 3 HUR 15,

Kidney shaped 4 HUR 137, Arka Komal

20. Seed: Size Small (< 250 g) 3 — Mature MG(*) (weight of 1000 Medium 5 PDR 14, IPR 96-4 seed

seeds) (250-350 g)

250 Volume 1, No. 1

Large (351-450g) 7 —Very large (>450 g) 9 HUR 15, HUR 137

21. Seed: Testa colour White 1 HUR 15 Mature VG(*) Brown 2 Arka Komal, Contender seed

Red 3 IPR 98-5Dark red 4 —Black 5 —

22. Seed: Testa Absent 1 HUR 15, IPR 98-5 Mature VGvariegation Present 9 PDR 14, IPR 96-4 seed

VIII. Explanation for the table of characteristics

Characteristic 4. Plant: Growth type

Erect Semi erect Spreading 3 5 7

Characteristic 6. Plant: Habit

Indeterminate Determinate 1 3


Characteristic 8. Leaflet: Shape of central leaflet

Cordate Ovate Rhombohedric Hastate 1 2 3 4

Striped Non-striped 1 3

Characteristic 10. Flower: Outer surface of standard (banner) petal

Characteristic 11. Pod: Curvature

Absent Medium Strong 1 5 7

252 Volume 1, No. 1

Acute Acute to truncate Truncate 3 5 7

Characteristic 14. Pod: Shape of distal part (excluding beak)

Characteristic 19. Seed: Shape in longitudinal section

Circular Circular to elliptic Elliptic Kidney shaped 1 2 3 4

Characteristic 13. Pod: Shape of curvature

Concave S- Shaped Convex1 2 3