NIAB - National Institute of Agricultural Botany

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Crop Characterisation

Plant Breeders Rights (PBR)

Working on behalf of Defra we run test for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability for variety characterization for UK Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR). We carry out similar tests for the Community Plant Variety Office for the issue of European Plant Breeders Rights. A range of Agricultural, Horticultural and Ornamental species can be tested.

Seed Certification

NIAB operates seed certification schemes for Defra as part of a new 10-year contract that commenced in 2006. This involves monitoring seed lot quality through check plots, inspection of high-grade material, monitoring Licensed Seed Testing Stations, training and certification of licensed inspectors.