Varietal innovation in the floriculture sector is driven by ongoing genetic improvement efforts aimed at developing ornamental varieties that meet high standards of quality, resilience to environmental factors, and resistance to pests and diseases. Such endeavors necessitate robust intellectual property protections and the involvement of dedicated international and national organizations. In September 2024, the Sanremo office was accredited as a CPVO Examination Office for new varieties of Anemone and Ranunculus, marking a significant milestone as the first such office in Italy for ornamental species, reflecting its operational excellence in research and service activities. Floriculture is distinguished from other agricultural sectors by its rapid evolution, closely aligned with contemporary trends and consumer preferences. Consequently, varietal renewal occurs at a faster pace than in other agricultural domains. Ornamental flowers are highly perishable and often transported over long distances, necessitating exceptional aesthetic quality devoid of defects or pathogen damage. The development of new flower varieties involves intensive and costly genetic enhancement work within specialized companies, focusing on attributes such as color, shape, fragrance, shelf life, and environmental resilience. The commercialization process for a new plant variety spans several years, and despite advancements in Assisted Evolution Techniques (AET) that streamline the breeding protocol, only a small fraction of breeding programs result in marketable varieties. AET encompasses advanced molecular techniques that replicate natural mechanisms for developing new species and varieties more efficiently. These methods include molecular marker selection, somatic embryogenesis, physical and chemical mutagenesis, and genome editing. Such investments in resources necessitate intellectual property protections to ensure that breeders' contributions are recognized and that initial investments remain profitable post-commercialization. To safeguard new varieties, national systems of protection exist, alongside international bodies like UPOV, which promotes an efficient plant variety protection system. UPOV, established in 1961 and revised multiple times, facilitates genetic improvement by granting breeders intellectual property rights. In Europe, the CPVO implements UPOV principles, managing community rights for plant varieties across EU member states. The Sanremo office's recent accreditation as a CPVO Examination Office underscores its commitment to high operational standards in research and service, positioning it as a potential leader in the certification of new plant innovations and a catalyst for growth in the floriculture sector.
This news is summarized and processed by the IP Topics artificial intelligence algorithm.
Read the full article on the original webpage: https://agricolae.eu/creafuturo-brevetti-floricoli-sanremo-prima-sede-in-italia-per-ufficio-cpvo/
The cover image belongs to the source website and is used as an integral part of the summary of the reference article.