NEW METHODS AND PERSPECTIVES FOR THE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CARNATION VARIETIES IN APPLICATION FOR BREEDERS' RIGHTS IN FRANCE

Every year, from 50 to 80 new cultivars of carnations are examined by the INRA/GEVES Centre at Saint Laurent du Var (06-France) for the purpose of granting plant breeders' rights. The increasing amount of material that we receive can only be handled efficiently if the best possible use is made of methodology and techniques. At all stages of the proceedings, - from the point when we first receive the material, check its condition for viruses and Fusarium, ensure its cultivation, define its varietal identity, and then pass it on for conservation, - the Experimental Unit of the GEVES asks for considerable back-up from the scientific and technical services at INRA, the CNRS, the University and the CNIH (Service for Horticultural Development). We thus obtain the necessary means to develop and standardize the most effective ways of providing even more efficient protection of breeders' rights.