NIAB - National Institute of Agricultural Botany
Plant Science Into Practice
PBR Ornamental Crops
Contact: Elizabeth Scott
At its headquarters in Cambridge UK, NIAB undertakes comparative growing trials on new varieties of Ornamentals to see if they meet the criteria for grant of Plant Breeders Rights (PBR). The basic criteria are that the variety should be Distinct, Uniform and Stable (DUS); it must also be sufficiently novel, and have an acceptable name.
We work on a very broad range of crops in over 100 genera and species but specialise in cut flower and pot chrysanthemums, roses, dahlias, herbaceous perennials, woody plants, and a wide range of basket and container plants. Trials are conducted under glass or in our 2ha outdoor trial site, which has facilities for field planting but also for shade or protected growing.
NIAB's role is as the technical centre, conducting these trials on behalf of various authorities who are responsible for the grant of rights in their own territories: the United Kingdom Plant Variety Rights Office, other individual national PVR offices, and the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO). We also provide research, development and support services and represent the United Kingdom on technical matters, for example within UPOV working parties.
Plant Breeders' Rights (PBR) are a form of intellectual property designed specifically to protect new varieties of plants. They are available to varieties which meet certain relevant internationally agreed criteria, and, if granted, cover specific territories for defined periods of time. While rights are active they give breeders control over the commercialisation of their varieties, helping them to obtain a financial return from their efforts and their investment in innovation.
For the breeder of a new variety the decision to apply for rights depends on a balance of various factors, but key points for consideration will be the likely market for the plant, ease and speed of propagation, probable sales volume, and how it will be marketed and licensed.
- To find out all about making an application for PBR, and also for information on varieties already protected, contact the relevant office following the links below.
- For help and information about the technical trialling process, and also for NIAB's other trials, research and services for the Ornamentals Industry, please contact us.
Useful links:
- United Kingdom Plant Breeders' Rights
- European Community Variety Rights
- The International Conventions relating to Plant Breeders' Rights, and contact details for further individual PVR offices within and outside Europe
- For information about UK Plant Health Regulations and sending test plants to the UK