Community Plant Variety Office Research Articles

Unveiling pepper immunity's robustness to temperature shifts: insights for empowering future crops.

Boosting plant immunity is an effective alternative to pesticides. However, environmental variations, accentuated by climate change, can compromise immunity. The robustness of a trait corresponds to the absence (or low level) of variation in that trait in the face of an environmental change. Here, we examined two types of robustness, robustness of immunity mean and robustness of immunity variation, and proposed nine quantitative robustness estimators. We characterized the immunity of a set of accessions representative of the natural diversity of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), to two major pathogens: the oomycete Phytophthora capsici Leon. and potato virus Y. For each pathogen, we measured the immunity of accessions in two contrasting environments in terms of temperature. For each type of robustness and each pathogen, the impact of temperature change on immunity varied between accessions. The robustness estimators proved to be complementary and differed in terms of heritability and ability to discriminate accessions. A positive and significant correlation was observed between immunity and robustness. There was no significant relationship between the robustness of immunity to the two pathogens, but some accessions showed high immunity and robustness against both pathogens. These results justify the need to consider both immunity and robustness to environmental variations in order to select varieties adapted to current and future climate conditions. Phenotypic robustness should also be considered when assessing the "value of sustainable cultivation and use" of future plant varieties, particularly during the application process for protection rights granted from the European Community Plant Variety Office.

Identification and Characterization of Relict Olive Varieties (Olea europaea L.) in the Northwest of the Iberian Peninsula

Olives (Olea europaea L.) are an important crop in the Mediterranean Basin, but it is not well-known that they have also been grown in other areas, such as Galicia in northwestern Spain. Although commercial production ended long ago in this peripheral growing region, it remains home to olive resources that are well-adapted to the prevailing environmental conditions, providing a valuable but largely undocumented source of genetic variation. Following a survey of Galicia to locate examples of centuries-old olive trees, those detected were subjected to molecular characterization using a set of microsatellite markers, as well as full botanical characterization using the features established by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, along with others proposed by the present authors. These procedures allowed 11 undescribed varieties to be identified, which are new genetic resources that might be of use in olive improvement programs or studies of how the species adapts to different climates. The trees also underwent preliminary health checks, allowing disease-free specimens of each variety to be propagated. The addition of this material to the Community Plant Variety Office’s register of commercial varieties is underway.

Variability of morphological descriptors in Sicilian oat (Avena sativa L.) populations

AbstractDue to its rusticity and feasibility of use, oat (Avena sativa L.) represents a crucial agronomic and economic resource for many semiarid environments. Presently, the recourse to new commercial varieties has caused a dramatic lowering of areas covered with the traditional local genotypes, and a severe risk of genetic erosion is emerging. To deepen the knowledge about the autochthonous oat populations, an activity of collection and cataloging across semiarid cropping areas was carried out. Sixteen oat populations were collected from different areas of Sicily and put in a field study for two consecutive years (2014 and 2015) in the experimental farm “Sparacia” (Cammarata, Italy). In both years and all populations, 21 morphological characters, related to different aspects of the whole plant or plant parts, were measured as described in the guidelines Community Plant Variety Office—Office Communautaire des Varietes Vegetales (CPVO‐OCVV) (rif. CPVO‐TP/020/2). Multivariate analysis (MA) was applied to assess the similarity/dissimilarity level among populations, also evaluating the relative discriminatory importance of each selected plant character. Although a strong variability between years did not allow perfect discrimination among genotypes, an association between oat groups emerged based on their prevalent utilization form. Among categorical characters, measurements on glumes and grain provided the best characterization of the populations in both years.

A short introduction to plant variety protection in the European union and the role of the community plant variety office

A short introduction to plant variety protection in the European union and the role of the community plant variety office

Biological Activity of Cannabis sativa L. Extracts Critically Depends on Solvent Polarity and Decarboxylation

Minor cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid molecules have been proposed to significantly contribute to the pharmacological profile of cannabis extracts. Phytoplant Research has developed highly productive cannabis cultivars with defined chemotypes, as well as proprietary methods for the extraction and purification of cannabinoids. Here, we investigate the effect of solvent selection and decarboxylation on the composition and pharmacological activity of cannabis extracts. A library of forty cannabis extracts was generated from ten different cannabis cultivars registered by Phytoplant Research at the EU Community Plant Variety Office. Plant material was extracted using two different solvents, ethanol and hexane, and crude extracts were subsequently decarboxylated or not. Cannabinoid content in the resulting extracts was quantified, and biological activity was screened in vitro at three molecular targets involved in hypoxia and inflammation (NF-κB, HIF-1α and STAT3). Changes in transcriptional activation were strongly associated to solvent selection and decarboxylation. Two decarboxylated extracts prepared with hexane were the most potent at inhibiting NF-κB transcription, while HIF-1α activation was preferentially inhibited by ethanolic extracts, and decarboxylated extracts were generally more potent at inhibiting STAT3 induction. Our results indicate that solvent selection and proper decarboxylation represent key aspects of the standardized production of cannabis extracts with reproducible pharmacological activity.

Slovak Chamomile Varieties and their Comparison of Natural Components

Chamomile, Matricaria recutita L., is one of the most important medicinal plants cultivated in the Central Europe. Primarily the dry flower anthodia, Chamomillae Flos , in its entirety has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, healing, simulative, carminative, spasmolytic and sedative activity. Slovakia belongs to these European countries in which particular attention has been devoted to the research and development of chamomile in all its aspects including the breeding of this special crop. Prof. Dr. Robert Honcariv was the pioneer of medicinal plant breeding in Slovakia, and made the first selections in chamomile at the P. J. Safarik University in Kosice. The first variety ' BONA ' was registered in the National Book Variety in 1984. The first tetraploid variety ' LUTEA ' was accepted by the Slovak Central Control and Testing Institute in Agriculture in 1995. Both these varieties were from the old century. Their qualitative and quantitative parameters are very commonly inconvenient. On the present, the chamomile variety ' LIANKA ' was bred at the University of Presov, Slovakia, between the years 2008 – 2013. Currently, this variety obtains the Certificate by the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) in Angers, France in 2018. The GC/MS results confirm earlier reports that major volatile constituents obtained from the flower inflorescences are /-/-α-bisabolol (67.35 ± 2.82 %) and chamazulene (10.05 ± 1.04 %) and the low contents of /-/-α bisabolol oxides A and B (2.95 ± 0.32 %).

The Rapeseed Potential in Poland and Germany in the Context of Production, Legislation, and Intellectual Property Rights.

Rapeseed is an essential crop which is used in many different areas as edible oil, biodiesel, lubricant, and feed. It is one of the most popular oil crops in Europe (63% of oilseeds production in 2017). The current study highlights the potential for further rapeseed development in European Union (EU), with special emphasis on Germany (19% of EU production) and Poland (12% of EU production). The study focused on three factors: cultivation area, volume of production and the numbers of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), particularly patents granted for rapeseed or rapeseed-related inventions and plant variety rights. Possible further obstacles to development, such as current legal framework, were also taken under consideration. The analyzed statistical data shows that both the cultivation area, as well as the volume of production of rapeseed fluctuated in the last decade in both examined countries, while the numbers for European patent publications and Community Plant Variety Rights showed a rising trend, indicating investments in the Research and Development (R&D) of the crop. The data analysis seems to confirm a hypothesis that there is a potential for the development of rapeseed as a versatile, multi-use crop; however, the current EU GMO policies and a legal uncertainty as to the status of products of certain modern gene editing techniques may hamper making optimal use of this potential.

식물신품종보호제도 이후 나라꽃 무궁화의 국내외 연구동향 및 확대 이용 방안†

This study was carried out to investigate the domestic and international development of a new cultivar of the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus L.), the Korean national flower, and the protection of the new plant variety. In addition, it will be used as basic data for the expansion of domestic distribution, promoting oversea export, and expanding the range of landscape architectural use. A total of 97 varieties received plant variety protection rights from the Korea Seed & Variety Service from 2004 to 2018. The selection criteria were plants having unique flowers, growth habits, and variegated leaves. Some cultivars with unique features, such as flower size, shape, and red eyes were available for focus planting. Plant varieties with tall and strong growth patterns have been highly valuable for street and focus planting. Cultivars with dwarf stems and compact branches are utilized for pot planting and bonsai. The protected cultivars were mostly single flower varieties, with two semi-double flowers. There were 57 cultivars of pink flowers with red eyes and 21 cultivars of white flowers with red eyes. There were 61 cultivars developed by crossing, 23 cultivars through interspecific hybridization and 7 cultivars developed through radiation treatment and mutation. The Hibiscus cultivars registered to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) consisted of seven cultivars each from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, four from South Korea, and three from Belgium. The Hibiscus cultivars registered to the European Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) consisted of 16 cultivars from France, 9 from the Netherlands, 5 from the UK and 1 from Belgium. The cultivars that received both plant patent and plant breeder rights in the United States and Canada were ‘America Irene Scott’, ‘Antong Two’, ‘CARPA’, ‘DVPazurri’, ‘Gandini Santiago’, ‘Gandini van Aart’, ‘ILVO347’, ‘ILVOPS’, ‘JWNWOOD 4’, ‘Notwood3’, ‘RWOODS5’, ‘SHIMCR1’, ‘SHIMRR38’, ‘SHIMRV24’, and ‘THEISSHSSTL’. ‘SHIMCR1’ and ‘SHIMRV24’ acquired both domestic plant protection rights and overseas plant patents. The 14 cultivars that received both US plant patents and European protection rights were ‘America Irene Scott’, ‘Bricutts’, ‘DVPAZURRI’, ‘Gandini Santiago’, ‘Gandini van Aart’, ‘JWNWOOD4’, ‘MINDOUB1’, ‘MINDOUR1’, ‘MINDOUV5’, ‘NOTWOOD3’, ‘RWOODS5’, ‘RWOODS6’, ‘Summer Holiday’, and ‘Summer Night’. The cultivars that obtained US patents consisted of 18 cultivars (52.9%) with double flowers, 4 cultivars (11.8%) with semi-double flowers, and 12 cultivars (35.3%) with single flowers. The cultivars that obtained European new variety protection rights, consisted of 11 cultivars (34.3%) with double flowers, 12 cultivars (21.9%) with semi-double flowers, and 14 cultivars (43.8%) with single flowers. In the future, new cultivars of H. syriacus need to be developed in order to expand domestic distribution and export abroad. In addition, when developing new cultivars, it is required to develop cultivars with shorter branches for use in flower beds, borders, hedges, and pot planting.

Essay on the Farm-Saved Seed under the CPVR System and Its Sphere of Influence in the Light of the UPOV Act of 1991 and the Contemporary Interpretation of Art. 39(1)(A) TFEU

The Farm-Saved Seed (FSS) under the Community Plant Variety Rights (CPVR) system does not follow the same grounds than the same exception within the UPOV Act of 1991 despite the EU being a UPOV member. The list of species within art 14(2) of the Council Regulation (EC) No 2100/94 of 27 July 1994 on Community plant variety rights (‘basic Regulation’) has not been either adapted to the evolution of the interpretation of art 39(1)(a) TFEU on which it seems to find its basis. These inconsistencies may damage the breeding industry and even the agricultural sector, compromising the very purpose of the Plant Variety Rights system; but they could be easily redressed by amending the list of species within art 14(2) of the basic Regulation. This exercise should also be extended to those national systems that have taken the CPVR system as a model or followed a similar scheme in regard to the Farm-Saved Seed.

Comparative analysis of methodological approaches to morphological description of plant varieties in Ukraine and European Union countries

Purpuse. To develop scientific and methodological principles of legal protection of plant varieties in Ukraine in accordance with the requirements of the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) and the European Union (EU), to analyze the relevant methodological and legal norms and approa­ches aimed to improve the system of legal protection of plant varieties as intellectual property objects identified during the expert determination the criteria for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS-test).Results. Determination of the criteria for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability implies the plant varieties identification by the method of phenotype morphological description (the signs of vegetative and generative organs). The morphological code formula of the variety consists of the corresponding codes of the sign and the degree of its expression that is formed according to the technical documents and DUS methods in all countries of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) and CPVO. Methodological provision for the protection of breeder’s rights and new plant varieties in the EU and the CPVO protocols were analyzed by the comparative method of the general parts and the tables of signs of DUS techniques for the botanical taxons of 4 plant groups: agricultural, vegetable, fruit and decorative.Conclusions. As a result of comparative assessment of DUS methods for plant varieties (CPVO – Protocols, UPOV – TG, Ukraine – UATG) was found that the morphological des­cription of plant varieties during the field trials (qualitative (QL), quantitative (QN) and pseudo-qualitative (PQ) signs of phenotypes ) is the basic technique for conducting DUS testing according to the international UPOV requirements as well as to CPVO requirements. National Methods for Plant Varieties Examination for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability are developed under mandatory requirements of the DOCUMENT TGP 7/3 DEVELOPMENT OF TEST GUIDELINES adopted by the Council at its forty-eighth ordinary session on October 16, 2014. The CPVO and EU methodological bases at the 2015 research stage included protocols for 160 botanical taxons, represented by four plant groups: agricultural (18); vegetables (46); fruit (30) and decorative (66). The CPVO protocols for 122 botanical taxons, namely: agricultural (18), vegetable (44); fruit (28) and decorative (32) are of great value for the application’s scientific and technical examination for plant variety registration inUkraine. Field tests of plant phenotypes in accordance with morpho-descriptive method for variety identification by the relevant features and their degree of expression for harmonized description of plant varieties is practically brought to the UPOV international requirements and partly to CPVO protocols of the European Union.

Registration of ‘Wirtas’, A New Spring Spelt Cultivar in Poland

‘Wirtas’ is a spring spelt (Triticum spelta L.) (Reg. No. CV‐1118, PI 677227) cultivar developed at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland. In 2012, the cultivar was tested in pre‐registration experiments and in 2013 to 2014 in experiments required for cultivar registration in Poland. In 2015, Wirtas was placed on the Polish National List of Agricultural Plant Varieties. In 2015, it was submitted for testing to the Community Plant Variety Office to obtain Community Plant Cultivar Right to the cultivar throughout the European Union, and it was entered into the Common Catalogue of Varieties of Agricultural Plant Species. Wirtas was bred by selection from accession PL 21803 of Triticum spelta var. coeruleum from the National Center for Plant Genetic Resources of the Polish Genebank in Radzików. In pre‐registration experiments, Wirtas produced an average spikelet yield of 5.45 t ha−1, which was lower by 16.3% than the grain yield of the reference wheat (T. aestivum L.) cultivar Hewilla. In registration experiments, the spikelet yield of Wirtas was significantly lower than the grain yield of the reference wheat cultivar Tybalt, by 23.6% and 16.2% at 50 and 100 kg N ha−1, respectively. Despite the above, Wirtas's significant resistance to the most dangerous fungal pathogens combined with high grain quality (high protein content, high falling number and sedimentation index) could turn breeders’ attention to Wirtas, particularly in organic farming systems.

Plant varieties protection in the European Union: legal aspects

Purpose. Reviewing the EU legislation on plant varie­ties protection including documents of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) that related to the national laws of its member states. Results. Based on the sources processed, the authors give a brief analysis of the basic EU Council Regulation № 2100/94 of 27 July 1994 on Community plant variety rights and regulations of the European Commission adopted to implement it. Basic copyright concepts, features of plant varieties protection in the EU, including those under the UPOV Convention, are also considered. Conclusions. For Ukraine, obtaining full membership in the EU, on the one hand, requires harmonization of its laws with the re­levant EU legislation, on the other – improvement of the present system of plant varieties protection taking into account national interests of Ukraine.

Farmers who do not comply fully with protected variety use obligations held to be infringers of such rights

While farmers may make use of a protected variety without the consent of the rights holder, as provided by Regulation 2100/94 on Community Plant Variety Rights, farmers who do not comply with the obligations arising out of this privilege are regarded by the Court of Justice of the European Union as infringers of such rights.

Survival analysis of cereal crop variety innovations in the UK

This paper explores the changing survival patterns of cereal crop variety innovations in the UK since the introduction of plant breeders’ rights in the mid-1960s. Using non-parametric, semi-parametric and parametric approaches, we examine the determinants of the survival of wheat variety innovations, focusing on the impacts of changes to Plant Variety Protection (PVP) regime over the last four decades. We find that the period since the introduction of the PVP regime has been characterised by the accelerated development of new varieties and increased private sector participation in the breeding of cereal crop varieties. However, the increased flow of varieties has been accompanied by a sharp decline in the longevity of innovations. These trends may have contributed to a reduction in the returns appropriated by plant breeders from protected variety innovations and may explain the decline of conventional plant breeding in the UK. It may also explain the persistent demand from the seed industry for stronger protection. The strengthening of the PVP regime in conformity with the UPOV Convention of 1991, the introduction of EU-wide protection through the Community Plant Variety Office and the introduction of royalties on farm-saved seed have had a positive effect on the longevity of protected variety innovations, but have not been adequate to offset the long term decline in survival durations.

Advantages of Using Quantitative Shape Descriptors in Protocols for Plant Cultivar and Postharvest Product Quality Assessment

Shape of plant and agricultural products is one of the most important factors for classification and grading. Shape is crucial to species, cultivar and variety identification and authenticity, commercial quality and organoleptic properties assessment. The need to quantitatively assess shape has always been thwarted with the multivariate and multidimensional complexity of shape itself. For this reason, only agricultural product size parameters (e.g. length, width, volume or ratios) are widely measured as criteria for quality grading in the industry. However, the subjective appearance of such products is a primary criterion in making purchasing decisions at retail outlets (Kays 1991). Typically, the appearance of products is visually evaluated by consumers based on size, shape, form, colour, freshness and the absence of visual defects. All these characteristics contribute to the overall appearance and are used as an important quality indicator throughout the value chain, from production and processing to storage, marketing and purchase by the end user. Among appearance features of agricultural products, shape plays a central role (Costa et al. 2011). Shape is an important factor in distinguishing among different phenotypes (Xiao et al. 2008) or among the same cultivar depending on farming conditions (McKenzie 1971). For example, gross irregularities in the shape of fruit and vegetables are a critical rejection factor in consumer decision making (Cubero et al. 2011). While shape is an essential parameter, little attempts have been made to quantify it until recently. Recent research advances that combine imaging, morphometrics and multivariate analyses allow the development of quantitative shape measurement protocols such as automated shape processing system (Costa et al. 2011). While the use of shape in an automated sorting system has many potential applications, it is suggested to focus on its use in the context of the certification systems based on the technical protocols of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, Community Plant Variety Office or those for the three EU schemes known as protected designation of origin (PDO), protected geographical indication (PGI) and traditional speciality guaranteed (TSG). These protocols do not consider shape as a quantitative variable, and phenotype and variety assessment and/or certification is mainly based on general semantic and qualitative shape descriptors set out in visual charts. Some recent studies have showed inconsistencies of shape descriptions among different semantic or visual charts that are currently in use, such as the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI 1999), citrus industry (Hodgson 1967) and instrumental measurements (Costa et al. 2009; Antonucci et al. 2011). In the last few years, advances in food optoelectronic detection, computational hardware and imaging algorithm developments coupled with the second generation multivariate modelling approaches has led to the technical feasibility to measure different shape features and variation D.-W. Sun (*) Food Refrigeration & Computerised Food Technology, School of Biosystems Engineering, University College Dublin, National University of Ireland, Agriculture & Food Science Centre, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland e-mail: dawen.sun@ucd.ie URL: http://www.ucd.ie/refrig; http://www.ucd.ie/sun

EVALUATION OF PEAR ROOTSTOCK SELECTIONS

European pear (Pyrus communis L.) is in Italy predominantly grown on clonal quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) rootstocks. However, this grafting combination shows several problems including poor graft compatibility, susceptibility to lime-induced iron chlorosis and pear decline, which are normally not observed when P. communis is used as rootstock. Since 1979, the University of Bologna (Italy) has undertaken a breeding programme to obtain new clonal pear rootstocks and in 1996 two clones (Fox 11 and Fox 16) were released. Recently, the programme focused on clones with a marked size-controlling aptitude and high yield efficiency. In 2002 and 2004 two experimental trials were arranged to evaluate the performances of cultivars ‘Abbe Fetel’, ‘Conference’ and ‘Bartlett’ grafted on eight pear clones of Bologna University (A74, C19, C91, D46, D50, E82, E105 and Fox 9), Farold® 40 Daygon and quinces BA29, MC and Sydo®. Fox 9 showed a slightly higher vigor and yield performance compared to quince BA29, and good fruit quality. In addition, Fox 9 showed high environmental adaptibility, good suitability to be micropropagated and high graft compatibility with the tested cultivars. Based on these findings, in 2008 Fox 9 was released as a new rootstock for P. communis and the application for community plant variety rights (EU patent) was lodged. Among the other pear selections tested, D46 and D50 induced good yield but also the highest vigour, while C91 was interesting for the moderate growth.

Molecular fingerprinting of a new Kiwifruit cultivar (cv. Tsehelidis) and comparative analysis with cv. Hayward according to physicochemical properties

“Tsechelidis” is a new kiwifruit cultivar of Actinidia deliciosa species that was developed in North Greece (Episkopi, Imathia) through collaboration between Farmaplant S.A and Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly. The variety originated from a systematically sporophytic selection in cv. Hayward and was evaluated for its plant and fruit characteristics for 3 years. In parallel with the above, the genetic identity of the new variety was determined using molecular DNA analysis, based on SSR markers. The results of the analysis supported the uncontested differences between the two comparative genotypes (Tsechelidis vs. Hayward). On December 2003 an application was submitted to the European Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO), which covers the jurisdiction of the EU regards the examination of characteristics and the plant breeder's right of the new variety on the inventor's initiative. The final approval for the new variety was granted on November 2007. Nowadays the variety is grown commercially in Greece, Italy, Chile and New Zealand. The most important morphological and quality characteristics, of both the fruit and the plant, are the large, cylindrical size of fruit (mean weight 170–180 g), the high vitamin C content (almost double amount compared to Hayward variety), fruit uniformity, vigorous plant growth and early period of ripening. Fruit cv. Tsechelidis had also minor flesh colour differences, ripened more rapidly at room temperature and was always of better organoleptic quality compared to fruit cv. Hayward.

Applicability of biochemical and genetic markers in the polymorphism analysis of maize lines

The guidelines elaborated by the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) of the European Union for the registration and patenting of varieties and hybrids of cultivated crops are based on the triple criteria of distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS). For many species, however, morphological descriptions are not sufficient for the detection of differences between varieties. Techniques that allow varieties to be identified and distinguished precisely and reliably are essential not only for variety identification, but also to protect variety ownership rights. Biochemical and molecular genetic methods have now reached a level of development that makes them suitable for this purpose, and when these are combined with conventional field observations the breeding stock can be unequivocally identified and any existing genetic diversity can be detected. The regular application of such analyses is a fundamental criterion in the case of maize, as more and more closely related hybrids are being entered for test...

CFI rules on scope of discretion for Community Plant Variety Office

In this, the first decision on an issue arising from an application for grant of a Community Plant Variety right, the Court of First Instance decided on the scope of discretion which the Community Plant Variety Office has in examination proceedings.

Utilization of SSR and AFLP markers for the assessment of distinctness in durum wheat

Molecular techniques provide new possibilities to characterize advanced genetic materials for registration purposes and for the protection of breeders’ rights. The objective of this work was to compare the simple sequence repeat (SSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers with morphological descriptors, currently in use, for the assessment of variety distinctness in durum wheat. Fifty-six F8 or F9 lines or sublines at different levels of relatedness derived from four crosses, two BC1- and 11 BC3-derived lines, were characterized with 27 morphological traits, including 17 official Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) descriptors, seven AFLP primer combinations, and 98 SSR primer pairs. The similarities based on all three marker classes reflected, on average, the degree of relatedness of the materials. However, molecular markers (MMs) and in particular SSRs produced classifications more closely representing the relationships among lines, allowing us to discriminate even tightly related genotypes that morphological descriptors failed to distinguish. The moderate correlations between similarities based on morphological and molecular data, and the wide range of MM differences corresponding to few or no morphological differences, imply that at present MMs should only be used as a complementary tool to assess distinctness. Based on these results, it seems that a set of 28 SSRs (one per chromosome arm) represents a useful prescreening tool to identify the entry pairs sufficiently different at MM level (≥13 polymorphisms) for which a field evaluation could be avoided, with relevant savings in resources and optimization of the field trial design.