Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) Testing in Sorghum

Abstract

Plant Variety Protection gives the breeder exclusive control over the variety, rights to use the variety, and encourages the development of better plant varieties. Formation of International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) led to recognition of Plant Breeders’ Rights on an international basis. A new plant variety can be protected if it is distinct (D) from any other existing variety, sufficiently uniform (U), and stable (S). The guidelines for DUS examination are developed by UPOV for individual species. DUS test guidelines for sorghum were first adopted by UPOV in 1989, which were revised subsequently to develop more comprehensive test guidelines in terms of subject and characteristics. The latest guidelines adopted in 2015 consist of 36 characteristics with eight used for grouping of varieties. Presently, 62 out of 74 member states of UPOV offer protection to new varieties of sorghum, and about 20 states have practical experience in sorghum DUS testing. Nonmembers such as India also offer protection to new varieties of sorghum through appropriate legislation.