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Prophyta – The Annual A publication of the Prophyta 4 In Short 30 Essentially Derived Varieties (EDV) 3 Foundation in co-operation with Blue Bird Publishers Position of ciopora CSFFEFS 5 Editorial editorial advisory board Theo 33 Comments Ruys, John van Ruiten, Cees 9 Prophyta Foundation A remarkable perspective Moerman and Jan Timmerman publisher/chief editor Monique Krinkels 10 CMŠSA President Milan Pavlíˇcek 35 Comments contributing editors Charles ‘I expect interesting discussions’ An unacceptable burden Frink, Huib Ghijsen, Bram de Jonge, Geert-Jan de 36 Rabobank envisages future grower Klerk, Annet Lamers, Niels Generation gap will alter Louwaars, John van Ruiten, Hajo Strik, Wietse Vroom operational management sub editor Ray Vale graphic design Marcel Bakker, 38 Changing world De Ontwerperij Seed companies do not profit production manager Hajo Strik from soaring food prices cover photograph Meilland printed by Global Printing 40 Adaptations in drying strategies addresses Blue Bird Publishers Global warming influences seed storage vof, Jan Kostelijklaan 16, 5IFO
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phone +31 (0)255 521 852, 12 Seeds of the Czech Republic New hygiene system increases fax +31 (0)847 510 694, The cradle of breeding still security factor [email protected] proves its worth 4UPQ
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FGGFDUJWFMZ p.o. box 40, 2370 aa 14 Extensive distribution Roelofarendsveen, network of Bejo Zaden the Netherlands, Eastern Europe offers huge potential phone +31 (0)713 326 161, fax +31 (0)713 326 364, email [email protected], 18 International Seed Federation website www.prophyta.nl 10 Questions to the present and former secretary general © 2008 All rights reserved. No portion of contents may be reproduced in any form 22 In search of new varieties 7FSEJ
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26 New generation priming Intellectual property protection declare that they have compiled for sugar beet seed challenges public research 8JUI
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However, no warranty or 48 Micropropagation in darkness representation is made to the 28 Plant breeding research in 2025 A novel way to reduce the accuracy or completeness of Bio-informatics will stimulate costs of tissue culture information contained in the international standardisation articles. The publisher and authors assume no liability whatsoever for any damage resulting from the use of this publication or its contents. Leading specialist in horticultural software Prophyta prophyta annual 2008

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XXXEJTUFMOM In Short In Short Editorial

Fleuroselect presents Gold Medal Winners 2009 Takii strengthens position Optimally guarded

The Japanese based company Takii has strengthened its position on the world flower market. Early this year it acquired the Danish company Global Flowers. This company is specialised in breeding high quality flower varieties of pot plants, bedding plants and cur flowers for the professional market. Its main products are Begonia semp. Gerbera, Lisianthus and Primula and it exports the flower seeds to more than 60 countries worldwide. 4 In September last year Takii took over K. Sahin Zaden. When in 1991 a revised upov convention came into being, breed- 5 The company, established by Kees and Elisabeth Sahin ers believed that their rights were optimally guarded. Even more in 1982, is renowned worldwide as a dynamic flower so as there was a special stipulation for mutants and genetically breeder. Elisabeth and her late husband Kees devel- modified varieties. If the phenotype of a new variety has all the oped a wide product assortment. It is the company’s signature achievement to successfully introduce new essential characteristics of an earlier variety except for one, it was species and novel genetic traits previously unknown to supposed to be essentially derived and the holder of the origi- the market. Besides F1 hybrid Delphinium, sunflow- nal variety could claim compensation. It was meant to protect ers and violas the company produces a large range of breeders from growers accidentally finding a spontaneous colour first year flowering perennials en garden annuals. mutant in their fields or from scientists adding a single gene to a protected variety. Since the start of upov in 1961 breeders of vegetatively multiplied species had insisted that additional regula- ‘Ballerina Red’ and ‘Ballerina White’ are all-round performers for a multitude of audiences Monsanto takes over De Ruiter Seeds tions were needed. In 1991 they finally were accommodated. Soon however, it became clear that the concept of essential deriva- Fleuroselect has recently presented Plumbaginaceae family and is native to Monsanto and De Ruiter Seeds Group have come to an tion it is not easy to define. Since the introduction, the discus- its 2009 Gold Medal Winners. This year Portugal. It goes by the common name of agreement regarding the sale of the De Ruiter Seeds. With sions therefore never have stopped. Ten years ago, the debate three new varieties received this award for ‘sea thrift’. This variety is a very common, this acquisition, Monsanto has become one of the leading novelties that clearly surpass any existing conspicuous and beautiful member of the companies worldwide in the protected-culture sector. De flared as maize breeders proposed to consider varieties as derived, varieties in terms of breeding innova- coastal flora, found both on rocks and in Ruiter Seeds specialises in breeding cucumber, pepper, if they have a genetic conformity of over an agreed percent- tion and beauty. The independent expert salt marshes. Sea-thrifts are maritime cli- melon and rootstocks for tomato culture . Monsanto paid age. Today, 17 years later, the debate has been rekindled again judges have chosen Prunella grandiflora mate flowers, unhampered by salt when 546 million euros to buy the Dutch-based company. The as Ciopora published a position paper in which they imposed ‘Freelander Blue’ from Clause and the Ar- growing near the ocean. acquisition still has to be approved of by the authorities. a threshold of 0.90 for all vegetatively multiplied ornamentals meria pseudarmeria ‘Ballerina Red’ and Monsanto aims to increase its turnover in the vegetable and and fruit species. A new variety that differs less than 10% from ‘Ballerina White’ both from Kieft Seeds, Self heal fruit seed sector to over a billion dollars. De Ruiter Seeds is to Holland. For the second time Clause has managed become Monsanto’s centre of excellence for vegetable seeds an existing variety, is supposed to be essentially derived. to breed a Gold Medal winning Prunella in protected sector, while Seminis will focus on the open field Besides, the concept of essential derivation is broadened to contain Sea thrift grandiflora, this time with ‘Freelander vegetable market. A third company, the International Seed even varieties that are obtained by normal breeding activities, such For the first time in Fleuroselect history, Blue’. In 2006 the company already re- Group Inc. will serve customers of regional seed businesses. as back-crossing and selection. If the association gets its own two innovative Armeria pseudarmeria va- ceived a Gold Medal for ‘Freelander Mix- De Ruiter Seeds was one of the last remaining family-owned way, it will restrict a crucial fundamental of the upov conven- rieties made it to the Fleuroselect judges’ ture’. Besides being compact and uni- seed companies in the Netherlands. It was founded in 1945, Gold Medal honours list. The judges were form, ‘Freelander Blue’ flowers early and immediately after de second world war by Wouter de Ruiter. tion, namely breeder’s exemption. And breeder’s exemption is particularly impressed by the pack per- in great profusion from May to October. He set up a small company that produced seed potatoes and the driving force behind the continuing improvement of variet- formance of both Armeria pseudarmeria This compact new variety is a vigorous, other agricultural and horticultural seeds. Soon after, he added ies. It is too valuable an instrument for progress to let go of it. ‘Ballerina Red’ and ‘Ballerina White’ fol- hardy perennial that is excellent for the breeding and the selection of varieties to his activities. Among Ciopora claims that the views expressed in this position paper are lowed by an excellent garden perform- front of borders. The ‘Freelander’ series the early successes were ‘Sporu’ a cucumber variety that is shared by the majority of breeders of asexually produced orna- ance. These wonderful new varieties are is a real value-for-money range; once resistant to Spot Virus and ‘Sonato’ a tomato variety resistant mental and fruit varieties. However, many breeders disagree and early and produce an abundance of beau- planted, it will provide the consumer to Tobacco Mosaic Virus. Last year the company had a turnover tiful ball-shaped flower heads on short, with a carpet of colour for many years to of 108 million euro and 900 employees in 15 countries. believe that this goes far beyond the scope of upov. Disagreement strong stems. These first year flowering come. ceo Biense Visser, who will be in charge of Monsanto’s on such an important topic will have undesirable side-effects. How perennials have increased compactness ‘Freelander Blue’ produces an exceptional, compact Prunella grandiflora is native to Europe. protected cultures segment, believes that De Ruiter can judges decide on infringement cases, if the breeder organi- and uniformity in their plant and flower- carpet of colour for a long flowering season The plant originates in the mountain ar- Seeds will add to their profit now it has access to sations themselves do not agree on what an essentially derived ing habit. To top it all, they are heat toler- eas of the Alps and the Dolomites. In the Monsanto’s molecular and breeding technologies. It variety is? Without doubt the paper will be one of the major issues ant. wild, the colour of the flowers is usually will give us the opportunity to accelerate the delivery of The name Armeria is derived from the Latin word for Dianthus re- violet blue. It goes by the common name of ‘self-heal’ due to the fact new and approved varieties. Moreover, we can accelerate to be discussed in Prague, during the isf World Congress in May. ferring to the plant’s resemblance to Dianthus. Armeria Pseudar- that the foliage of this plant was used as a remedy to stop bleeding regional expansion to Asia and South America. Hopefully the result will be a definition that is acceptable to all. meria means false Armeria. Armeria pseudarmeria belongs to the in the Middle Ages.

prophyta annual 2008 prophyta annual 2008 a4 afis:Layout 1 4/18/08 5:16 PM Page 1

In Short

Infringers caught Together with the carabinieri, officials answer one question only: whether mate- of the Italian Inspection Service and the rial of ‘Million Stars’ was used to produce red-handed prosecutor a representative of the company ‘Bambino’. The manager answered in the entered the greenhouse. Under judicial negative and passed the lie detector test. After having been caught once infringing supervision the plants were counted and Subsequently the case was brought to a on breeder’s rights, growers usually have the infringement documented. “We could court in The Hague, in the Netherlands last learned their lesson. No so for the Italians either take the matter to court or, again, year, as this is a major market for growing grower Tofanelli Marco who was caught reach a settlement. We have chosen the as well as trading Gypsophila. To substanti- twice illegally producing the popular dark latter as in our view that would be punish- ate their claim Danziger had assigned Key- red Mandevilla sanderi hybrid ‘Sundaville’® ment enough. The grower had to pay all gene to investigate the matter. The latter is a of Moerheim New Plants. The first time, costs, the license fee and a substantial life sciences company specialising in genet- in 2006, Moerheim New Plants received compensation. Furthermore, the matter ic and genomic research and they compared 7 a tip-off that the grower was producing was publicised in three Italian horticul- dna fingerprints of ‘Million Stars’ and ‘Sundaville’. “Over half of our checks are tural magazines. We believe this grower ‘Bambino’. Dr. Anker Sorensen of Keygene based on clues we receive from inform- will refrain from any further infringe- declared that the varieties were closely re- art history professional ers”, says Jeroen Egtberts, manager at ments in future as these plants have lated, more closely than with varieties that sea sand Moerheim New Plants. “Every tip-off is become very expensive with all the added are no mutants. Biological Industries pro- taken seriously and is investigated by us.” costs”, concludes Jeroen Egtberts. tested that the report was not well-founded. aestethic nature experience A representative visited the grower who had The judge concluded that arguments of to admit breaching the law. He promised Lie detectors Biological Industries did not disprove the convention full cooperation and agreed on paying the Three years ago another alleged infringer, report and that one of the two varieties was culture flora&fauna license fee, an atonement and compensa- Biological Industries, appeared to get a mutant of the other. Furthermore, con- tion for the travel and living expenses. away with a violation of plant breeder’s trary to Danziger, Biological Industries was expedition commerce Unfortunately the grower did not expect rights. The case was instituted by the Israeli not able to give a credible account of the healing Moerheim would keep a close eye on him. breeder Danziger, who recognised their origin of ‘Bambino’. The judge therefore “It is our habit to check infringers regu- Gypsophila ‘Million Stars’ in flowers that came to the conclusion that ‘Bambino’ is leisure wellbeing market larly. When we visited this grower in 2007 were sold as ‘Bambino’. The court in Tel essentially derived from ‘Million Stars’. he again had ‘Sundaville’ in his green- Aviv used a lie detector to decide which one The company was convicted and had to discovery conference house. This time we were not so lenient of the parties was right. It was agreed that pay over 65,000 euros as compensation sun sports and reported the incident to the police.” the manager of Biological Industries should for the costs Danziger had to make. adventure holiday exposition ANTALYA 25-27 MAY WORLD Kervansaray Lara SEED Hotel & Convention 2009 Center CONGRESS let’s meet at the cradle of civilizations & agriculture

TURKISH SEED INDUSTRY WORLD SEED CONGRESS ASSOCIATION 25-27 MAY, ANTALYA prophyta annual 2008 Prophyta Foundation Quality Support our initiative

in Horticulture The Prophyta Foundation is an independent non-profit organisation, aiming at informing interested parties worldwide about developments in e.g. plant breeder’s rights, breeding techniques, genetics, biodiversity, technology, regulations, phytosanitary matters and more. Our communication methods include at present our Prophyta Annual and our website www.prophyta.nl The Foundation primarily works with volunteers, but in order to recover costs for these activities we need advertisers for our annual magazine and/or direct financial support to the Prophyta Foundation.

Naktuinbouw (The Netherlands Inspection Service for We greatly acknowledge the companies mentioned underneath for supporting Prophyta, by either advertising or donating. 9 Horticulture) monitors and promotes the quality of products and processes related to the production of Agratechniek Anna Paulowna, the Netherlands www.agratechniek.nl Air conditioning systems Agri Information Partners Wageningen, the Netherlands www.agripartners.nl ICT solutions propagating material for the horticultural sector. Agro Business Solutions Grootebroek, the Netherlands www.agrosolutions.nl ICT solutions Anton Verbeek Roses Amstelveen, the Netherlands www.verbeek-rozen.nl Rose plants Professional skills are important for companies in the propa- Bejo Seeds Warmenhuizen, the Netherlands www.bejo.nl Vegetable seeds gating material sector. Naktuinbouw provides training services, Blue Bird Publishers Velsen-Zuid, the Netherlands www.bluebirdpublishers.com Agricultural communications which are directly related to Naktuinbouw’s own operations. Dekker Chrysanten Hensbroek, the Netherlands www.dekkerchrysanten.nl Chrysanthemum cuttings Deliflor Chrysanten Maasdijk, the Netherlands www.deliflor.nl Chrysanthemum cuttings De Ruiter Seeds Bergschenhoek, the Netherlands www.deruiterseeds.com Vegetable seeds Inspections Laboratories Varieties & Trials Distel Software Leiderdorp, the Netherlands www.distel.nl Computer software Germain’s Technology Group King’s Lynn, Great Britain www.germains.com Seed enhancement technology Grow Group Baarlo, the Netherlands www.growgroup.com Vegetable plants Holland Select Andijk, the Netherlands www.holland-select.nl Vegetable seeds Hoopman equipment & engineering Aalten, the Netherlands www.hoopman-equipment.nl Machinery Meddens Agriculture Haelen, the Netherlands www.meddens-agriculture.nl Agricultural seeds Moerheim New Plants Leimuiden, the Netherlands www.moerheim.com Annual plants Moerheim Roses and Trading Leimuiden, the Netherlands www.moerheim.com Roses, bedding plants A.C. Mosselman Kruiningen, the Netherlands www.mosselman.com Onion sets Naktuinbouw Roelofarendsveen, the Netherlands www.naktuinbouw.nl Inspection, varieties, testing Plantum NL Gouda, the Netherlands www.plantum.nl Seed association Royalty Administration International ’s-Gravenzande, the Netherlands www.rai-worldwide.com Breeder’s rights Inspections R&D Tests for Listing and PBR Rijk Zwaan De Lier, the Netherlands www.rijkzwaan.nl Vegetable seeds Certification Seed Analyses (Plant Breeders’ Rights) K. Sahin Zaden Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands www.sahin.nl Flower seeds Quality Control Plant & Seed Health Tests Variety Registration SBW Roelofarendsveen, the Netherlands www.stbw.nl Tissue culture Naktuinbouw Elite® ISTA Plantscope® Sande ’t-Zand, the Netherlands www.sandegroup.nl Zantedeschia Naktuinbouw Select Plant® ELISA / Plating / IF / PCR Field Trials Seed Processing Holland Enkhuizen, the Netherlands www.seedprocessing.nl Seed processing equipment Certificates Virus Free Nuclear Stock DNA-fingerprints Takii Europe De Kwakel, the Netherlands www.takii.nl Vegetable and flower seeds Sampling Naktuinbouw Diagnoster® Naktuinbouw Takii Seeds Kyoto, Japan www.takii.co.jp Vegetable and flower seeds Consultancy Naktuinbouw Accredited Variety Tracer® Van de Bilt Zaden en Vlas Sluiskil, the Netherlands www.vandebiltzadenvlas.com Agricultural seeds Laboratory (NAL) Reference Garden for Perennial Plants Please feel free to contact our secretariat (p.o. Box 40, 2370 AA Roelofarendsveen, the Netherlands, email: [email protected]) to join membership of our distinguished group of agricultural and horticultural companies, both for further information or for donations. Naktuinbouw: p.o. box 40, 2370 AA Roelofarendsveen, The Netherlands, T: +31 (0)71 332 62 62, E: [email protected], W: www.naktuinbouw.com prophyta annual 2008 CMŠSAˇ President Milan Pavlíˇcek ‘I expect interesting discussions’

Monique Krinkels

10 For the first time in The work involved in organising the isf World by the use of certified seed and our ability to col- Milan Pavlíˇcek: ‘I expect the basis of our own analysis and certificates.” customers the same assortment of products and 11 the history of isf and Seed Congress 2008 is not to be underestimated. The lect remuneration from fss. The current level in interesting discussions Oseva Uni works closely with the three partners: Elita even have the same organisational structure. (as new members) the Czech Seed Trade Association has some experience cereals is 60-70% of the use of certified seed.” concerning changes in the semenáˇrská, a.s. in Brno, Olseed, a.s. in Olomouc Through our sales team and team of partner Czech Republic, will in organising similar events as in the past few years His company Oseva Uni, a.s. is one of the largest isf Sections organization’ and Unisev a.s. in Litomˇeˇrice. “These companies companies we cover the entire sales territory of the host the isf World Seed for example the Annual Meetings of the Eastern Eu- and most well known seed companies in the Czech have the same business policy Czech Republic – we offer and deliver goods to the Congress. CˇMŠSA ropean Seed Network eesnet have been held in the Republic. Mr. Pavlíˇcek is working for the company as our company end customer.” Says Mr. Pavlicek(add accent) President Milan Pavlíˇcek city. “The national organising committee of the isf since 1982, after graduating from the agricultural does, They is looking forward to Congress is a small, well organised and experienced university. The firm Oseva was established in 1954, offer Two breeding stations the event. “The beauty team that is highly motivated to arrange a success- but when the former state-owned company was their Seed breeding takes place at two stations: Domo- of Prague and the ful and worthy congress”, assures Milan Pavlíˇcek. privatized in 1994 the name became Oseva Uni. radice and Vˇetrov. “Our breeding in Domoradice is accessibility of this city Currently, it is a completely privately owned Czech focused mostly on clover species, while in Vˇetrov in the middle of Europe Beautiful location company with clearly defined business policies and more emphasis is placed on amenity and forage are strong reasons The capital of the Czech Republic is protected as goals. The company’s headquarters are located in grasses and phacelia. “Our varieties are beneficial to hold the congress a designated unesco World Cultural and Natural Chocen in the East Bohemian region. The busi- not only for the Czech Republic; a whole range is here. I believe, that Heritage site. “A walk to (in) the Old Town Square, a ness activities include breeding, seed production registered abroad, even overseas”, says Mr. Pavlíˇcek. the attendance will be visit to the Old Town Hall including the Chapel and but also the sale of licensed varieties and of other “The production and sale of forage and amenity better than average as the Tower and a visit to the Castle St. Vitus Cathedral farmer’s requisites such as plant protection chemi- mixtures plays a very significant role for our com- about 1500 participants are unforgettable experiences for visitors”, says Mr. cals and a full assortment of registered fertilisers. pany. All the mixtures that we offer have under- are expected.” Pavlíˇcek proudly. “The Castle gardens are laid out gone thorough testing at our breeding stations. In beautifully. Some of the congress social events are to Marketing addition to our standard offer of mixtures, we also be held in interesting Prague buildings that are not “The process of selecting varieties fitting into a prepare mixtures according to our customers specific too far from the Congress Centre. The only thing that production and marketing plan is a very responsible requirements (mixtures made to order).” he says. worries me is that the traffic can be troublesome.” and difficult process”, says Mr. Pavlíˇcek. “We must The professional mixtures are prepared at the Mr. Pavlíˇcek is looking forward to the Congress. ensure that a sufficient supply of quality seeds is breeding station in Vˇetrov. “The ‘VV mixtures’ “It is a good opportunity to meet business partners produced, as well as a sufficient lines of varieties. It is are a reflection of the know-how of our top ex- (prefer ‘colleagues’ as they may well not be part- also very important to estimate whether farmers are perts and consist of the best foreign and domestic ners ) and to get information about the seed sector interested in newly registered varieties. Our produc- grass varieties only. You will find our VV-mixtures developments the future. The prepared documents tion plan is always the result of excellent knowledge at an entire range of golf courses and first league of the congress have been carefully studied and all of the business environment and of course includes a football (soccer) fields. The products that we participants can find their own interesting topics certain amount of professional estimation as well.” offer in small volume packages are designated according to their specialisation. I expect interesting The company has concluded license and sub-license for customers of stores that sell garden goods discussions concerning changes in the isf Sections contracts with all significant plant breeders, both – from supermarkets to small town stores.” organisation and generally in all crop sections.” domestically as well as foreign companies who have The importance of organic products is still varieties registered in the Czech Republic. “We are marginal for the seed sector in the eu member country the exclusive representative on the Czech Market for Czech Republic. However, Oseva Uni The Czech Republic has been part of the European the varieties of a number of foreign plant breeders.” also produces the seed for organic Union since May 1 2004. “Regarding the seed sec- The primary production and organisational structure farmers. “It is a sector that is support- tor and agriculture the Czech Republic is a very of Oseva Uni, a.s. consists of five branches, where ed by state aid and has growing ten- open and liberal country. There is a keen competi- the cleaning, treatment, packaging and certifica- dency.” The same goes for genetically tion on the market. The market share of domestic tion of seed takes place as well as the subsequent modified seeds. “The acreage of gmo operating companies has been declining since the shipping to customers. “The quality of the seed is maize was 5,000 hectares in 2007 an accession to the eu. The share of foreign variet- carefully controlled by our employees during the increase of about 228% compared to ies for instance is more than 50% in all cereals. course of the entire production process, i.e. from the the previous year. The attitude of the The use of certified seed and other measures has to time of growing and delivery of the rough seed at the Czech people is rather reserved as it improve the return on investment of breeding in a branch, through the time when it is shipped. Thanks is to all unknown, new products.” country as small as the Czech Republic”, explains to our accredited laboratories, we are authorised to (Was it really 228%?) // Mr. Pavlíˇcek. “Breeders’ incomes are influenced deliver the seed of some species to customers on

prophyta annual 2008 prophyta annual 2008 Seeds of the Czech Republic Czech varieties of pepper are successful in other The cradle of breeding Central Europe countries still proves its worth

More than half of the Ladislav Rosenberg cereal varieties is foreign

12 The Czech Republic Over half of the land of Czech Republic is used Land use Variety Owners (cvo) was the result of this activity. seed companies. There is a keen competition 13 may truly be named the for agricultural production, mostly for the grow- cvo was founded in 2001. The first remunera- on the market and the market share of domestic cradle of breeding, as ing of cereals. That barley and hop are among the total area 7,886,702 tion was administrated and successfully collected companies has a long term falling tendency. it is in the monastery important agricultural crops is not amazing, seeing forest 2,649,149 in 2002 and contemporary income from fss is The share of foreign varieties is more than 50% in the city of Brno the country’s strong beer brewing tradition. Other water 161,421 important source for the breeding financing. in all cereals. The situation is much more criti- that Gregor Johann important crops are: maize, peas, potatoes, oil seed building area 130,195 cal for winter barley where the acreage of culti- Mendel studied the rape, grasses and legumes. As far as vegetables are agricultural land 4,254,406 Competitive environment vation is very small and represents only ten or inheritance of traits concerned, cabbage, cauliflower, tomato, cucum- other land uses 679,000 The position of the Czech varieties is influenced by twelve thousand hectares for domestic varieties. in pea plants and thus ber, onion and lettuce should be mentioned. the keen competitive environment. This competitive The decrease in the acreage of domestic variet- laid the fundamentals The consumption of vegetables used to be much Agriculture situation is stronger than in the neighbouring coun- ies within the period 2000-2007 is much higher in of genetics. Today the lower than in Western Europe, but the Czechs Category Area (ha) tries. The reason is the attractiveness of the Czech seed production than in the share of listed variet- country has a thriving are catching up quickly. There is a long tradi- market according to law functionality, enforcement ies as result of the better marketing experience arable land 3,039,550 and competitive tion in fruit growing. Apple, pear, sweet cherry of the breeding right, above-average usage of the and power of the international seed companies. hop 10,844 seed industry. and apricot are quite common trees in the Czech certified seed and level of royalties. In spite of this The unfavourable balance of the Czech seed vineyards 18,907 countryside. And besides there are the vineyards keen competition, the Czech varieties take an impor- export of the field crops is caused by the competi- permanent grasslands 976,225 covering the hills in South and Middle Moravia. tant position in the range of the marketed varieties. tive environment and to the weak capability of the The domestic market has a decreasing trend and Czech companies (not too well provided with Seed association Crops and yields breeders have to expand the Czech varieties abroad. capital), to expand business abroad. The vegetable Contemporary Czech breeding continues in the same Crop x 1000 ha t/ha With regards to variety listing, the Czech Republic is breeders are more successful and the appropri- tradition as its predecessor breeding companies, a very open and liberal country without any protec- ate proportion of the export/import is balanced. wheat 811,0 4,86 inaugurated at the beginning of the last century tive tendencies. Forward-looking Czech market, rye 37,5 4,73 under the guidance of prominent Czech agricultural prospective affiliation with eu and functional Exporting seeds barley 498,7 3,80 specialists. Thousands of varieties which have helped legislative of ip attracted all important foreign The national variety lists are the base for the eu oats 59,0 2,7 in advancing plant production have been developed common catalogue of varieties, which nowadays grain maize 111,7 6,8 and registered in Czechoslovakia (what was later to includes also the varieties registered in the Czech triticale 50,1 4,14 Seed production development become the Czech and Slovak Republics) and also in Republic. On the basis of this list it is possible to other cereals 11,5 3,63 many other countries for almost a hundred years. Crop Seed production Seed production Index trade the varieties in eu territory. However, most oil seed rape 337,5 3,06 The seed sector development after 1948 lead to (x1000 ha) (x 1000 t) of the farmers prefer varieties registered in their sunflower 24,4 2,13 the establishment of two large state plant breed- 1998 2006 1998 2006 2006/1998 home country, therefore remains the national poppy 56,9 0,58 ing and seed production enterprises: Oseva in field registration of field crops, based on vcu testing, oil flax 2,25 1,57 winter wheat 42.4 36.5 84.5 101.2 1.20 crops and Sempra in horticultural crops. After presumption for varieties trading too. The Czech sugar beet 54,3 53,2 spring wheat 4.3 3.2 11.2 8.7 0.78 1990 both companies were divided into several breeding companies have registered abroad plenty potato 31,9 25,7 spring barley 24.1 20.6 29.0 46.6 1.61 smaller private enterprises and besides that several winter barley 8.4 5.3 16.0 14.6 0.91 of varieties. The majority of them are protected, at new seed trade companies have also been estab- winter rye 3.54 0.6 3.4 1.0 0.29 least in particular state’s national protection frame. lished. Nowadays there are about 600 registered oats 3.8 1.8 2.9 2.7 0.93 For example Czech barleys dominate on Slovak enterprises, that have the opportunity to enter and tion and in establishing of conditions to realize that triticale 1.3 2.1 2.6 2.9 1.12 seed production areas. Czech oat varieties are very expand in the seed market. They differ in size, range and in a particular technical rule details making. maize 0.6 1.0 0.8 1.1 1.38 successful in Germany, varieties of pea and wheat are just in minority abroad. The Czech breeding of crops and range of activity. Beside plant breed- The Czech Seed Trade Association supports the field bean 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.50 ing and seed companies there are several research important role of the private seed sector in the of Festulolium grasses is well appreciated abroad, field pea 7.5 3.3 6.2 5.4 0.87 institutes, some of those are also private. Business protection of the intellectual property, the seed varieties of the red clover and also varieties of the red clover 7.9 5.9 1.0 1.1 1.10 relations are based on free market principles. control schemes as well as in the variety testing white mustard are very well known and their seed winter oil seed rape 1.1 0.3 1.8 0.4 0.22 Private plant breeding companies and seed compa- processes considering that it is a way to make those production is important part of the export. Czech poppy 0.3 0.5 0.1 0.1 1.00 nies have a common interest in many aspects. That is processes quicker and cheaper for the private seed varieties of pepper, sweet red pepper, parsley and flax 1.6 0.9 0.6 0.1 0.17 why they have created the Czech Seed Trade Associa- companies. Very important part of the activities garden pea for processing unambiguously exceed mustard 7.5 9.6 3.4 5.4 1.59 Ladislav Rosenberg is secretary tion (cmssa) in 1992. It is the official representative is the initialization of the remuneration collect- on the Slovak seed multiplication and they are grasses 15.7 18.1 7.3 9.7 1.33 general of the Czech Seed of the seed sector to the state bodies, it has own ing from farmer’s saved seed (fss). The forma- also successful in other Central Europe coun- potato 4.2 2.7 41.9 55.4 1.32 Trade Association (CMSSA) share of the responsibility in a creation of the legisla- tion of a new organization, Co-operative of the tries, in particular in Poland and Hungary. //

prophyta annual 2008 prophyta annual 2008 Extensive distribution network of Bejo Zaden Eastern Europe offers huge potential

14 Bejo was founded in The company began by attending fairs and 1991, massive privatisation took place. The for- 15 1978, so this year marks exhibitions, making contacts with breeding in- mer sovchoses and kolchoses were either transformed its 30-year anniversary stitutes, and simply visiting the farms and fields into private organisations or disappeared alto- as a vegetable seed in the region. “Obtaining visas was not always gether. “Today’s farms in the Russian Federation company. The company easy, and the long traffic jams at Berlin border are large-scale vegetable producers, with profes- is primarily active in crossings like ‘Checkpoint Charlie’ made you sional management and substantial investments in the market for outdoor wonder what was on the other side of the wall”, techniques and hybrid seed. Nowadays, vegetable vegetable seeds. But says Siem Beers, area manager Eastern Europe. production farms of 2,000 ha are common.” long before its start, Bejo soon realized there was a huge potential the first steps into in Eastern Europe for their product line, es- Distributing the enormous and pecially for the brassicas, carrots, onions and Bejo built an extensive distribution network in challenging Eastern red beets, and later for gherkins and outdoor Eastern Europe over the years, and after the changes European market tomatoes. “These vegetables are very popular in 1989 began to deliver their products to all Eastern were taken by the in Eastern Europe, for example in traditional European countries. “In most of Eastern Europe, parent companies dishes like borsch, the popular Russian soup.” seeds are commonly sold through seed shops. of Bejo: Jacob Jong Many of these shops have turned into ‘garden Zaden (founded in Long tradition centres’ that often carry equipment and chemicals 1899) and Cornelis Historically, many Eastern European countries have for the professional growers, in addition to seeds. Beemsterboer Zaden a long tradition of agriculture. “Family farms were The combination of growing products and grow- ‘Local representatives of Bejo often visit large production farms’, says Siem Beers (founded in 1928). passed from father to son, and countries like Poland ing advice is a good solution for the farmer.” and Romania used to have numerous small farmers. Siem Beers: “Local representatives of Bejo often est hybrids more complicated. Of course, this is no have accepted the nal system. As a result, “Bejo In fact, Poland previously had around 2.3 million visit large production farms to sell seeds and to longer an issue for eu Member States, since they logistics have become very efficient. Unfortunately, registered farms! Nowadays, the number of farms is give advice on agronomy. The introduction of new have accepted the eu Common Catalogue, but for several countries, such as the Russian Federation, decreasing as farm size increases. In Poland today, varieties is often one of the topics that comes up, non-eu countries it is still a topic for discussion.” have not yet accepted the nal ‘non-stop’ system, 80% of the total vegetable production is grown on although this can also lead to problems. One such Another problem is the ista certificate for vege­ and this hampers the trade and logistics. Hope- approximately 70,000 farms”, explains Siem Beers. problem was the registration of varieties in almost table seeds. Although this certificate is suitable fully this issue will be given priority on the agenda Of course, the former Soviet Union had a dif- all Eastern European countries in 1989 after the fall for major agricultural commodities, it is unsuit- of the Russian and Dutch Ministries of Agriculture ferent history. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in of the Berlin Wall. Registration was a long and slow able for the daily delivery of specialty vegetable in order to speed up this process and to get the 1989 and the final collapse of the Soviet Union in process which made the introduction of the new- seeds to daughter companies and dealers. In nal system accepted in the Russian Federation.” the latter situation it is impossible to wait a Currently, Bejo has eight locations in Eastern month for such a certificate to be issued. Europe where more than 100 people work full During the renowned time in breeding, production and sales. At the open days farmers Efficient logistics Bejo facility in Poland, plastic tunnels are be- compare their Bejo was the first European company to obtain the ing erected and increased breeding activities are experiences nal accreditation (Naktuinbouw Accredited Labora- taking place. This is the location where Bejo’s tory) in 1996. This opened up the possibility of issu- current gherkin programme began, resulting in ing nal company certificates in real time, a practice high European market shares for this crop. which was a blessing for Bejo customers in Eastern Europe. This Cooperative approach Harvested area of cabbage carrot and onion in 2007 resulted in the The world famous Open Days are an excellent Source: fao Cabbage Carrot Onion acceptance of the example of Bejo’s cooperative approach. Especially certificate in Croa- for our customers from Eastern Europe, these events Poland 35,500 28,700 31,250 tia, and Kazakh- are a great opportunity to meet with colleagues from Hungary 3,700 2,578 5,158 stan, for example. other countries and to learn about the newest Bejo Czech Republic 2,780 3,152 3,856 Meanwhile, many varieties and the latest developments in machinery Russian Federation 88,600 75,800 95,000 Eastern Euro- and agronomy. In addition to the Open Days in pean countries Warmenhuizen, the Netherlands, Bejo used this

prophyta annual 2008 prophyta annual 2008 AGRO BUSINESS SYSTEM ERP SOFTWARE FOR YOUR COMPANY

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Further information and details regarding the functionality of ABS can be found on our website or presented 7AREHOUSE 1UALITY on a demo CD. In Poland 80% of successful ‘open days’ formula in the 1990s in Poland brassicas, storage carrots, mildew-resistant stor- Our website is www.agrosolutions.nl the total vegetable and Hungary, and is currently using it to organise age onions, tomatoes for protected and outdoor or contact us at [email protected] production is grown Open Days in numerous other countries. This gives production, gherkins and cucumbers, and of course, on approximately thousands of farmers, packers, traders, supermar- the traditional Eastern European crops such as root 70,000 farms kets, industries, institutes and local advisers the parsley, celeriac and radish hybrids”, explains Siem 0ROCESSING opportunity to see the latest developments firsthand. Beers. To improve its sales force and distribution net- Or visit our stand in “Bejo is ready for the future in Eastern Europe work, Bejo established two new companies in 2006: the exhibition area with its newest developments in breeding such as Bejo Ukraine and Bejo Romania. Furthermore, the leek hybrids, Xanthamonas- and Fusarium- resistant acquisition of an onion set company, Broer, and the introduction of the Qual- ity Inside label strength- Accredited laboratories They use it ened Bejo’s position on nal is a system set up by the the quality assurance system of content, analytical purity, seed the onion set market. RIJK ZWAAN BEJO ZADEN DE RUITER SEEDS EAST-WEST SEED Netherlands Inspection Service the laboratory, and the expertise health, resistance- and gmo- “It is obvious that the for Horticulture, Naktuinbouw, of the annalysts, the testing assessments, but also usable activities of the larger for the accreditation of private protocols and the release of the plant tests in soil. This wide processing industries seed laboratories. The purpose results. The aim is to generate scope was chosen on purpose, are moving from West- of the system is the creation, an effect as great as possible for in order to have maximum ern Europe to Eastern maintenance and recognition the seed laboratory so that at value of the accreditation. Europe, and Bejo is ready of the desired reliability of the the end the ideal situation of a nal is a tailor made system for for this development. There is special atten- KIEFT SEEDS POP VRIEND FRASEM AGRO SEED SERVICE seed lab, measured along the ‘one stop testing’ system. That vegetable and flower seed com- conditions of a prestigious means that the results of the panies, multinational operating tion in the product line standard resulting in progress nal-accredited laboratories are with the focus on solidity and for the carrot juice and on effectiveness (less repeti- accepted by the clients without reliability. Since the nal-seed concentrate industries. A s Agro Seed Service bvba B tions, mistakes etc.). A good interference of third parties was sown together with the Bejo is working with these functioning seed lab is a neces- (such as state laboratories). To seed company Bejo in 1993, nal industries to develop bet- Agro Business Solutions sity for every seed company to realize this ambition time and developed continuously and will ter varieties with a higher yield and with the focus Het Voert 9 AMERICAN TAKII BAKKER BROTHERS KLEIN KAROO SOUTH PACIFIC SEEDS build up a defence for liability. effort appeared to be necessary. develop further. The knowledge 1613 KL Grootebroek nal has an impact on all critical The nal-accreditation is pos- collected in the nal-accreditation on health benefits.”// The Netherlands aspects of the testing of seeds sible for every quality aspect of system is on line available for Tel : +.31.(0)228-523 611 on quality; sampling procedures, seeds: germination, moisture the nal accredited companies. Fax :+.31.(0)228-523 276 ZADEN - SAMEN - SEEDS - GRAINES - SEMENTI Email : [email protected] annual 2008 prophyta annual 2008

advertentie Agro308.indd 1 25-03-2008 14:45:37 International Seed Federation 10q2 Marcel Bruins

10 Questions to the present What was your very first job (as a student)? it would be the iris. It’s the combination of the very 1 “During my university period I worked as a showy flowers, combined with a certain exotic and student trainer several times, assisting lower grade hidden mystery that makes them almost irresistible. and former secretary general students with their laboratory and field experiments.” I love gardening and had collected several iris species and varieties in my garden in Wageningen. The In what country was the first fis or Assinsel genus also comes in a vast array of colours, from 2 congress you ever attended? “Bangalore 2003. brilliant white to almost black (hence the name, A very memorable congress, as the Iraq war had originating from the Greek word for rainbow). just started, and sars was wreaking havoc, so many Monique Krinkels people cancelled their registration and participation Do you have a favourite vegetable? My favourite was lower than expected. Nevertheless, among the 6 vegetable...? Hmm, let me think. I think I like 18 Hurrying across participants that did show them all, as all of them have one or more healthy 19 the trade floor to an 10q2 Bernard le Buanec up, there was a very heated components. But if you make me choose I would tie appointment elsewhere, debate about the draft broccoli with carrots on a shared number one spot.” rushing delegates What was your very first job (as a student)? “My Which country that you have visited during consolidated IP position inside an assembly hall 1 first job as a student in 1961 was an internship 4 the past 15 years was most different from paper. So this was certainly Next to whom would you like to sit in an in order to punctually at the French National Institute on Agronomical what you had expected? “I have always prepared a congress not to forget.” 7 airplane and why? What would you like to keep to the schedule, Research inra, where I studied the Arginine my travels in advance and have good information discuss with him/her? “Very easy: my wife and presiding over meetings metabolism in vegetables roots. The second in 1963 about countries before visiting them.” The next years will three kids, because it would mean that I get to with amazing efficiency, was an internship in a small farm of mixed farming 3 be very busy for share more time with them. The things I would Mr. Bernard le Buanec in Brittany. In fact a summary of my life: research You are a very energetic person. you. How will you find like to discuss would be all the great things will not easily be and agriculture and a link to my roots, Brittany.” 5 What is your secret how you manage a balance between your we are planning to do when we get there.” forgotten. For 15 years that pace? “Rigour and discipline.” private life and work? he held the position of In what country was the first fis or Assinsel “That is probably going Do you have a hobby? “If you consider a hobby Secretary General of ISF. 2 congress you ever attended? “My first fis/ Do you have a favourite flower? And a to be one of my major 8 as an recreational activity one would pursue He leaves his successor assinsel congress was in Cannes, in 1980.” 6 vegetable? “No, I have no favourite flower. I challenges. Obviously I during one’s spare-time, it would be clearly be my Marcel Bruins head like all flowers particularly in a garden or in the start at a different phase in spending time with my family. If you’re asking about of a well functioning The past 15 years have been very busy for wild. I happened to make long trips only to see life than my predecessor the more ‘traditional’ hobbies, no, not anymore. secretariat, a blooming, 3 you. Was it difficult to find a balance between flowers. I have no favourite vegetable either.” Bernard did. I have three I used to spend a fair amount of my spare time on united organisation your private life and work? “Not really. My three children (ages 6, 3 and 0) photography, gardening and sports, but now with and an industry that children were grown up and my wife has been Next to whom would you like to sit in an and I wish to be a father my very busy and irregular travelling schedule it stands, certainly partly able to travel with me many times. However, I 7 airplane and why? What would you like to who - when he is in the is almost impossible to pay a regular visit to the due to his endeavour, have to say that she has been very understanding discuss with him/her? “My preference is of course country -, is at home for gym or another club. The schedule also makes firmly on the map. about my crazy business schedule.” to sit next to my wife. When this is not possible dinner and put his kids the planning of social events more difficult. The my preference is to have nobody next to me. My to bed. If I can I take other day a friend of mine from abroad wanted preferred topic for discussion is travel experiences.” one or two to school in to come over and visit one or more soccer games the morning. Because I am away so often, I also during the European championships which takes I don’t expect you have had much time wish to keep the weekends free to spend with my place in Switzerland and Austria this year. We 8 for hobbies these years, but do you have a children. This means I will have less time available could not find a date when I was in the country hobby? “Yes I have hobbies: travelling fortunately, than Bernard. I try to compensate by working often for one of the more interesting matches. Too bad. gardening but rather scarified the past 15 years, in the evenings till midnight, as luckily I don’t need I’m sure it will all come back in the future.” reading, listening music and walking.” much sleep. With a permanent staff of five I believe isf is seriously understaffed, with all the work What is your favourite holiday destination and Will you still have official functions in the we have on our plates right now. Fortunately the 9 why ? “Probably Italy, as my wife is Italian. 9 future? Anything in the seed business? “Yes board of directors has agreed to hire one additional Over the years I have learned to speak the language I will have official functions in the future in the staff so we will start the hiring process soon.” fairly well, and have seen very beautiful spots of that framework of my work for the French Academy of country that we really like to go back to, e.g. Sardinia, Agriculture and the French Academy of Technologies Which aspect of the seed industry is most or some of the small villages in Umbria. On top of of which I am life member. I am also honorary life 4 appealing to you? “The fact that seeds are the that, Italian food has become my favourite choice member of isf and afsta and they won’t get rid start of everything. All food, feed, fibre and many around the world. But of course there are also lots of of me easily. I have also been contacted by some other applications start out with seeds first. To places outside Italy that I really would like to visit.” international organisations for consulting.” be able to be part of and steer the optimisation of these different chains is tremendously appealing, When was the last time you went to What do you expect you will miss but it also comes with great responsibility.” 10 the movies and what film did you 10 most? “The regular contacts with see? “The last time I went to the cinema was friends from all over the world.” Do you have a favourite flower? “There are many during the last Christmas holidays. I went 5 beautiful flowers, every genus has one or more to see the movie ‘Ratatouille’ with my two attractive varieties, but if I would have to choose one, oldest children. Great movie, loved it.” //

prophyta annual 2008 prophyta annual 2008 Climate change is also affecting breeding

Annet Lamers

20 Weather and climate It has been proven scientifically that the climate ­intensive resistance against drought, heat and cold, for water with the tourist and recreation industry, to test crops under varying circumstances. This is 21 have an important is changing. In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel while keeping the disease resistance intact.” such as golf courses, is a threat in production how we organise our breeding programmes”, says influence on breeding on Climate Change (ipcc), the climate panel of the Knowledge about the stability of the productivity of regions. This is partly because less rain has fallen.” Degreef. “Radish, a crop mainly grown in coastal results. The present United Nations, presented its fourth Assessment a variety is becoming more and more important in regions, is intentionally tested at inland locations, climate changes Report (ar-4). International teams of scientists official trials, which should be given more attention. Life cycle just to see how the crops respond to less light and are causing a shift have been working on this project for years. For Stability – a minimal reaction of a variety to extreme Pieter Egelmeers believes that the climate changes a higher relative humidity. We also like to test in in focus for some Europe, it was the first time that it was proven circumstances – will have less influence on the actual breeding of field areas where there is breeding programmes. scientifically that climate change has visible effects, ‘The challenge of the be the challenge of crops. “We breed our crops in close proximity to the ‘We have noticed a higher disease risk “The development such as shrinking glaciers, extended growing future will be the the future, according markets where they are sold. If there are changes, we that the weather for certain crops.” of a variety that is as seasons and a shift in geographical growing areas stability of a variety to Van der Heijden. will adapt automatically. The life cycle of a variety is in a number of Degreef emphasises non-responding as of species towards the North. The consequences or the development “The disadvantage is limited. The time from the first crossings until the countries is different that the effects inside possible to extreme of climate change are becoming more and more that it becomes clear variety is withdrawn from the market is normally the greenhouse are weather conditions significant for nature, people and society. This of a variety that is as only in retrospect around 10 to 20 years. In such a short period, climate from fifteen years comparable to those will be the challenge process is also affecting plant breeding. non-responsive as how stable a variety changes do not have a big influence. Consequently, ago, but this has a outside because of the future”, says possible to extreme is. With annual climate change has a limited priority. We have limited influence on minor changes in Stefan van der Heijden Testing on more locations weather conditions’, crops like cereals noticed that the weather can be very changeable, and breeding’, says Pieter temperature, light of Barenbrug. “Today, The risk of extreme weather conditions has says Stefan van der and vegetables, we have been adapting to that situation by testing Egelmeers, head of intensity or humidity stability has more become a more important factor. The recent these effects are under various circumstances. If the summer is hotter have more impact. priority in breeding.” decennia have clearly shown more extremes in Heijden, Research & less extreme than and there is a lot more rain in the Spring, then the field crops breeding “Cucumbers, for precipitation quantities. The total amount of Development Director with biennial genetic material is automatically tested for that.” at Rijk Zwaan example, are stressed rainfall during a year has not changed that much, of Barenbrug Holland crops or grasses. However, regarding a crop like leeks, he has noticed by a period of less but there are more short periods with heavy rainfall “It is a wonderful that winters have become milder in North-western light, which has a or unusually high temperatures, which are very challenge for Europe. “Because we constantly select under local huge influence on challenging for crops. As a result, the crops have breeders to develop conditions, leek varieties may therefore become the productivity. to be more stable in these variable circumstances. instruments for focussed selection”, concludes less resistant to extreme cold. The crops are no That is why stable varieties of those crops are so It is exactly because of these increasing differences the global research director of Barenbrug. longer exposed to that condition.” Egelmeers does vital.” To create varieties that are even more stable, in weather conditions that many breeding not think this a big issue. “If we had to produce he believes that the next phase will be a more companies have established more testing facilities Increased risks varieties with product cycles of 50 years, we would focussed search for different circumstances and the in different countries. “The only way to get a grip Pieter Egelmeers, head of breeding field vegetables have to take more account of climate change. artificial simulation of those conditions. “Stress on the stability of a crop is by testing the genetic of Rijk Zwaan, has also observed climate change. With field crops, it will never be so important.” caused by salinity or drought can be simulated. material at various locations”, says Stefan van der “The weather is clearly different in a number of We want to learn more about root physiology so Heijden, global research director of grass and fodder countries than it was 15 years ago.” He mentions Search for stable varieties that we can adapt the varieties better”, he adds. crops for Barenbrug. “We try to test our varieties the slightly increased temperatures, the earlier Paul Degreef, who is responsible for breeding in a wide range of circumstances, which are hard start of Spring, decreasing precipitation in worldwide at Nunhems Seeds, says that this Shifts at the micro level to simulate in laboratory tests or by using other Southern Europe and more local rain or snow in company has been concentrating on the stability Besides different weather patterns and extremes, indirect methods. That is why we test our crops North-western Europe. “In countries such as the of vegetable crops for about the past seven years . there are also shifts at the microclimate level, over a large geographical range – from Northern Netherlands and Germany, we are mainly seeing “We see that more instability through the seasons states Stefan van der Heijden. As a result, breeders Ireland to Romania and from Finland to Italy.” more rainfall in a shorter period. Changes like is affecting quality, resistance and output. We are have to focus more of their attention on different Sometimes the circumstances in these areas are these have consequences for growers. Having now mainly searching for stable-reacting varieties in diseases and pests. “We are seeing other patterns, different from what the company had expected. more rain in certain periods increases the risks. almost every geographical area, focussing on plant especially with fungi. The problem of red rust “Against all odds, the winter in Romania turned Planting dates and harvesting period become health, drought, differences in day/night temperature in grasses used to be restricted to the south of out to be less severe than at our location in the uncertain. Growers are sometimes unable use the and fluctuations during the season. We have Europe, but in the past 15 years we have noticed South of France. It is this unpredictable behaviour machines on their land if the soil is too muddy.” breeding stations in Europe, Asia and the Americas, this disease more and more often in northern and that compels us to use a wider test area in order In Southern Europe and Morocco, the lack of 18 locations in all. In this way we are able to expose western regions of Europe, for instance in the to be able to select more precisely on diseases and water is becoming more and more of a problem, our crops to different situations. Crops such as leeks United Kingdom”, says Van der Heijden. “The abiotic conditions like in rainfall, temperatures according to Egelmeers. “In those areas there is a are also tested in the French Alps to be certain we red rust in cereals is being replaced by diseases and snow cover. Our main aim is to focus on shortage of good quality water. The competition take an aspect like cold into account. You always have such as Fusarium, Septoria and Rhynchosporium

prophyta annual 2008 prophyta annual 2008 ‘We see an increased instability through the seasons which affects quality, resistance and output. We are now mainly searching for stable-responding varieties in almost every geographical area’, says Paul Degreef, responsible for worldwide breeding activities at Nunhems

22 secalis. As a result, we are re-routing our breeding noticeable”, says Van der Heijden. “Species move 23 IPCC report proves global climate change strategy. The shift in disease patterns forces us towards new regions, replacing others. Grass species to screen our grass varieties not only for rust, first grown in southern Europe are now found in In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on probably lead to reduced harvests of the most but also for other fungi-related diseases. We are other areas. In tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) we Climate Change (IPCC), the climate panel important cereals. The way these effects will searching for new test locations or are starting look specifically for varieties with good adaptability of the United Nations, published the fourth actually occur depends on availability of water, to develop new in-house testing methods, to be to many production regions. This could also be Assessment Report (AR-4). International teams the choice of varieties, crops and adaptive certain we can test our varieties properly.” done by creating ‘new’ species like Festulolium, a of scientists have been working on this issue management .A further temperature rise can According to Van der Heijden, the changes in cross between meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) for years. This report presents the current lead to reduced harvests in all regions. microclimate at the plant level are mainly visible and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) or tall scientific views on global climate change. The increased frequency and intensity of extreme along in the North-South geographical axis and fescue with perennial ryegrass. However, these The conclusion of one of the IPCC teams is weather conditions like heat, drought and flooding are less dramatic than those along the East-West are long-term processes with fairly unstable end that human civilisation has an unmistakable will have a significantly negative impact on axis. As an example of the latter, he mentions the results that are also hard to predict. This is why effect on climate. And it will stay that way for production in agriculture and forestry. The same increasing disease pressure on grasses and cereals Barenbrug prefers to search for variation within centuries, even if we take measures to limit goes for an increasing risk of outbreaks of fire, in the United Kingdom, whilst in the past there the species to compile the right grass mixtures.” those effects. More and more research results diseases and pests, according to the IPCC report. were hardly any problems. “Fusarium in cereals show that observed changes, like higher average “The climate is changing faster than we used to was already a problem in Germany, but now it has Economic forces temperatures, a rising sea level and changes in think”, says Jan Verhagen, senior researcher of also become a problem in England. The diseased The shifts in production regions of vegetable crops rainfall and extremes of weather, will continue. Plant Research International in Wageningen. He reached England ten years later than Germany.” has more to do with economic shifts than climate One direct indication of recent climate change advises plant breeders to take advantage of the According to Pieter Egelmeers, resistance change. For labour-intensive crops, which are is that the average global temperature has risen report The status of the climate in 2007. “There breeding is always a focal point. “Variations that harvested manually, the cost of labour is the decisive between 0.56 and 0.92°C during the past 100 is a lot of information available. It gives insight occur in diseases can be partly caused by climate factor. Land prices also play an important role. In years. That temperature rise is not equally divided into possible locations for breeding trials.” circumstances, by new strains or by changed recent years, for example, there has been a shift in over the world: large land masses and the polar circumstances. We have never focused on climate greenhouse crops and field crops from Spain and areas have warmed up faster than the oceans change. However, we have noticed changes and we southern France towards Tunisia and Morocco. Pieter and the tropics. The 12 warmest years since 1850 adapt our varieties correspondingly, but we do not Egelmeers of Rijk Zwaan mentions the French bean have occurred during the last 13 years. Since concern ourselves with the cause. Over the last ten grown in greenhouses in the southern Spain. “These 1970, the temperature has risen by 0.2°C every years, the resistance to downy mildew in spinach beans are mainly exported to England and require 10 years. The most sensitive regions for climate has been broken more often than before. When a lot of labour. With labour costs rising in Spain, change are the North Pole, sub-Saharan Africa, that happens, we immediately start to breed in new the growing areas have moved to Morocco, where the Asiatic mega-deltas and the smaller islands. resistance. The same goes for Pseudomonas in leeks, they also grow French beans for the uk market. For Europe, this was the first time that it which also demands more attention at present. In For our breeding programmes it is important that could be scientifically proven that climate sugar beets, Rhizomania, the Beet Necrotic Yellow these shifts are noticed in time, because it takes 5 change has visible effects such as shrinking Vein Virus, is travelling further to the North.” to 15 years before we can introduce a new variety glaciers, extended growing seasons and on the market which is suitable for such a new a shift in geographical growing areas of Production regions production region. These kinds of changes keep us species towards the North. The IPCC team “Apart from small changes at the micro plant level busier than the small changes in the climate pattern. emphasises that emissions of greenhouse there are also shifts on a macro level. The production A temperature rise of one degree during several gasses should be urgently reduced (mitigation), regions of certain crops appears to be shifting. decades has much less influence than the changing because global warming will have irreversible This depends strongly on the variety. In cereals, weather conditions during a single year.” // consequences. Natural and social systems are there is hardly a difference. The wheat grown in approaching the limits of their adaptability. France is the same as in Denmark”, says Van der Heijden of Barenbrug. “The maize region is moving Consequences for agriculture northwards, but that is mainly the result of selection A global temperature rise of 1 to 3°C will on earliness. The changing climate, the fact that have a positive influence on crop yields in the summers are on average one degree warmer, plays temperate climate regions. In sub-tropical and a minor role. The same goes for vineyards.” tropical areas, such a temperature rise will With regard to grasses, the shift in species is

prophyta annual 2008 prophyta annual 2008 New generation priming for sugar beet seed Yield improvements impress US farmers

Hajo Strik

24 Véronique Heyes, The benefits secured by priming seed are well the uniformity and synchrony of germination over 25 Germain’s Business known in agriculture and horticulture circles. increased levels of stresses. All of these advantages Director for sugar These technologies form a key production tool must of course translate to bottom line benefits in beet, smiles as she which enables the producer, or the grower to terms of proven and reliable outright merchantable takes in our disbelief. better manage his cropping programme, so as to yield. No wonder that such technologies are closely “This is not just the improve performance, and satisfy his customer’s guarded secrets, and at the end, what matters most to next improvement, it demand in volume, quality, and on time. The key the end user is not ‘how it’s done’, but ‘what it does’. is totally new”, as she benefits expected from primed seed are, in gen- points to a picture of a eral, faster, more homogeneous and synchronous Reliable know-how sugar beet priming trial germination and seedling growth. These advan- Winning priming technologies are those which in the Red River Valley, tages will in turn provide a more advanced and rely on delivering reliable process know-how, seed usa and the marked uniform plant population and reduce the vari- physiology expertise and a focussed customer differences in plant ability between plant growths and stand stages. interface for benefits sought, and delivered. Be- stands and vigour. ing able to prove added value is key in aiding every Better equipped decision. And so it is no surprise that Germain’s Primed seed is expected to be better equipped to deal has a long track record of validating its priming with the vagaries of agro-climatic stresses, and take technology benefits by engaging industry part- advantage of benefits conferred by better uniformity ners and centres of excellence such as universi- of growth. Earlier developments of a full leaf canopy ties and institutes to referee on this performance, enables earlier capture of solar radiation, improv- and validate it with solid, independent data. ing growth and biomass production. Crop nutrition Agriculture and horticulture are not short term activi- uptake and the performance of plant protection prod- ties; data which can stand the test of time is cer- ucts can also be enhanced, when all plants are devel- tainly the norm, and seed priming certainly benefits oping at similar rates, and benefit from equal chance from this. It has demonstrated time and again such of accumulating benefits provided by these treat- benefits, such that the use of primed seed is now ments. A more uniform plant stand reduces the vari- common place for many species, and experiencing ability between plant sizes therefore giving benefits steep growth in uptake for others. Germain’s inde- at harvest in terms of ease of harvesting, for example pendence from seed parentage has always put it in a for root crops, or higher quality of uniformity in final good place to be able to supply its expertise in an un- merchantable yield, for example for leafy salads. biased manner and openly to all partners. The com- The improved yield convinced the farmers of the Red River Valley The term ‘seed priming’ now resides in the public pany is a member of the Associated British Foods Plc domain as a generic way to describe a number of seed group of businesses, and one of the leading compa- hydration and dry-back technologies. The principle nies in independent seed enhancement technologies. even more uniformly, than any existing sugar beet In Europe, the reform of the sugar regime has also being that initial germination processes are carried priming technology, including Germain’s own long made certain that ‘Yield is most definitely King’ out on the seed in a controlled factory environment, Novel technology standing process, Advantage®, widely commer- to remain profitable in the face of steeply falling and then dried back before radicle emergence. The So then, what about the new generation in sugar beet cialised for over ten years from the usa to China. prices in beet and the steep rise in value for com- seed when finally planted has gained ‘advancement’ priming from Germain’s? Not surprisingly, Ger- In independent trials carried out at the University peting crops. Germain’s has started its trialling in being ready to continue the germination process main’s is understandably silent on the methods and of Minnesota, Crookston, over a period of 3 years programme in the eu in 2007, and will continue where it left it, several steps ahead of a seed, which principles engaged in this novel technology, which and 7 seed varieties, xbeet delivers a staggering to be extensively tested in small and large scale was not primed. Priming processes do vary between is in the process of being patented. And as reported improvement in yield representing 4.7% additional independent trials this year. Encouragingly, the crop species, and demand specific seed expertise in earlier, it is the benefit, which it delivers, that is of recoverable sugar yield over Advantage, and over behaviour of xbeet in Europe closely mirrors their methods and know-how. Responding to specific key importance to existing and potential users. It 11% additional yield over unprimed seed. So no the experience of the usa and a pre-commercial issues, such as to improve speed and vigour of inher- is quite simply a leap forward in the acquisition of surprise that this latest improvement is taking the launch in the uk could be as early as 2009. // ently weak germinating or high inherent dormancy benefits normally expected from priming whilst it sugar beet growing area of the Red River Valley by species; improving the germination performance of classically confers all the usual benefits that priming storm, where yield improvements in beet are a key seed which has specific sensitivities to temperature does: faster, more uniform germination and quicker profit driver, and enables more output from a smaller or light requirements. Last, but not least, improving final plant establishment. But it does it faster, and land area, thus freeing potential for other crops.

prophyta annual 2008 prophyta annual 2008 Bernard de Geus: “I don’t expect Plant breeding classical breeding to disappear” research in 2025

Charles Frink

26 Bernard de Geus is the Why did you choose 2025 as a year of one that we are not well prepared for. You have remain successful in this sector – and I assume 27 Director of tti Green reference for the future of plant breeding? to be able to analyse and to integrate all these that we all want this because it generates a large Genetics. The ambitious “If you want to have good plant breeding research data, they must be stored and the data have to be percentage of our gross national product – we aim of this institute in the Netherlands in the future, it is crucial to accessible. In short, we are challenged by enormous will have to continue to invest collectively in is to strengthen the maintain the current strength of the plant breeding developments in what we call bio-informatics, data the sector, but at the same time keeping our knowledge base of the sector and the corresponding research. This sector transport and data storage. This also means that eyes open and with a clear vision in mind.” Dutch plant propagation has a world-wide focus and is very beneficial to the we have to make solid international agreements, sector. De Geus recently Dutch economy. The major reason for this is that for example in areas such as validation and In your nvpw presentation, you emphasised the creation of presented his vision of much research is conducted in the Netherlands, standardisation of methodology and data storage. focus and critical mass. What does this involve specifically? plant breeding research both at companies and universities. Moreover, After all, in a hundred years we want to be still “This primarily concerns cooperation and in the year 2025 to the we still have reasonable access to well-educated able to use data that was generated previously. I collaboration between universities and research Netherlands Society for personnel in the Netherlands, although the numbers expect to see tremendous developments in the near institutes. This creates the basis for education. Of Plant Biotechnology and of qualified human potential are decreasing. future, especially in the area of bioinformatics and course, you can work together as part of cooperative Tissue Culture (nvpw). Why did I pick the year 2025? This is because it data handling, including transport and storage. projects, but focus and critical mass are especially Prophyta asked him to is very important that companies, universities In the year 2025, I would therefore expect that important for biology education the Netherlands in a elaborate on his ideas. and research institutions get together with the a great deal of plant breeding research will be general sense, and more specifically, for plant science government to develop a long-term vision that is taking place in an ict-like environment. I also education. This will be a foundation for the future. supported by commitment from all stakeholders.” expect that many more open source approaches If you aim for a good position in the future, then will develop. These will be the biggest changes.” your research has to generate added value. In the What will be the state-of–the-art in Netherlands we have 11 universities, 6 or more of plant breeding research in 2025? Will the entire industry change? which have biology faculties. At the same time, the “It is very difficult to predict the future of plant “I don’t expect classical breeding to disappear. Netherlands is a very small country. Consequently, breeding research that far in the future. But there Many things will change in the years to come, we have to be more and more careful about how are certainly some trends today that are bound to but classical breeding will continue to exist. In we use our available resources. I doubt very much continue. In the past 20 or 25 years, the potential 2025, breeders will still be making crosses, doing that the education funding for the universities will offered by plant breeding and the plant sciences has selection and using other classical techniques. But increase. This means that we will have to work increased enormously and continues to increase this will take place in an entirely different context.” together to use the available resources as wisely as from day to day. Technology has been developed researchers are already starting to use these open possible. This is why we not only need to develop and continues to develop that will allow us to How will the context change? data sets, and this will only increase in the future.” focus and critical mass in the Netherlands, but we analyse an enormous number of data of various “Some of the most important elements are the also need to keep an eye on developments taking origin. We can actually do this now, and this changes in global food supply, growing plants Why is education so important to your vision of the future? place abroad. For example, high quality research is will only increase in the future. Regarding plant under different conditions (with closed systems “I am referring here to education in the broadest also taking place in Belgium and England, so you breeding research in 2025, I would expect that the for example) and the fact that an increasing world sense. In the Netherlands, a large proportion have to wonder if we have to duplicate research in the researchers themselves will actually be doing their population will lead to a decline in the amount of the professional population works in the Netherlands. Perhaps we could consider supporting work in an ict environment, which we cannot of arable land, which means that production will agricultural and food sector. Due to globalisation, research at universities in other countries through envisage today. In areas like dna sequencing, become more intensive. These changes will not among other things, the businesses in this structural cooperation and collaboration and there has been an enormous development just in only result in new opportunities, but also threats.” sector are changing, the production methods for sending our students there for specific courses.” the past two or three years. Developments in this many crops are becoming more technological. Long-term commitment to a shared vision is area will continue in the future and will result in Regarding the open source approach, are you referring This results in a need – which will continue crucial. And this in turn requires the individual genome sequencing in a snapshot. The ‘$1000 primarily to open access to genomic data? in the future – for well-educated and qualified universities and research institutes to let go genome’ is an issue today, but I believe that this “I am referring to the increase in open source in the people. This concerns people with qualifications of their traditional ‘me too’ attitude. Research price level will actually be reached in a few years. broadest sense. This concerns the availability of, and from higher professional education (hbo) and and development are becoming much more This will open up entirely new perspectives accessibility to, all kinds information. At a certain university. With regard to university education, multidisciplinary in character. If you want to remain for the plant sciences and plant breeding. point, information will be available only from an you can only provide good education at this level successful, you simply have to be able to see over open source. For example, major scientific journals if you are also good in research. This is the basis your own disciplinary or institutional walls.” // What will be the biggest change? are already demanding that all the data sets that are for good education, and it is something that we “This leads to another important development, used in published research be made public. Thus should keep in mind. If the Netherlands is to

prophyta annual 2008 prophyta annual 2008 Essentially Derived Varieties (EDV) Breeding new varieties such as Rubens is a time-consuming and costly affair Position of ciopora

28 17 years ago the concept of Essentially Derived initial variety, i.e. with questions of the a limitation of the free access to germplasm, eligible for pvr protection, a variety not clearly 29 Varieties has been incorporated into the upov scope of rights and infringement. but it constitutes a temporary limitation of distinguishable from the protected variety 1991 Act, after more than 40 years of great efforts e) Only if the initial variety enjoys protection, the exploitation of varieties, if they are edv. is not a discrete one but falls automatically by breeders, inter alia represented by ciopora. the title-holder of this variety can prevent ciopora strongly supports the breeders’ within the scope of the protected variety. In order to strengthen the rights of the breeders everybody else from exploiting any essentially exemption within the temporary limits In this context, clearly distinguishable only is and in particular to give to the breeders of original derived variety thereof, irrespective whether the determined by the edv-concept. related to the phenotype of the respective varieties genotypes an additional source of essentially derived variety itself is protected or and not to their genotype. ciopora strongly In November 2002 the ciopora Green remuneration and to provide an not. If the initial variety is not or not anymore Aim supports this method to evaluate distinctness Paper on Plant Variety Protection effective protection against plagiarism, protected, no case of dependency exists, and The edv-concept is aiming at protecting Initial on the basis of a phenotypic comparison. has been published. Within Chapter a system of ‘Plant Variety Right specific the owner of the initial variety cannot claim any Varieties and the exclusive right of the title holder sub b) The edv must be predominantly derived 3.4 of the Green Paper ciopora dependency’, based on ‘essential control on essentially derived varieties thereof. to exploit these Initial Varieties. In the sector from the initial variety or from a variety that is itself expressed the view of breeders of derivation’, has been developed. of asexually reproduced ornamental and fruit predominantly derived from the initial variety. asexually reproduced ornamental and It is a common understanding among True extension varieties, the edv-concept therefore is of particular No general definition of ‘predominantly fruit varieties on Essentially Derived the upov members that it is up to the The edv-concept as a true extension importance for the following two groups of varieties: derived’ exists. However, some general Varieties (edv) and Dependency. breeders to determine when there is of the breeders’ right and a temporary varieties which are solely based on the genome of statements can be made. Today, an increasing number of essential derivation between varieties. limitation of the breeders’ exemption. the initial variety and where the genomic structure aa) A variety can only be considered to be cases and ongoing discussions in Therefore, ciopora, as the a) The title-holder of a protected variety can is highly conserved, e.g. spontaneous and induced predominantly derived from the initial the industry regarding essential international organisation exclude all others from carrying out any of the mutants (1), gmo and apomicts (2), and variety, if material from the initial variety or derivation make a comprehensive representing breeders of asexually acts mentioned in Article 14 (1) (a) of the upov varieties resulting from crossing and selecting, from a variety, which itself is predominantly commentary of the edv concept reproduced ornamental and fruit 1991 Act, that is production or reproduction including the initial variety, being predominantly derived from the initial variety, has been used by the breeders necessary. varieties, who hold ca. 70% of the (multiplication), conditioning for the purpose of derived from the initial variety and being destined in the process of developing the edv. Plant Breeders’ Rights titles under propagation, offering for sale, selling or other for circumventing the exclusive right to exploit the bb) Additionally, a variety can only be predominantly the upov regime, determines in this paper the marketing, exporting, importing, stocking for any initial variety (plagiarism or me-too-varieties). derived from one variety, as Article 14 (5) (b) conditions under which an asexually reproduced of these purposes of propagating material (and in (i) upov 1991 Act stipulates the edv must be ornamental or fruit variety should be considered some cases also harvested material) of his variety. Interpretation of EDV-concept predominantly derived from the initial variety. as edv of another variety. ciopora encourages The upov 1991 Act has incorporated in Article 14 Taking into account Article 14 (5) (b) of the cc) Mutants, gmo and apomicts are not only all parties concerned to accept the determinations ‘Scope of the Breeder’s Right’ the subparagraph upov 1991 Act ciopora is of the opinion that predominantly, but totally derived from the and thresholds given and to find on that basis (5) ‘Essentially derived and certain other varieties’ an asexually reproduced ornamental and fruit initial variety. Such varieties are based solely amicable solutions in order to avoid costly court with the aim to strengthen the breeders’ rights. variety shall be deemed to be essentially derived on the genome of the initial variety and the proceedings with an unpredictable outcome. The right of the breeder to exclude others from from another variety (the initial variety) if it genomic structure is highly conserved. the acts mentioned before no longer covers only is clearly distinguishable from the initial variety, dd) In regard to me-too-varieties it is unclear, in The basics the protected variety itself, but also varieties that is predominantly derived from the initial variety what case a variety, which results from crossing a) The concept of ‘Essentially Derived are essentially derived from the protected variety. or from a variety that is itself predominantly and selecting, is predominantly derived from one Varieties’ is a mixture of technical The edv-concept, therefore, constitutes a true derived from the initial variety, and of its parents. This question has to be answered (describing) and legal aspects. extension of the breeders´ right. It is applicable not except for the differences which result from on the basis of the genome of the varieties in b) Whether a variety has to be considered only in the relationship between the title-holder the act of derivation, conforms to the initial dispute and it is up to the breeders of the specific to be an ‘initial variety’ or is ‘essentially of an initial variety and the breeder of an edv variety in the expression of the essential species to determine a threshold, above which derived’ from another variety is, in the thereof, but is applicable between the title holder characteristics that result from the genotype or predominant derivation exists in these cases. first approach, a pure technical fact. and everybody who wishes to exploit the edv. combination of genotypes of the initial variety. As long as no such thresholds exist, the parties c) An essentially derived variety remains an b) On the other hand the edv-concept also is These three preconditions are of technical involved in a dispute have to find solutions on edv forever and an initial variety remains an linked to the so-called breeders’ exemption. The nature and shall be specified as follows: their own or, if they fail to do so, the courts have initial variety, irrespective of the protection breeders’ exemption provides that the breeder’s sub a) The edv has to be clearly distinguishable to decide on the basis of expert opinions. status. An initial variety itself cannot be an right shall not extend to acts done for the purpose from the initial variety. This requirement draws sub c) Finally, the edv must, except for the essentially derived variety and vice versa. of breeding other varieties and, unless such the line between an edv and a variety which is differences which result from the act of d) The legal aspect of ‘essentially derived other varieties are essentially derived varieties, not clearly distinguishable from the protected derivation, conform to the initial variety in the varieties’ deals with the notion of ‘dependency’ to the exploitation of such other varieties. variety in the meaning of Article 14 (5) (a) (ii). expression of the essential characteristics. of an essentially derived variety from an Therefore, the edv-concept does not constitute Whereas the edv is a discrete variety, which is aa) The wording of the upov 1991 Act with

prophyta annual 2008 prophyta annual 2008 DRS_Adv 215x280-2:Opmaak 1 31-03-2008 12:15 Pagina 1

The position paper of ciopora causes heated debates among breeders FEEDING THE SUCCESS OF BREEDING

regard to the requirement and level of phenotypic b) above - retains all essential characteristics 31 conformity between an initial variety and its edv of the initial variety and only shows changes is unclear and contradictory. In Article 14 (5) (b) (i) in insignificant characteristics. a general conformity seems to be required, while In this regard, conformity to the essential Article 14 (5) (b) (iii) provides that the edv must characteristics shall be measured on the basis of the conform to the initial variety in the expression phenotype. However, out of the list of the botanical of the essential characteristics, except for the characteristics listed in the upov-guideline for a differences which result from the act of derivation. species, only such characteristics shall be taken into Contrary to that, in the pvr law of the European consideration which are essential for the exploitation Community (Regulation 2100/94) and some other of the variety (in contrast to the measurement countries, this contradiction does not exist. of the dus examination, in which all botanical bb) This contradiction in the upov 1991 Act must characteristics out of the upov-guideline are taken not lead to a narrow interpretation of the edv into account, without making a differentiation concept, as it would make the whole edv concept between essential and non-essential characteristics). meaningless for asexually reproduced ornamental As up to now no clear differentiation between and fruit varieties. This can be illustrated by taking essential and non-essential characteristics of the example of a colour-mutant: It clearly does asexually reproduced ornamental and fruit not retain the essential characteristic ‘colour’ of species exists, this may be decided on a crop-by- the initial variety and thus, applying the narrow crop basis by the respective breeders. As long interpretation, could not be considered an edv, as no such differentiation exists, the parties although as a mutant it is the typical example of involved in a dispute have to find solutions on Plant breeders are the designers and developers who can combine an edv which has been one of the main reasons their own or, if they fail to do so, the courts have genes to provide the most benefit to food producers. In the past, for the introduction of the edv-concept. to decide on the basis of expert opinions. breeding primarily focused on tuning existing varieties even closer cc) Therefore, a balanced interpretation of the edv- to the producers’ needs. However, nowadays composition, flavour, concept must account also for the new tendencies Conclusion shape and colour which are important properties for industrial in the development of new varieties, e.g. certain As a consequence from the explanations before processing also play a major role. Supermarket chains, food-services methods of developing new varieties, applying it can be concluded that in the area of asexually and producers contact our breeders with the question: ’We see this chemicals and other mutagens, which allow the reproduced ornamental and fruit varieties all development of plants which phenotypically mutants, gmo and apomicts as well as me- trend coming up. Can you work on that?’ differ significantly from the mother plant without too-varieties have to be considered as edv. altering the genome and its structure significantly. The food market started evolving, and has not stopped since. And so Thus, the balanced interpretation does not per The proof the breeders became anticipators. se limit the number of phenotypic differences The major challenge of breeders of asexually between the initial variety and an edv thereof. reproduced ornamental and fruit varieties is to dd) As far as asexually reproduced ornamental find a practicable solution to prove that a variety and fruit varieties are concerned, in general all is an edv from another variety. Usually it is the phenotypic differences between mutants, gmo responsibility of the plaintiff to submit to the and apomicts on the one hand and their mother court and prove all facts which he bases the claim variety on the other hand result from the act of on. In edv cases this is particularly difficult with derivation. As a consequence, there exists no limit regard to the question whether the supposed edv to the number of phenotypic differences between is ‘predominantly derived’ from the initial variety. an initial variety and this type of edv, because all ciopora submits for the two groups of edv the differences result from the act of derivation. in the area of asexually reproduced ornamental ee) In regard to me-too-varieties, a variety which and fruit varieties the following solution. has been created by crossing and selecting, can only be considered to be an edv if it – in addition Mutants, gmo and apomicts to the two requirements mentioned under a) and In an edv dispute concerning a mutant, a gmo or

prophyta annual 2008 P.O. Box 1050 - 2660 BB Bergschenhoek - The Netherlands - Telephone +31 10 529 22 22 - Fax +31 10 529 24 00 - [email protected] - www.deruiterseeds.com Comments A remarkable perspective IImmppoorrttaanntt NNeewwss

It is interesting to note that the discussion number of characteristics (typically by one).’ The about the interpretation of the essentially text of the Convention mentions: edv’s may be derived variety (edv) provision in the obtained by selection of a mutant/variant, genetic upov 1991 Convention still flourishes.isf engineering or backcrossing. So not every type of published its vision on this subject in its mutation, e.g. by chromosome doubling, will lead Japanese publication of Prof. Dr. Narinobu paper ‘View on Intellectual Property’ in to an edv. That is only the case if the variety re- Inouye (Japan) on orchid virus diseases 2002. The recent Ciopora position paper sulting from this method conforms to the inv in shows a few remarkable perspectives, all essential characteristics except one or two that 33 translated into English language now. which invite to further contemplation. differ because of the act of derivation. The introduction of me-too-varieties in the Cio- The text of UPOV 1991 is not in line with the pora position paper is interesting. These varieties Prof. Dr. Narinobu Inouye, Japan is worldwide known as an expert on orchid Ciopora statement that ‘an initial variety cannot are meant to be the result of cross breeding and virus diseases and he has been studying this topic for about 40 years. He has be an essentially derived variety’. According to the selection. The same upov paper iom/iv/2 states collected a unique database of pictures, most of them his own photographs, upov text ‘where the protected variety is not itself in paragraph 6(iii): ‘The derived variety must have S and has described elaborately all aspects of virus diseases. How to detect the ym MV an essentially derived variety’ the protected ini- been obtained using a plant improvement method ptoms of Cym very first symptoms, spread and how to prevent and control; it is all being described and with a keen eye for details. tial variety (inv) can certainly be itself an edv in whose objective is the achievement of the require- which case its protection does not extend to edv’s ment of paragraph (ii) (mutation, gene transfer, Great value from that inv. This is an important legal principle full backcrossing scheme, etc.); in other words, The Dutch Inspection Service for Horticulture (Naktuinbouw) has recognised with the consequence that low genetic conformity no varieties bred according to a classical or other the great value of this publication and has taken the initiative to publish thresholds (e.g. < 80% for seed crops and < 95% scheme of crossing in which selection in the prog- this rare book for the first time outside Japan. for selfed or vegetatively propagated crops) may eny is a major element would become the subject The book contains over 260 pictures, never published before and will have a lead to the situation that most varieties are edv of dependence.’ full index on almost every orchid virus-related disease. from another variety so that there will be no de- So only varieties bred by a full backcrossing And, most important, now the vision and background information of Prof. Dr. pendency. scheme and meeting the strict conformity require- Narinobu Inouye can be read by researchers all over the world in English. The Ciopora interpretation of the upov 1991 text ment may be regarded as edv. The final date of the publication of this book is due within a few months. that in case of mutants, apomicts and gmo’s the Finally the general threshold of 90% genetic con- number of phenotypic differences between the formity is too strict for mutants, where appar- S V Special offer for early subscribers inv and the derived edv is not limited because ently the point mutation, with a genetic difference ymp f OF toms o Now it is possible to sign up for this unique book, that cannot be missed in these differences are the result of the act of deri- close to zero, was taken as the edv archetype by your personal or institutes library. For early subscribers we offer a discount vation, is contradictory to the intention of this the drafters of the 1991 upov Convention. But as of € 10,- for books ordered before June 20, 2008. provision as shown in the minutes of the 1991 remarked before, such a threshold enhances the Diplomatic Conference and the upov paper iom/ chance that many of the initial varieties may after Please note, that by signing up you will not only receive the book at a special iv/2 paragraph 6(ii) in which it is clearly stated: all be edv’s themselves. price, but we also honour you by sending the book before the official release ‘The derived variety must retain almost the total- date. ity of the genome of the mother variety and be Huib Ghijsen distinguishable from that variety by a very limited This comment is made on personal title

an apomict it is very difficult, if not impossible for dispute. If the plaintiff on the basis of a reliable Sy the plaintiff to prove that the supposed edv belongs dna-analysis submits to the court and proves a m MV ptoms of De to this group of varieties, as he usually is not able to Jaccard Similarity Coefficient between 0.90 and gain access to internal information of the defendant. 1.00 between his initial variety and the supposed On the other side it is rather easy for the defendant to edv, he has furnished a prima facie proof that the prove that his variety does not belong to this group supposed edv belongs to the group of varieties of varieties but results from crossing and selection. mentioned before. In this case, the defendant has Naktuinbouw Public Relations Therefore, there should be a shift of burden to prove that his variety is no mutant, gmo or Sotaweg 22, Postbus 40 of proof if the plaintiff submits facts that apomict from the initial variety or from a variety 2370 AA Roelofarendsveen reasonably indicate that the supposed edv that is essentially derived from the initial variety. T +31 (0)71 332 61 64 is a mutant, a gmo or an apomict. b) However, this threshold does not mean that a) ciopora is of the opinion that such facts varieties, which range within the threshold, are F +31 (0)71 332 63 56 that indicate the existence of mutants, gmo automatically edv. If a variety retains e.g. 93% of E [email protected] and apomicts in general shall be based on a the genome of another variety, but has been created W www.naktuinbouw.com comparison of the genome of the two varieties in by way of crossing and selection, it obviously does The book Viruses of Orchids prophyta annual 2008 Bejo, a name that stands for quality

Comments An unacceptable burden

Plantum NL believes more clarity on Essential an essential role in the assessment of whether or Derived Varieties could help breeders to enforce not a variety is an edv. Once the burden of proof Everything their rights. However, the Dutch ornamental has been moved, the breeder of the supposed edv breeders united in Plantum nl have studied the would have to prove that either his variety is not a position paper of Ciopora on edv and do not agree mutant, gmo or apomict or that the initial variety with the position of Ciopora on several points. has not been used. This will often be very difficult your customer needs Plantum NL considers that the existing threshold and thus places an unacceptable burden on that of 0.90 for all vegetatively multiplied species is an breeder. 35 unrealistic approach. A threshold has to be de- Plantum nl also does not agree with the concept cided on a species by species basis because there of me-too-varieties, since it is in contradiction are big differences between the genetic distances with the breeders exemption. Breeders should not within the different crops. It is very unrealistic that be restricted in the use of one another’s variety in a crop specific threshold for all species should be their normal crossing and selection out of fear for decided for the coming years. In case of a conflict, an edv claim. the holder of an initial variety should always have Plantum nl represents the majority of ornamen- to prove that the genetic similarity between his va- tal breeders in Europe and accounts for about 40% riety and the supposed edv is significantly higher of the applications for Community Plant Variety than the genetic similarity between his variety and Rights. It is therefore one of the most concerned a representative set of varieties of the given spe- parties if it comes to plant variety protection. cies. The argument that the threshold of 0.90 is only used for the shift of the burden of proof does Aad van Elsen not alter the fact that the genetic conformity plays Managing director Plantum nl

not belong to the group of mutants, gmo and from the varieties he claims to be the parents of apomicts. The threshold in this group only serves the supposed edv. In this case it can be explored for the purpose of shifting the burden of proof, not by way of a dna analysis whether these varieties for establishing whether a variety is an edv or not. could be the parents of the new variety or not. c) On the other hand the threshold also does not mean that varieties, which are below it, are Me-too-varieties excluded from being an edv. If e.g. a mutant retains In an edv dispute concerning a me-too-variety it is only 88% of the genome of the initial variety, it very difficult, if not impossible for the plaintiff to has nevertheless to be considered to be an edv. prove that material from his initial variety has been However, there is no shift of burden of proof, so used in the process of developing the supposed edv. that the plaintiff would have to fully prove that the Therefore, ciopora suggests: if the plaintiff submits supposed edv is a mutant of his initial variety. and proves to the court a genetic conformity higher d) The threshold of 0.90 has been chosen by than the threshold above which predominant ciopora because it turns out in the field of asexually derivation exists1 and a strong phenotypic conformity reproduced ornamental and fruit varieties that this between his protected initial variety and the supposed value is a good general separator between mutants, edv2 the defendant has to prove that he has not gmo and apomicts on the one hand and varieties, made use of the initial variety or a variety that is Vegetable seeds which result from crossing and selection on the other essentially derived from the initial variety. // hand. However, if it turns out that the threshold does not fit to a given species, it is up to the breeders for professionals of this species to agree on a different threshold. As long as no such crop-specific thresholds exist, 1. Mutants appear as variant individuals of the initial ciopora strongly submits to use the general variety and can be selected as somaclonal variants after threshold of 0.90 for the shift of burden of proof in in vitro culture, variant individuals in clonal propagations edv cases concerning mutants, gmo and apomicts. of the initial variety and other procedures. e) If the defendant uses his breeding records in 2. Apomixis describes the asexual reproduction of plants through order to prove that his variety is not a mutant, gmo seed formation without fertilization, i.e. without the fusion of Vegetable seeds for professionals or apomict of the initial variety one should evaluate a male and a female gamete. The male gamete, if integrated this evidence critically. More valuable evidence at all, serves only to stimulate the division of a gametophytic, might include material which the defendant presents maternal cell to form a zygote, an embryo and a seed. Bejo Zaden B.V. • P.O. Box 50 • 1749 ZH Warmenhuizen • The Netherlands • Tel. (+31) 226-396162 • Fax (+31) 226-393504 Website: www.bejo.com • E-mail: [email protected] prophyta annual 2008

prophyta.indd 1 14-4-2008 17:17:49 Rabobank envisages future grower Generation gap will alter operational management

Hajo Strik

36 Who will be the grower does research for special foods in nutraceuticals, like 37 who in 2022 has to special juices for stoma patients and diabetics. Not decide which crops the maximum production per m2 but the maximum to grow and which What kind of person will Jip become? A master in taste and presentation forms are his goal. The varieties to choose. craftsman, a specialist growing niche products, human senses like smell and visual attraction are An innovator, who a chain manager, covering the whole track from central in his opinion. Of course, one can elaborate will look for niche growing to supermarket, or the pluralist who further, but this is not a novel or fiction story. One products outside his focuses on trends in society. In 2022 we will know could say it may be science fiction in the literal sense own discipline? Will of the word. It only means looking from another he be an entrepreneur perspective, breaking away from traditional ways who together with a of thinking. In marketing terms it is called out-of- multinational food temporary labour is hired from abroad, where cheap the-box and that is exactly what new entrepreneurs producer, a health labour costs is found in countries like Turkey. should do to secure the future in their business. insurance company However changes are iminent as his son Jan- and a dairy farmer Willem is taking on his MB study of economics at Back to reality develops a new Wageningen University. Influenced by a trainee- The participants of the workshop are enthusiastic breakfast drink which ship in the United States he aims for top quality but also slightly reluctant. “I like to day-dream but prevents osteoporosis? tomatoes and minimal 5 hectares of greenhouse. this is going one step too far.Business as it is, is Will he work together The long working hours of his parents, who already consuming too much time.” Some critics with fashion designers work seventy hours per week or more, is in his find this way of thinking about the future too soft, and a culinary chef ? view an old fashioned and unwanted situation. because a grower always has to aim for a profit and Or will he act more or The auction as unique market access is in his eyes he should be pragmatic in decisions. Overall is it less the same as his There is still a long way between fiction and reality but producing food for outdated and direct sales to big retail chains are his recognised, that aiming for a good balance between father before him? special needs is one of choices future growers may have goal. He realises that a professional organisation is family and business is a perfect target, but there needed in order to meet the demands of these cus- is still a long way between fiction and reality. The Rabobank is the most important financial ods of managing their own facilities. The great- tomers, adopting high quality standards of produc- Dick Oosthoek is positive about these thought- partner for Dutch entrepreneurs in agriculture and grandfather of Jip, called Cor (short for Cornelis) ing vegetables. He decides to quit his membership provoking reactions. “If one does not exaggerate, horticulture and is thus highly involved in future founded his company in 1952, being 40 years old of the auction, thus ending a family tradition, and one does not start a dialogue”, he claims. As a plans in this sector Director Dick Oosthoek, direc- and looking for effective ways of producing in his is very successful in introducing his own brand in a bank manager, of course he likes a healthy cash- tor of the horticultural department, wondered own region. In a wooden glasshouse of 2000 m2 he special product presentation at the supermarket. flow, but on the other hand having an open mind how the next generation of growers would develop starts producing tomatoes, beans and cauliflower. Jip, his son, is at first not sure whether he wants to for other topics helps to broaden his vision and strategy and product innovation. The idea of using The whole family participates, he transports his succeed his father. First he likes to see the world prevents a tunnel-vision on product or business. a fictional example grew in his mind and soon the products via the Dutch canals to the auction centre, and backpacks away. His grandfather Kees supports Internationally growers are on-the-move and not ‘World of Jip’ was born. Jip, a typical Dutch boy’s where the price is dictated by the auction clock. him, wanting him to do the travelling he himself every country has the same speed or momentum name, is at present a young entrepreneur, not ready His son Kees, the grandfather of Jip, learns the basics never could realise due to the many obligations of and thinking and adapting to market changes. yet to be the successor of his father, having new at the horticultural school and helps his father. the family business. Working in many jobs to earn Seed producers have a long term commitment, and revolutionary ideas. A story of four generations Midst 1960 he succeeds his father in the business money while travelling, he discovers his roots and whilst growers and producers always have the of growers each facing their own problems and and expands his area to 15.000 m2. He specialises is ready to take over the family business in 2013. short term sales goal. This is the natural conflict challenges within their own specific timeframe, and focuses on tomatoes, the other crops are being But he wants to on his conditions. People manage- between marketing and sales, between breed- thus presenting the future in a more realistic way. disposed of. Like many colleagues, his main goal ment in combination with creativity and product ers and salesmen, between research and market is increasing production to the maximum level. experience are the base of a successful business demands, but still merging each others vision A family tree Quality or taste are not an issue, he and the other according to him. Much more than efficacy and for the future that hopefully will lead to a creative In 2007 the ‘World of Jip’ was published as a book, growers discuss topics as m2/area, growth, produc- tight structures and rigid business models. cease-fire. An integrated market approach, caring but it wasn’t a stand-alone item. In addition, tion and weight. Managing the economic side or for cultural differences and respecting helicopter workshops and regional meetings were organised long term investments are not his main business, So the future starts views from other angles is necessary to live in the for interested growers, confronting them with he prefers to be active in the greenhouse with his A new way of looking at things is the focal point. near future in this World of Jip or the World of questions about past, present and future meth- products. More and more labour is needed and Jip develops new meals together with a top chef and any other young entrepreneur in the world. //

prophyta annual 2008 prophyta annual 2008 Changing world Seed companies do not profit from soaring food prices

Hajo Strik

38 ‘A perfect convergence Between January 2007 and January 2008, the dressing to achieve 39 of conditions’ is what fao food price index increased by 47%. Prices for short-term impact analysts point to as the cereals and vegetable oils were especially high, in order to avoid the cause for rising food peaking at 62% and 85%, respectively. Average real issue. Of course, prices. Fast growing prices for other food commodities, such as maize the three-letter prefix demand from countries and sugar, are also skyrocketing. A recent report ‘bio’ adds an almost like China and India from the fao shows that prices have increased magic environmental is one factor, but by 30-40% for these essential food products. sound to every word, catastrophic harvests but in fact it is purely in Africa and South- Structural shortage a semantic issue. eastern India also play The structural shortage of food is no longer some- Biodiesel is a product a role. Add to that the thing that will take place in the distant future. which has forced two effect of trends such as Although we have not yet experienced large-scale companies have to readjust their purchase costs, The agricultural General Jacques Diouf called for courageous steps to totally different sectors into a marriage of necessity. the demand for bio-fuels unrest or nation-wide protests, this is not an which means losing profit, but they are rarely able production potential be taken now to help unlock the untapped agricultur- From an image perspective, it is the oil industry that and high petrochemical unrealistic perspective. Reality is starting to close to pass these extra costs on to their customers.” should be untapped to al production potential, noting that current predic- gains the most from this deal, adding a ‘green’ image oil prices and you have in. For example, in the Philippines the National Because the seed companies are being badgered from provide enough food tions for CIS cereal production will increase with to a product that is a known polluter. The agricul- a recipe for disastrous Food Authority has deployed ‘rice marshals’ to two sides, their profits inevitably decline. Their total 7%, to 159 million tonnes, between 2007 and 2016. tural industry positions itself as an environmental food shortages for catch unscrupulous traders who reportedly hoard liquid assets may not be falling, but there is certainly But there are more options, such as improving saviour with a ‘green’ product. But the question is third world consumers. government-subsidized rice. In Cote d’Ivoire crowds a drop in percentages. “This will force seed compa- agricultural knowledge. “It is a serious waste to send whether this is really helping the environment? Farmers are enjoying were caught looting warehouses in a harbour nies to charge the current market price and agree in valuable seed to a country where they do not use the high prices for their because corrupt civil servants were keeping them contracts only to deliver the seed itself; the price can seed correctly. It is not always the fault of those coun- Balancing crops, but so far, the away from the food, which was donated by the un. no longer be guaranteed beforehand. This danger is tries, but merely the lack of knowledge and technol- The main issue is as old as the principles of the profit margins for In Haiti protesters were killed while demonstrating also looming over future deals for seed production.” ogy. Spreading cereal seeds randomly on a field, like market itself. A lack of supply and a growing seed companies fall against high food prices. Indian protesters burned In contrast, farmers are profiting from this sharp sowing grass seed for lawn, is asking for yield failure. demand lead to increasing prices. Shortly after short of expectations. food rations stores in West Bengal as the owners price increase, which appears to be structural, not The same goes for other crops”, says Mr. Joordens. World War I, Keynes presented his theory about were selling subsidised food on the black market. incidental. “It will undoubtedly lead to discussions There are also economic benefits. “If a farmer can anti-cyclic governmental behaviour, using taxes Food aid is also becoming an economic is- about whether they should continue be subsidised realise a good harvest with 20 kilos of seed that are and subsidies to steer the economy. Investment sue as the falling exchange rate of the US dol- by national or European farmers’ organisations, or neatly sown instead of 100 kilos thrown into the was determined by the relationship between ex- lar, compared to currencies such as the euro, at least to what extent. A shift can already be seen wind, this means an 80% reduction in seed costs.” pected rates of return on investment and the rate means that people can buy 50% less food in this regard. Regional development is increas- According to fao field workers, these figures are not of interest. But can these tools be used to control per dollar than they could a decade ago. ingly being promoted, and the individual farmer unrealistic. This means that seed aid for developing the present exorbitant rise in food prices? This will is seen as part of this type of economic support.” countries can be optimised and can become much remain a theoretical question, because this would No higher margins more effective. This is also an important issue for require a global authority to take responsibility. Because the demand for seeds is so high, seed New production areas seed companies and for their role in social enter- Let us return to the comparison with oil, the other companies are increasingly confronted with seed Both the European Bank for Reconstruction and prise, a responsibility that can no longer be ignored. main requirement for mankind besides food. The producers who refuse to deliver for the original Development (ebrd) as the fao believe that new oil industry is organized within opec, which contract prices. “The seed companies are forced food production areas might be a solution. There is Biofuels first flexed its muscles in Vienna in the 1970s to pay more than they planned. In this situation, significant untapped agricultural production poten- The current discussion is also leading to growing and 80s by stopping or reducing oil production, the seed companies have hardly any choice, be- tial in the regions of Eastern Europe and the Com- concern about products like biofuel. Should valuable thereby raising oil prices by five dollars per bar- cause their customers cannot wait for legal battles monwealth of Independent States (cis), especially in farmland be used to produce an energy source that rel without warning. Nowadays, opec is still to be fought. Their crops simply have to be sown countries such as Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine. has no more than 35-40% efficiency when used in a recognised as the primary global market organisa- on time”, says Paul Joordens of Joordens Seeds. In these countries, around 23 million hectares of diesel engine? Are commodities like maize or sugar tion in the oil sector, but it plays a more moder- “There have been informal price increases of between arable land were withdrawn from production in more important as energy sources or as food ingre- ate role. Nevertheless it is still very influential. 30% and 40% for grass or mustard seed from the recent years. At least 13 million hectares could be dients? This is not entirely a hypothetical question if So who is going provide the international leader- Czech Republic and rape seed from Hungary. And returned to production at little environmental cost. we limit the problem to cereals, the most essential ship for safeguarding our world food heritage? // these are no exceptions; this production phenom- In a speech delivered by Charles Riemenschneider, products for humans. The fact that biodiesel reduces enon is happening worldwide. This means that seed Director of the fao Investment Centre, fao Director- the use of fossil energy sources is a form of window

prophyta annual 2008 prophyta annual 2008 Adaptations in drying strategies Global warming influences seed storage

Hajo Strik

40 Everyone knows that “With the rising average outside temperatures, unique mini-climate zone in the north-western ity is measured from the incoming and outgoing 41 global warming will the average percentage of air humidity rises also”, part of the Netherlands, that area became the focal air. The absolute moisture value is calculated. The have an influence on a explains Jan Appelman. “Higher (absolute) humidity point. Due to that climate zone, mild in winter time flow is measured by a flow-sensor or flow-fan. The great many aspects of will cause more problems for the drying of products. and moderately warm in summer, it automatically desired flow can be configured (amount of prod- life. But that even seed Consequently it will become more and more impor- became the choice for well-known seed companies uct) and regulated automatically (placing of an storage will be affected tant to dry the air itself. Often air with a too high to develop test sites. And where seed companies extra box). With an air mixing unit, it is possible needs some explaining. humidity is used.” This unexpected aspect of global are, seed treatment companies also flourish. to use the optimal air condition (inside or out). “It is a simple warming should be dealt with by seed companies as One picture says more than a thousand words In principle, every dry(drying) process can be question of physics”, in future they will need a new seed drying strategy. and as seed drying techniques are complicated, controlled this way, even existing installations. says Jan Appelman, People are mainly focused on the relative humidity Agratechniek has made an animated movie to Every adc can control one or more sections/ general manager of (rh). As a consequence often too moist air is used explain the details of the process. In a simple installations. For every type of installation the Agratechniek. “Warm unknowingly. Air of 35°C and 30% rh contains but very clear manner the animation shows adc is provided with a specific programme. air contains more almost twice as much moisture than air of 5°C and step by step the different processes, see www. water than cold air.” 100% rh. If air of 5°C and 100% rh is heated up agratechniek.com and tab animations. Individual box dryers to 35°C, the relative moisture lowers to 15%. It is The newly appointed sales advisor Bert Dijkman and The individual box dryer can contain up to 10 boxes therefore easier to dry with (heated) cold air as it Jan Appelman are enthusiastic about this logical of 400 litres wet seed each. With this dryer the seed will absorb more moisture. However, some seed solution, because they received an overall positive in every box is dried individually. Using this method varieties are sensitive to warm air. The maximum reaction. Bert Dijkman: “I have been employed with the seed boxes can be placed in and removed from drying temperature for these varieties is about one of the world’s leading seed companies for over the dryer independently. The drying can therefore 20°C. Agratechniek has developed special drying twenty years and I have built up a lot of experience start as soon as one box is filled with seed. The de- equipment to dry with such low temperatures. in seed treatment techniques. For the last few years sired drying can be programmed for each individual I focussed on the innovation and computerisation box. The drying of a box will stop at the moment Showing the processes of the seed treatment techniques. For many years An absorption dryer centage and that the used airflow be adjusted just in the desired moisture content of seed in that box is Depending on geographical based weather condi- before that, I was involved in choosing the right reclaims energy by time so the seeds do not damage by rubbing against reached. The drying process is characterised by the tions, different systems of seed drying have been equipment from many suppliers, so I know how reusing warm and each other. Agratechniek developed the automatic gradual heating of the product. The desired moisture developed all over the world, but based upon a important it is, that clients can recognise in a few moist air to preheat seed drying process, using the moisture equilibrium value of the seed is programmed. The temperature pictures the way your company is performing.” incoming air flow of the seed related to the humidity percentage of the and the relative humidity of air coming out of the In an individual box (stationary) air around the seeds. One can achieve seed are measured on top of each box individually. drying system the Moisture equilibrium the required moisture equilibrium by programming With the individual box dryers for fluid drying, the desired drying can Many seed companies invest a great deal in climate the relative humidity and temperature (or absolute boxes are placed separately in a construction(suggest be programmed for control and cooling equipment for the storage moisture) of air coming out of the seed that corre- configuration) against an air distribution system. each individual box of their valuable seed, aiming for the necessary sponds with the moisture equilibrium moisture from Every air outlet is provided with a centrifugal fan. guaranteed quality. However, in the last phase of the specific seed variety. The dryer will automatically When the box with seed is placed into the dryer, the the product chain seeds are often treated or packed stop when the required settings are matched.” fan will automatically increase airflow till the seed is with a high atmospheric humidity, due to the non- fluid; When the seeds starts to dry, the airflow will treatment of the used air and the used method. Fully automatically dried reduce and drying continue to prevent damage of Traditionally open pallet boxes will be piled up The whole process can be carried out automatically, the seed and pellets. When the desired moisture of and a central blower forces warmed air through which has already been proven on sites in France the seed (out coming air) is reached, the airflow will the pallets, individually. In practice the boxes and America. Central in the system is the Agra- slowly reduce because the moisture of the seed stays will remain piled up during the working day. The Dry-Control (adc), a processor with an lcd touch stable. When the airflow has reached a minimum, operator waits until the whole pile is dry be- screen, which can be applied to multiple controllers the product is dry and the boxes can be removed. Moisture in the air in grams per kilo of air // fore removing all the pallet boxes. This means of drying processes and the conditioning of air. To °C %RH M g/kg that the first boxes are exposed much longer program the desired moisture value of the seed, one 35 30 10.53 than needed. For some seed varieties this could needs to enter the wanted relative humidity of the air, 25 50 9.87 cause damage, as the shelf life is shortened. fitting with the desired moisture value of the seed. 10 90 6.85 Jan Appelman: “It would be ideal for each individual A chart with the exact parameters is available. For 5 100 5.40 box to be dried according to its specific humidity per- the control, the temperature and relative humid-

prophyta annual 2008 prophyta annual 2008 Vegetable seeds and plants New hygiene system increases security factor

John van Ruiten

In the course of 2008 In co-operation with Plantum nl, the French 43 Naktuinbouw expects organisations fnpsp and sf3p and Dutch/French that a preventive vegetable seed producers and plant growers, Naktu- hygienic system inbouw is busy developing a ‘hygiene system’. The for vegetable seeds development of such a system is designed to help the and plants will be sector increase the security factor surrounding the introduced. The first production of seeds and plants free from diseases. vegetable crop covered by the system will be Calamities the tomato, as this In recent years, there have been a few serious inci- new system is urgently dents with highly contagious diseases occurring, required for this when vegetable plants were being raised or vegetable particular crop. Other crops grown. In some cases these appear to have crops are scheduled been caused by the presence of infection in the seeds. to follow soon. In other cases however, the source of the infec- tion could not be found. Each incidence involved infections that had slipped though the net, despite all the tests conducted in the laboratories by the production companies themselves and by inspection agencies. This can occur if the disease concerned, such as bacteria Clavibacter, Xanthomonas or a virus grafting and topping requires a further examination or viroid, is present in an extremely low percent- and development of the hygienic measurements. age, ie.less than 0.01%, or if the available testing methods are unable to guarantee full detection. Requirements The system currently under development with the Clean seeds working title ‘Clean Seeds’ and ‘Clean Plants’, If the disease in question has the opportunity to contains the requirements to which seed and plant further develop at the plant nursery or directly from production would have to comply to create more the grower, then just one infected plant can have certainty that the disease concerned, cannot occur. disastrous consequences for the entire company. Contributing factors include; production in an One way of limiting the risks is by improving the environment free of the disease concerned, use of testing methods and by testing higher numbers of guaranteed ‘disease free’ basic seed, high level com- seeds. This course of action is now being followed pany hygiene on all fronts, permanent assessment/ by international authorities. Another, more preven- monitoring of crops and crop sampling and testing. tive method, is to ensure that the risk of any infec- tion developing during the seed production phase International certification is kept to an absolute minimum and if at all pos- Due to the urgency of the situation, a start will be sible reduced to almost zero for certain diseases. made with tomatoes. It is expected that the sys- tem will be launched in 2008. The accreditation Clean plants system will be open to vegetable seed produc- Along with the introduction in the seed sector, the ers and young plant producers internationally. development of the hygiene system will continue on Naktuinbouw expects to use periodic audits of vegetable plant nurseries. These companies have also the participating companies by specialists in the made every effort in the past few years to minimise fields of crops, diseases and company hygiene to the risk of outbreaks and, above all, further spread systematically assess the international production of these infectious diseases during the process of sites. Subsequently, the operational scope of the raising plants. Also changes in production like system can be extended to cover other crops. //

prophyta annual 2008 Patents and breeding for development Intellectual property protection challenges public research

Niels Louwaars, Bram De Jonge and Wietse Vroom

44 Patents increasingly The trend to protect knowledge creates Germany it required a major commercial company 45 reduce the freedom particular challenges for universities that want to (Syngenta) to disentangle the thicket of rights and to operate in plant contribute to reaching the Millennium Develop- negotiate licenses for all these patents in their use breeding. Biotechnology ment Goals, such as Wageningen ur in the Neth- for the poor. Even though many more examples companies are known erlands. This was the reason for this university exist, most are not documented simply because no to actively seek patent to collaborate with the Netherlands Centre for agreement was reached, or more commonly because protection for their Society and Genomics to organise an international negotiations failed to start because the patent hold- products, but also conference on April 10 this year, to discuss the ers did not show any interest to negotiate at all. knowledge created by main tensions in the current intellectual property It is not only the usual suspects, ‘the multination- breeding industry, ‘research for development’, Developing countries public universities and (ip) landscape, and possible ways to address the als’ that create such limitations to research for civil society, and Wageningen ur management. research institutes is increasingly restricted access to publicly developed development. Universities also have patents and Plant breeding in developing countries is largely a public service for the emerging often protected. This is technologies for use in research for development. are not always eager to part with their rights for local seed enterprises and to support development programmes that reach The outcome legitimised by policies development oriented research. An example is the near-subsistence farmers that are not likely to become customers of the private The issue of iprs in public research was tackled of these organizations Breeding for development xa21 gene in rice which codes for an important seed sector. The public sector also plays an important role in breeding crops from different generic angles, including ethics - the themselves, their public The face of plant breeding research has changed disease resistance and patented by the University that do not attract private investments, such as pulses and small grains. role of science and academia in society - and politi- funders, or the contracts significantly. This is not only due to the rapid of California, Davis, based on earlier research by For the most important food crops, these national breeding programmes cal economy, but moved quickly to more practical underlying public- technological developments in the field of ge- the International Rice Research Institute and its lean on international research by the centres of the Consultative Group levels. It was argued that public research organisa- private partnerships nomics, but also to revolutionary changes in partners in India and Mali. Only after lengthy ne- on International Agricultural Research (cgiar). These programmes have tions generally use patent protection as part of three in research. the legal and policy environment in which plant gotiations and public arousal, did uc-Davis release been at the basis of the Green Revolution which significantly contributed strategies; maintaining their position at the frontier scientists and breeders are working. Biotechnol- the patent for development purposes and even to regional (notably in Asia and parts of Latin America) and global food of science through maximizing their own freedom ogy introduced the patent system into breeding developed a benefit sharing mechanism for profits security through coordinated breeding efforts, the sharing of scientific data, to operate, strengthening their position in public research. Moreover, international agreements on derived from the commercial use of the patent. the free distribution of the half-bred materials and finished varieties. private partnerships, and obtaining a return on biodiversity increased the importance of contrac- One of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals aim to reduce extreme investment on their research through cash income. tual arrangements to access genetic resources. The conference hunger and poverty by half before the year 2015. Innovation in agriculture is Humanitarian use licenses have been used to make Patents provide a temporary exclusive right to the “I would also urge Dutch universities and research one of the methods to reach this goal, charging breeders and other agricultural individual technologies available for research for de- inventor of useful technologies in those countries institutes to adopt institutional ip policies that researchers worldwide with an important responsibility. The new technologies velopment. Wageningen ur has done so in a couple where the patent is accepted. Whilst this is intended take account not only of valorisation of knowledge may facilitate their work to reduce poverty only if they can access them. of projects, but it does not have a corporate strategy to stimulate innovation, it may also reduce access and incentives for researchers, but also the im- on the issue. Ideally, such licenses are generic, rather to technologies and increase transaction costs. The portance of access to knowledge and freedom to than dealing with individual transfers. Defining what extension of the patent system into the field of plant operate for development purposes”, said the Dutch plays an important role in genomics research in ‘humanitarian use’ exactly entails and how it can breeding started in the 1980s in the usa and has Minister for Development Cooperation Bert Koend- public-private partnerships, notably on potatoes be enforced in case of misuse remains complex. extended to others countries since. The trips agree- ers during his closing speech at the ‘Knowledge and tomatoes. Contributing to the Millennium Such openings often require explicit action and com- ment of the World Trade Organization and more on the Move’ Conference, held in The Hague. Development Goals is one of the priorities in its munication to facilitate actual technology transfer. recently bilateral trade agreements extend such rights Responding to this statement a conference was strategic plan. Wageningen ur was treated as a The strategies of the ‘Public sector Intellectual Prop- to developing countries. Even though there is a broad recently organised at Wageningen University and case study of the more generic questions arising erty Resource for Agriculture’ (pipra) were present- consensus within the seed sector that intellectual Research Centre (Wageningen ur), aptly titled: at all public research organisations worldwide. ed as a model. pipra pools fragmented public sector property rights have a role to play in research for ‘Reconsidering intellectual property policies in The conference included presentations on changing ip and includes it in a searchable database, and commercial markets, these legal systems also influ- public research - sharing the benefits of biotechnol- trends of intellectual property (ip) management at bundles different technologies in packages to facili- ence research for non-commercial use, i.e. ‘basic ogy with developing countries’. The meeting brought Wageningen ur, the perspective of public funding tate use. This is complemented by capacity building research’, research for non-commercial crops and together participants from fields as distant as plant organisations on the valorisation of research outputs, and IP research. It was argued that the model does research with the aim to reduce poverty and hunger. sciences, development studies and practice, research the limited freedom to operate as experienced by not include a whole body of not-patented knowledge. Several examples have been documented in the strug- management and intellectual property practice, representatives of research for development, cur- Open-source is another model for increasing access gle to obtain all the licenses that are necessary for private sector seed industry, and civil society. rent practices of ip management in public-private and reducing transaction costs. This model sup- Niels Louwaars, Bram De introducing technologies into developing countries. The day discussed the role of public research or- partnerships, and potential strategies to increase ports the sharing of innovations on the condition Jonge and Wietse Vroom are The dozens of patents resting on the nutritionally ganisations in supporting agricultural research for the freedom to operate for ‘research and devel- that any further improvements on the technology researchers at Wageningen enhanced ‘Golden Rice’ is a well known exam- development in the light of the emerging restric- opment’. The day also included a panel discus- are also shared without costs. A philosophy of in- University, the Netherlands ple. Developed at universities in Switzerland and tions to the freedom to operate. Wageningen ur sion with representatives from the Dutch potato novation in networks with weak –informal ties, as

prophyta annual 2008 prophyta annual 2008 opposed to a linear organisational structure with sations was indicated, in setting the rules for the formal contracts, would underlie an ‘open innova- valorisation of public research outputs. While a tion system’. It was argued that the large genomic general agreement on the importance of ‘science for programmes develop into quasi open source com- impact’ was reached, it was argued that patenting is munities through the inclusion of large numbers clearly not the only – nor always the most appropriate of partners that share their results. Open-source – way of valorising the outcomes of public research. sharing can be complementary with a more conven- tional patent-like protection of other research data, An outlook making embarking on open-source systems a less The importance of patents in the field of plant breed- radical departure from common practice. Despite ing in the future is not very clear. If current trends various initiatives to promote open source strategies, in the extension of the patent system continue, the the models do not appear to gain much importance restrictions on freedom to operate are likely to get in more product oriented biotechnology research. worse. However, at the same time, recent develop- Our reliability In discussing, the limitations of current ip manage- ments can be observed in the major patent offices 46 ment in Wageningen, and the relevance of hu- (notably epo), questioning and challenging the cur- manitarian licenses, patent pools, or open-source rent patent systems for biological systems. This may is your match strategies, a number of other issues arose. First of all, have very important consequences for the legal and patents in Europe represent only a minor mechanism policy environment in which public research insti- for technology transfer. Increased access to informa- tutes such as Wageningen ur, and their public fund- tion (publications) and various forms of capacity ing agencies operate, and therefore for the problems and institution building are important mechanisms that have been discussed during this conference. to transfer technologies and facilitate their use. Nonetheless, Wageningen ur has to deal with The main focus of Rijk Zwaan is to be a reliable partner Secondly, the scope of the problem was placed in and respond to the current ip landscape, and its for everyone in the vegetable chain. Therefore we create top varie- perspective by questioning the relevance of patents limitations. Since the Institute is currently dis- for plant breeding. Few patents are relevant in potato cussing its corporate ipr policy, the debate was ties with high yields, disease resistance, perfect quality and good breeding where the private sector favours breeder’s considered very timely and useful. The outcomes flavour. But we go further and offer our partners services such rights which keep new plant varieties available for of the meeting will be taken into account in this further breeding, and claims it does not to seek process and may fuel the debate in other uni- as sharing knowledge, tailor-made solutions and chain manage- profit from poor farmers in developing countries. versities in the Netherlands and beyond. // Finally, the crucial role of research funding organi- ment. With our seeds and services our partners can perfectly match with the modern demands in the chain. Think about that! Rijk Zwaan. Innovation in Seeds & Services.

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prophyta annual 2008 www.rijkzwaan.com Micropropagation in darkness Figure 1b. Zantedeschia shoot culture in darkness. Zantedeschia plantlets after A novel way to reduce the three months of growth. The plantlets have been produced in the dark with increasing concentrations of paclobutrazol. costs of tissue culture Note the enhanced tuber formation with paclobutrazol.

Geert-Jan de Klerk

48 Tissue-cultured plants Vegetative propagation in tissue culture has experiments on adventi- 49 are expensive because great advantages over conventional methods such tious root formation. micropropagation is as rooting of cuttings, layering etc. In vitro mul- Regeneration of shoots labour-intensive. A new tiplication is fast, because each year not just one, from roots occurs fre- way to reduce labour but a number of propagation cycles can be carried quently in nature (suck- costs is tissue culture in out (up to 12 or more), and because added plant ers) and root cuttings darkness. Shoot cultures growth regulators direct growth towards increased are used in nurseries for grown in darkness, propagation. Besides speed, other advantages are commercial propaga- if necessary with an the need for only a small amount of starting material tion of many crops. adapted medium, can be (usually just a small piece excised from the parent The latter can only be more easily processed. plant), absence of pathogens in micropropagules achieved in crops with Propagation via roots (provided that the appropriate measures have been Figure 1a.The reduction of elongation by lignified roots because cultured in darkness taken), improved vigour and increased uniformity. paclobutrazol, an inhibitor of gibberellin synthesis. In tissue culture, usually incomplete only these are sufficiently strong to survive ex vitro can be robotized. plants are grown: for example shoots when excised. Many scientific papers report shoot Cheaper tissue-cultured plants The research was carried out by eight tissue-culture without roots. Organs of plants that regeneration of shoots from non lignified roots in

 The costs of tissue culture have initially been reduced companies and by Plant Research International normally grow in the dark, might be vitro. However, in our hands regeneration of shoots by streamlining in the laboratory, automation of (pri). pri used Zantedeschia and Pelargonium in suitable targets for tissue culture in from roots proved to be difficult and extensive some of the activities such a medium preparation, the research on shoot and root culture, respectively. the dark. The relevant organs include research was carried out to improve regeneration.  and transfer of production to low-wage countries. bulbs, corms and roots. Since only We found that regeneration depends on the type of A major reduction will be achieved by automation Shoot culture in the dark roots occur in all plants, they were cytokinin. Surprisingly, zeatin gave better results   of subculturing. There have been many attempts to It is well known that plants that grow in dark chosen for research. The procedure than benzylaminopurine. Thidiazuron also gave good robotise the actions of the operations in the laminar ‘etiolate’: they become very long and white. In is shown in Figure 2. After initiation results. The auxin transport inhibitor triiodobenzoic  flow-bench but this was found too complex. The many crops, etiolation is undesirable because the of the root culture, large quantities acid improved regeneration in pelargonium. A major  main reason for this is that vision recognition is very plantlets become difficult to handle and especially Figure 3. The effect of roots are produced. After that, shoots are regen- factor was the preculture. After the short preculture Figure 2. The successive­­ difficult, because the plantlets grow in a complicated sterility becomes a problem. However, in crops of preculture on erated from the roots. Root culture can be easily with auxin, mentioned before, not just root growth steps in micropropagation and compact way and also each cultivar has its own, that grow very stockily in tissue culture, etiolated the capacity of robotised. Because shoots regenerate from pericycle but also the capacity of roots to regenerate shoots via root cultures specific morphology. Thus, it has been attempted to material may be easier to process. Etiolation has Pelargonium shoots to cells, and pericycle cells are meristematic to some was strongly enhanced (Photo 2). Unfortunately, adapt the type of growth of plantlets in vitro in such a been examined extensively in scientific literature. regenerate shoots. extent, the problem of variation is generally minor. when roots were grown with the addition of amino way that it is easy to robotise. The best-known effort Some years ago, it was believed that a new class It is interesting to note that the first genuine tissue acids (the second procedure that increased root is propagation via somatic embryos from cell suspen- of plant hormones, brassinosteroids, play a major culture was carried out with tomato roots by White growth) regeneration capacity was much reduced. sions. With some crops such as coffee and cyclamen, role, but now most researchers feel that gibberellins in 1939. Research on root culture has been done up In conclusion, the route via root culture proved tremendous progress has been made, but with most are most important. We also found that brassinos- to 1955. Research was restarted in the 1980s but with to be more difficult then shoot culture in crops insurmountable problems have still occurred. teroids do not have a major role in etiolation. roots transformed with Agrobacterium rhizogenes. the dark. From the 12 crops that were tried, Reduction of the synthesis of brassinosteroids by The so-called ‘hairy roots’ grow excellently. Since only 5 showed good/satisfactory results. Tissue culture in darkness imazalyl, a compound that is used as fungicide, had transformation is not an option, we used non- trans- Some years ago, Plant Research International in no consistent effect on etiolation in Zantedeschia and formed roots. In many crops, though, we encoun- Conclusion the Netherlands made a desktop study on novel resulted in bushy plants after planting in soil. With tered severe problems with growth of excised roots. Shoot culture in darkness may be a viable alternative ways to reduce costs. One of the outcomes was gibberellin-synthesis inhibitors, a satisfactory inhibi- Improved growth was achieved by a short period of for normal shoot culture in many crops. The most that growing tissue culture in the dark might be tion of etiolation was achieved (Fig. 1a). It should be culture with auxin at the beginning of a culture cycle promising method to achieve robotization, is propa- Acknowledgements interesting to explore. It was thought that culture noted that the paclobutrazol-grown propagules are (Fig. 3) and by adding amino acids. The backgrounds gation via an intermediate phase of root culture, The research was supported grown in darkness may lead to cost-reduction easier to process, and seem to be more suitable for of the auxin-effect may be that auxin induces the for- proved to be too difficult. Nevertheless, this may by the Product Board for by lowering the energy costs. Most importantly, vision recognition. In Zantedeschia, paclobutrazol mation of lateral roots. If auxin remains present for a become a broadly used, new method when the two Horticulture, Zoetermeer, the it was considered it would also lead to reduced had a favourable after-effect: propagules produced long period, it inhibits the growth of roots. Accord- bottlenecks, establishment of a rapidly growing root Netherlands. The experiments labour costs: processing is more easy and fast as with paclobutrazol-medium showed increased ingly, the effect was strong with an unstable auxin culture, and abundant shoot regeneration from these shown in this paper have been a result of the simpler morphology in the dark. corm-formation in the greenhouse (Fig. 1b). (iaa) whereas the stable auxin naa had no effect. roots, have been solved. Supposedly, propagation via carried out in collaboration Two approaches were chosen. So shoot culture in the In total, 13 crops have been tested for shoot culture The opposite effect of auxin, promotion in the initial root culture will produce less off-types than propaga- with Greetje Kuiper. dark and propagation via root culture were explored. in the dark and 9 gave satisfactory or good results. phase and inhibition later on, is well-known from tion via somatic embryos and cell suspension. //

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