The breeding lines are tested under different managements and climatic conditions on other trial sites
compared over a period of 2-4 years, during which time the candidates have to demonstrate that they are better than existing varieties.
The candidates also undergo a DUS test. DUS stands for Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability. Comparisons of the size and colour of various plant parts ensure that the candidates can be separated from existing varieties. The properties that are investigated are governed by the international UPOV agreement.
A national listing of varieties is normally valid for 10 years but, can be extended if the variety possesses special qualities or a very high turnover. When a variety has achieved list status in one EU country, it can be transferred to a common EU list of varieties and, in principle, be sold throughout the EU.
DLF bio-technicians continue to work
hard to develop new varieties within an international network of breeding stations and research sites. This ensures that new varieties are tested under different climatic conditions and forms of use, and are optimally adapted to market requirements.
The basis for the research and development work is at breeding stations in Denmark, France, Holland, the Czech Republic and the USA. (DLF also work closely with other breeding stations and a number of external research stations which are strategically located so that they are able to cover all of the countries and climatic regions on which DLF focus their sales). Recently DLF moved into Kentucky, USA and established a trial site in the area known as ‘the inner bluegrass’ - an
area with rolling green hillsides and the home of some of the finest thoroughbred horse farms in the country.
The temperate climate with rainfall evenly distributed over the year, together with fertile soils, keeps the grass green all year round. The site is impacted by the extreme heat and humidity from the south and frigid cold from the north. Under these conditions the breeding lines of fodder and amenity grasses demonstrate their yield potential as well as their tolerance to heat and drought. The exact same breeding lines are tested under different managements and climatic conditions on other trial sites, in France, Holland, the Czech Republic, Poland, China, UK and Denmark. When combining all this data, the potential of new variety candidates can be found. This year more than 1300 plots of
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