NATIONAL VARIETY RELEASE POLICY

AND MECHANISM

P.O.BOX 9197 TEL.152868 FAX.519051

E-mail:[email protected] ADDIS ABABA
FEBRUARY 2000

NATIONAL SEED INDUSTRY AGENCY

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION 4
II. SOME PROBLEMS NOTED IN THE PAST 6
III. PROPOSED OBJECTIVES, FUNCITIONS, ORGANIZATIONAL
SET-UP AND COMPOSITION OF THE NATIONAL VARIETY 10
COMMITTEE
A. Background 10
B. Objectives 10
General Objectives 10
Specific Objectives 10
C. Functions 11
D. Organizational Set-up 13
E. Composition of Committee 13
Terms of Reference for the Chairperson 14
Terms of Reference for the Permanent Secretary 14
F. Terms of Office 17
G. Meeting 17
H. Annex 1: Minimum breeders seed quantity breeders must have in their seed stock
when making a request to release new varieties 18
I. Field crop variety release policy (Revised) 21
J. Field Crop variety Release request form. 24
K. Field crop variety evaluation and report Guideline 28
L. Guidelines for release of horticultural crop varieties 29
i. Part One: Annual crops
a. Condition for release 30
b. Supporting documents for release 31
c. Evaluation procedure 32
d. Amendments 33
e. . Variety release request form 34
ii. Part two: Perennial crops 40
a. Condition for release 40
b. Supporting documents for release 42
c. Evaluation procedures 43
d. Amendments 44
e. . Variety release request form 45

Annexes:
Annex 1: Breeder’s seed requirement 52
Annex 2: Definition of key terminologies 54

ii
I. Introduction

The development of new varieties is one of the most important factors to increase
the productivity of a crop per unit area. However, these varieties may be susceptible
to different diseases, may be of low value in terms of oil content for oil crops, may
also be poor in baking quality for cereal crops, etc. In order to make sure that these
varieties are superior to the existing ones in terms of fulfilling the requirements of
the farmers, there should be a structured guideline and regulation for their release to
the farming community.

Different countries follow various procedures to develop and release a new variety
for production. Some countries have a system of rigorous testing and variety release
mechanisms before the new variety developed is made available to farmers, while
others allow the distribution of such materials without any rules and regulations.

In a country like Ethiopia, rules and regulations as well as a mechanism governing

the release of improved varieties or hybrids are important to safeguard the farmer
and increase productivity.

Currently, in Ethiopia several institutions are engaged with the task of developing
new varieties for different crops. The evaluation, release and registration of these
varieties is carried out by the National Variety Release Committee (NVRC) with the
guidance of an existing procedure being implemented by the National Seed Industry
Agency (NSIA). This procedure, established mainly for cereal, pulse and oil crops,
focuses on agronomic characteristics and the criteria does not include evaluation of
important characteristics of some crops, such as oil content, baking quality, taste,
etc. Moreover, there is no established criteria and release mechanism for other crops
such as horticultural crops, forage crops, etc.

Therefore, this document has been developed to further refine the existing variety
release mechanism for field crops and also incorporates procedures for new crops
that were not included in the previous guideline. Accordingly, a revised version of

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the responsibility and activity of the National Variety Release Committee (NVRC) is
also presented. The current variety release procedure is also included in this
document for easy reference.

2
II. Current Variety Release Procedure
After the breeder has developed a new variety there are essentially two main and
distinct steps involved in the release of a variety or hybrid.

i The first step or stage involves testing the new improved variety or
hybrid developed by the breeder.

i While the second stage is concerned with the release and registration of
the variety.

These two basic steps are carried out in various ways in different countries. In some
countries, one and the same committee carries out both the testing of the newly
developed variety and the release and registration of it.

In other countries, two separate groups conduct the two distinct functions of testing
the newly developed variety and the release and registration of it
.
In our case the National Variety Release Committee (NVRC) is responsible for the
release and registration of the newly developed variety while testing the variety is
the responsibility of the breeder.

The NVRC with its existing functions is responsible to organize sub-committees in

order to go out to the field and do the variety testing or evaluation whenever a
request for the consideration of a variety for release is made. The sub-committee
organized for such a purpose is composed of one standing member of the NVRC,
which acts as the team leader with the rest of the members of the group being
assigned from each standing member institution. Such arrangements were justifiably
made in order to make sure that all the relevant institutions with the interest in
improved seed as either generators or users are well represented and are actually
involved in the field evaluation process. This process finally leads to the release or

3
otherwise of a proposed variety again in the presence of and with the decision of all
institutions represented in the NVRC through their standing members.

The existing arrangement of the variety release mechanism have so many crucial
problems experienced during the evaluation and field testing process. Some of the
problems and complaints noted so far in relation to this process are the following:

i Essential and special characteristics of improved varieties such as

malting and baking quality, oil content; fiber quality and cooking quality
aspects are not developed. The mechanism for such tests should be
developed since some of these qualities for example fiber quality,
malting quality and oil content are in some cases very essential criteria
for deciding to release new cultivars.

i Most institutions were unable to assign well-qualified experts to

participate in the field evaluation trip.

i The assigned members do not show up on schedule or do not show up at

all. This either delays the operation because frequent postponements are
made or sometimes it forces few members of the group to go and conduct
the evaluation without the participation of some institutions. The delay
caused by such action has grave consequence on the evaluation result
because the team sometimes arrives when the crop is matured so that it is
difficult to score for many agronomic and morphological characters as
well as diseases thus making the evaluation result either useless or
unreliable. This forces the evaluation to be repeated for another year thus
wasting the nations resources unnecessarily and delaying the release of a
variety or sometimes it could result in allowing the release of a variety
that does not deserve to be released.

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 i It was often difficult to obtain transport vehicles because each of the
institutions were unwilling to provide vehicles stating that it is the other
institutions and not them that should be responsible for providing
transport vehicle.

i It was difficult to obtain a timely report of the evaluation result since

there was no mechanism for easy communication and since the team
members were assigned to attend other duties by their respective
institutions. This delays the convening of the NVRC thus delaying the
decision to release a variety and start the seed multiplication process,
especially for crops to be sown early in April.

i Several of the institutions regarded their participation in the variety

evaluation process as a duty of secondary importance.

i As a consequence of all these, there is a complaint on the NVRC by some

breeders saying that their varieties have been unfairly evaluated by
incompetent evaluators and consequently not approved for release. At
other times they state that their varieties have not been released because
the evaluation team arrived so late in the season and filed an unreliable
report, which misled the NVRC and resulted in a negative decision.

In order to alleviate some of these problems it is recommended that the National

variety Release Committee have the following Objectives, Functions, Organizational
Set-up and Composition.

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III. The National Variety Release Committee

A. Background
The desirability of creating a mechanism of variety release that will safe guard the
production system and assure standardized practice is essential. This was expressed
in different forums; as a result, the National Crop Improvement Conference (NCIC)
which of the terms of reference and guidelines developed by an ad-hoc Committee
elected by the NCIC in 1980 established the National Variety Release Committee in
1982 following the approval.

B. Objectives
General Objective
After a new variety has been developed by a breeder, in order to assure the high
standard and quality of the improved variety and safeguard the interest of the
farmers and other users, the NVRC will have the general objective of testing,
approving or releasing and registering the new variety or hybrid.

Specific Objectives
Specific objectives of the National Variety Release Committee are presented as
follows.
1. To review data supporting the release of a new hybrid or variety.
2. To determine its uniqueness and its production potential for Ethiopia.
3. To provide the overall mechanism for proper release and approve the
release of varieties and hybrids.
4. Register the released variety and hybrid.

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 C. Functions
The functions of the National Variety Release Committee are listed below.

1. Be responsible for the approval or release of hybrids and varieties

developed by governmental and private institutions.

2. Provide appropriate forms to the breeder to effect the release of a

variety or hybrid. Release is dependent upon both distinctness and the
availability of a reasonable quantity of breeders seed of a variety
adequate enough to generate basic seed (Refer Appendix 1) or seed of
the parents of hybrids to the National Seed Industry Agency. Release
is also dependent on the provision by the breeder or the institution
which developed the variety a descriptive information regarding the
distinguishing characteristics of the released varieties or hybrids
(morphological, physiological, biochemical etc.) and the parents of
varieties or hybrids (origin, pedigree) including performance.

3. Review and evaluate the data provided in support of the release and
pass decision whether or not the variety or hybrid can be released.

4. Formally notify appropriate individuals and agencies that the variety

or hybrid has been released. And also compile and provide published
information of the released varieties and hybrids on the basis of the
descriptive information provided by the breeder or the institution
responsible for developing the variety regarding the distinguishing
characteristics of the released varieties and hybrids (morphological,
physiological, biochemical etc.) and parents of hybrids, (origin,
pedigree) including performance.

5. Determine and assign responsibilities to appropriate institutions or

agencies for maintenance of breeders’ seed.

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 6. Through the permanent secretary of the National Variety Release
Committee obtain seed of the newly released varieties or hybrids
from the breeder or the institution that developed them and provide it
to the Plant Genetic Resources Center for long-term storage and
maintenance.

7. When sufficient information is available, take appropriate action to

recall and remove obsolete varieties and hybrids from the list of those
eligible for seed certification.

8. Register released varieties and hybrids and maintains an up to date

list (National Seed Registry) and publish such a list annually along
with their characteristics and recommended ecological zones of
production for each entry. And provide such information to the
national seed and other appropriate data bases and maintain an up to
date cross institutional data base linkage.

9. Review and standardize varietal and hybrid naming procedures used

in the country.

10. Through the chairperson and secretary give periodic review and
status report to the National Seed Industry Agency.

D. Organizational Set-up

The National Variety Release Committee will function under the organizational set-
up of the National Seed Industry Agency. Thus its office will be in the Agency.

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E. Composition of the Committee

The committee shall be composed of high professional calibers from different

institutions and members will be selected by the National Seed Industry Agency and
concerned agricultural research institutions to serve as committee members of the
National Variety Release Committee. The committee will consist of:

Breeders 1 4
Agronomist/Physiologist 1
Entomologist 1
Pathologist 1
Economist 1
Research/Extension 1
Others as required 1

The committee members are represented from the following institutions/ organizations.

1. Ministry of Agriculture
2. National Seed Industry Agency
3. Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization
4. Institute for Biological Conservation and Research.
5. Coffee and Tea Authority
6. Awasa Agricultural College
7. Ethiopian Seed Enterprise
8. Science and Technology Commission
9. Quality and Standard Authority
10. Other relevant organization/institution

1
Breeders working on different crop and on crops having different pollination habits will preferably
be chosen.

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F. Duties and Responsibilities of the Chairperson

The National Variety Release Committee shall have a chairperson elected from
among the professional members. The chairperson shall have the following duties
and responsibilities:

x Direct the activities of the National Variety Release Committee and

preside over all of its meetings to guide its deliberations.

x Direct, guide and make decisions on aspects of variety release

assessments, meetings and other related matters.

x Attend the Council meeting of the Ethiopian Seed Industry and

provide Periodic review and status report on the activities of the
National Variety Release Committee through the National Seed
Industry Agency.

x Direct and guide the overall activity of the National Variety Release
Committee according to the rules and regulations approved by the
National Seed Industry Council.

It is understood that a chairperson elected by the NVRC from its members would
step down temporarily when a crop(s) that he/she is involved in, is being considered
for release.

G. Duties and Responsibilities of the Permanent Secretary

As indicate above the office of the National Variety Release Committee shall be in
the National Seed Industry Agency. The Agency shall employ a professional to
serve as permanent secretary to the National Variety Release Committee. Since the
National Variety Release Committee at its present level of activity cannot engage

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the permanent secretary full time, it is assumed that he/she will be given a post and
serve in the Seed Quality Control and Certification Team under the National Seed
Industry Agency.

Furthermore, with the approval of the Seed Industry Agency the permanent secretary
is envisaged to serve as a nucleus towards establishing an independent Testing
Agency in the future when the conditions become right in terms of manpower,
facilities and other requirements.

Duties and responsibilities of the permanent secretary are presented as follows:

x Make periodic review of the NVRC to assess its activities and make
proposals and develop strategies for improvement including the
establishment of an independent Testing Agency when appropriate
and present these to the NVRC for approval and adoption.

x Give Guidelines developed by the NVRC and issue necessary

formats to breeders and institutions involved in the development and
multiplication of new varieties and hybrids.

x Receive requests for the release of new varieties and hybrids from
breeders and other institutions and give the appropriate response in
consultation with the NVRC Chairperson.

x With the chairperson of the NVRC forms and assign a sub-committee

to evaluate the proposed variety or hybrid for release in accordance to
the timetable request of the breeder.

x Prepare trip schedules and notify in time standing member

institutions and other members of the evaluation team to be ready for
the assignment. Organize the trip by making all the necessary

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 arrangements including the provision of transport vehicles and
notifying the arrival date of the sub-committee team at the breeder.

x Make the necessary arrangements with appropriate foreign and local

institutions (ENI, AAU, ESTIA etc) to conduct quality tests such as
oil content, cooking, baking, malting or fiber quality for varieties and
hybrids proposed for release. And deliver the materials to be tested to
the testing institutions.

x Follow up to receive and compile, within a month, reports, from the

evaluation sub-committees team leader and other organizations
involved in the evaluation and testing of varieties proposed for
release. And organize the data and compile a report to present to the
NVRC for its deliberations regarding the release of varieties and
hybrids.

x Serve as rapporteur to the NVRC during all of its deliberations and

keep the necessary records.

x Compile a list of all the varieties released along with their

distinguishing characteristics and compile other essential publications
related to the National Variety Release Committee.

x Conduct any other activity as deemed necessary by the National

Variety Release Committee.

F. Terms of Office
Two members of the committee i.e. the Chairperson and one other member of the
committee will serve for three years while the rest of the members will serve for two
years. The member of the committee who will be serving for three years along with
the Chairperson chosen will be the committee member. The decision to assigning the

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chairperson and one other member of the National Variety Release Committee to
serve for three years is made in order to insure continuity and smooth transition of
the NVRC activity when new members are elected. All members can serve for two
terms.

G. Meeting
The National Variety Release Committee will meet twice a year to release varieties
and to deliberate on issues related to variety release. However, it can meet more than
twice every year if found necessary.

The breeder or any other appropriate agency involved in its development may be
asked to respond to queries as well as defend the release of the variety to the
National Variety Release Committee by attending its meetings when a variety or a
hybrid is being considered for release.

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 IV. VARIETY RELEASE GUIDELINES FOR FIELD AND
HORTICULTRAL CROPS

PART ONE

FIELD CROP VARIETY RELEASE GUIDELINES (REVISED)

A. Condition For Release

1. The new variety must show excellent performance in sufficient number of tests
in comparison with the standard cultivar (s) grown in the ecological zone(s)
where it is intended to be used.

a. The variety should be tested for yield, disease reaction and other
important characteristics for a minimum of two to three years in
Regional or National Variety Trials at least in 3 to 4 locations.

b. The variety to be released should be uniform, stable and distinctly

superior to the existing commercial cultivar(s) grown in the area in
one or more characteristics important for crop, and is satisfactory in
other major requirements. However, when there are no adequate
number of released cultivars of a particular crop, the NVRC may
consider releasing a variety even if its is not superior to existing
cultivars, without compromising the requirements of the grower.

2. The new variety/varieties should be planted along with the established local or
improved cultivar(s) as the case may be in relatively large plots (at least 100m
at 2 to 3 sites) on station and on farm verification trials during the anticipated
year of release for assessment by NVRC.

14
3. Prior to preparing proposals for release of varieties, team leaders and other
concerned researchers should consult with appropriate team members,
extension and on-farm research personnel.

4. A new variety should be assigned a permanent designation by the breeder/team

(preferably a short local name) after it has been approved for release. Under no
circumstance should a variety be distributed under more than one name.
Provisionally released varieties should be planted in the following year in one
hectare plots at the ESE farm and another suitable site chosen by the breeder
for final inspection by the NVRC.

B. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR RELEASE

Release requests should be accompanied by:
a. Complete description of varieties on which action is required.

b. Appropriate data to support recommendations-yield, agronomic data,

disease reaction and other supporting data for individual locations and
years should be presented in addition to the summaries. Care should be
taken to include performance of appropriate checks.

Other relevant data on important characteristics for local consumption,

industry, export market, as the case may be should also be supplied e.g.
canning quality (haricot bean) oil content (oil seeds), cooking time (faba
bean), protein content (malting barley) etc.

c. Three completed copies each of the variety release request form (Form 1)
and a year x location data summary of the recommended entries, these
must be submitted to the committee chairman before May 30 each year.

d. A list of locations to be visited with the suggested dates of visit.

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C. EVALUATION PROCEDURE
1.The NVRC through its chairman appoints a sub-committee composed of NVRC
members and other relevant specialists to report on varietal performance after
examining the submitted data and field visits. The evaluation report from the sub
committee is expected to cover:

. Performance data evaluation

. Field performance evaluation
. General comments
. Recommendation

2. In any one season no more than three varieties per crop should be proposed for
release and put in verification for inspection by NVRC as far as the area of
adaptation and characteristics of the cultivars are similar.

Moreover, varieties once rejected by the NVRC should not be repeatedly put in
verification and proposed for release in the coming years unless sufficient
written justification is given for such action.

3. Variety release proposals should be submitted to the committee Chairman by May

30 of each year. Actions to place varieties on the release list will be taken at the
November/December meeting of the NVRC. The breeder submitting the variety
or varieties for release may be called to appear in person before the NVRC to
answer enquiries regarding the proposal. Decisions reached by the committee will
be reported at the NVRC in April the following year.

4. The breeder or institution responsible for developing varieties that have been
approved for release would be expected to maintain an appropriate quantity of the
breeder and basic seed for use in replenishing and restoring commercial seed of
the variety to the desired genetic purity.

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5. Obsolete varieties or otherwise arising from genetic deterioration, loss of
resistance to diseases, etc. Will be recommended by the NVRC to be
discontinued from production areas when:

a. Such is reported by the users, (breeders, extension agents, state farms

etc.) of the varieties with documented information.
b. Other suitable alternatives are released.

6. This crop variety release policy is subject to revision when necessary.

Date---------------------------
D. Amendment
The field crop variety guideline is subject to amendment as deemed necessary.

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Form 1
National Variety Release Committee
VARIETY RELEASE REQUEST FORM

(To be filled in triplicate)

Name and Address of Crop Team Leader Researcher Institution Completing this
form:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

1. Crop (with Latin name):

________________________________________________________________
2. Variety designation (name):
_________________________________________________________________
3. Background of the material including origin and pedigree
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

4. Main positive feature(s) of the variety-Which make it an improvement over

other in current use. Indicate also may shortcomings which may restrict its use in
some areas:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

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5. Test years and locations providing data for this assessment:

Year: 19… No. of locations.... No. of Varieties in trial.............

" 19 " " " " " " " ..............
" 19 " " " " " " " ..............
Regional/locations where trials were conducted:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Note: On a separate sheet include relevant agronomic data by years and locations
of testing in comparison with the best standard check.

6. Results:

6.1 Total yield of this variety as % of check in trial.... %

6.2 This variety required: (high) (medium) (low) input of fertilizer to achieve
this yield.
6.3 The trials (received) (did not receive) irrigation (circle one)
6.4 Resistance to disease insects and other hazards (e.g. cold, heat, drought,
salinity). Explain scoring system and classify resistance in comparison with
standard check.

Diseases or Standard Proposed

other hazard check variety
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

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 6.5 Quality of product (acceptability, nutritional quality and utilization aspects
etc). Provide information relevant to the crop.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

7. Main morphological characteristics, which distinguish this variety.

________________________________________________________________
Morphological characteristics Measurement or
Description
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

8. Other remarks: ____________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

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9. Recommended ecological zones of adaptation in Ethiopia
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
10. Source of seed and or planning material-indicate which institution or
organization is maintaining breeder's seed and in what quantities.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
I the undersigned attest by signature that the information given is true to the
best of my knowledge.
I hereby, apply to the National Variety Release Committee for the release
and registration of this ________________________________.
Name __________________________Signature _____________________
Position __________________________
Institution ________________________
(stamp and approval) _______________
Date _____________________
___________________________________________________________________
FOR NVRC USE ONLY
___________________________________________________________________

Release and Registration of ____________ not approved

approved
(circle right action)

NVRC Chairman _______________________

Signature ______________________________
Date __________________________________

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 PART TWO

HORTICULTURAL CROP VARIETY RELEASE GUIDELINES

PREAMBLE
The ultimate goal of producing quality crops is primarily based on the development
of superior cutivars fitting to the different production system. This however, requires
scrupulous scrutiny of germ plasm by the breeder and other researchers. To that
effect the need for an effective variety releasing guideline for crops was sought
unequivocal. As indicated, the current release guideline is mainly based on cereal,
pulses, oil crops, etc.
Today many irrigated and rain fed horticultural crop varieties are developed both for
local and export market and are ready for release. However, the existing guideline
does not encompass these crops. Therefore, to promote stability, uniformity and
distinctness of horticultural crops and thereby strengthen the development program,
these release guidelines are prepared based on the existing annual crop release
guideline as Section A and B of part two. Section A covering vegetables, roots, and
tubers and section B covering fruits, coffee, tea enset etc. as part of the responsibility
of the National Seed Industry Agency (NSIA).

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A. VEGETABLES, ROOTS AND TUBERS

1. CONDITION FOR RELEASE

1.1 The new variety must show an improvement in sufficient number of tests in
comparison with the standard or local cultivars grown in agro-ecological
zone(s) where it is intended to be used.

a. The variety should be tested for yield, diseases, insect pests, and other
important characteristics for a minimum of two years in the respective
agro-ecological zones in at least two locations.

b. The variety to be released should be uniform, stable and distinctly

superior to the existing standard or local cultivar (s) grown in the area
in one or more characteristics important for the crop and is satisfactory
in other major requirements.

1.2. The new variety/varieties should be planted along with the established local or
standard cultivar(s) (as the case may be) in relatively large plots (at least 50 m2
replicated twice or 100 m2) at least in three sites one on station and two on farm
verification trials during the anticipated year of release for assessment by the
NVRC.

1.3. Prior to preparing for release of varieties the researcher should consult with
commodity leader and other concerned researchers. The consensus reached on
the merits of the variety should be communicated to the NVRC.

1.4. A new variety should be assigned a permanent designation by the breeder/team

(preferably) a short local name after it has been approved for release. This is a
pre-condition for registration. A variety should not be distributed under more
than one name. The proposed name (s) can be rejected by NVRC for valid
reason.

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2.SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR RELEASE
Variety release request should be accompanied by:
2.1.Complete morphological description of candidate variety (s);

2.2.Appropriate data to support recommendations like yield, agronomic data,

diseases, insect pest reactions and other supporting data for individual locations
and years. Other relevant data on important characteristic for local consumption,
industry, export market, as the case may be, e.g. canning quality (tomato, carrot,
(etc.), cooking time (potato, sweet potato, etc.), total soluble solids (tomato,
onion, shallot, etc.), pungency (shallot, pepper, etc.), oleoresin (pepper, ginger,
etc.), color (tomato, pepper, shallot, potato, sweet potato, etc.) should be
supplied.

2.3.Three completed copies for candidate variety/varieties release request form

(Form 2) and a year X location data summary of the recommended entries
which must be submitted to the Secretariat Office of NVRC before Ginbot 30
for rain fed crops and before Meskerem 30 for irrigated crops. A list of locations
to be visited with the suggested dates of visit should be communicated and
confirmed at least one week before the date of evaluation. Actions to place
varieties on the released list will be taken at the Yekatit/Megabit meeting of the
NVRC. The breeder submitting the variety or varieties for release may be called
to appear in person before the NVRC to answer queries regarding the proposal.
Decisions reached by the committee will be reported at the National Agricultural
Research Review Meeting.

3. EVALUATION PROCEDURE
3.1 The NVRC through its chairman appoints a sub-committee composed of
NVRC members and other relevant professionals to report on varietal
performance after examining the submitted data and field visits. The
evaluation report from the sub-committee is expected to cover:-
Research data evaluation

24
 Verification trials evaluation
General comments
Recommendation

3.2 In any one season no more than three varieties per crop should be proposed
for release for a given agro-ecology. Moreover, varieties once rejected by the
NVRC should not be repeatedly put in verification and proposed for release
under the same agro-ecology for the same purpose.

3.3 Provisionally released varieties should be planted in the following year on

1,000 mt at two appropriate sites for final inspection by the NVRC. If not
planted within the coming two years, it will lose its provisional status but
could be considered as a new entry in another variety trial.

3.4 Varieties recommended for "repeat" if not tested within the coming two
years will lose its repeat status but could be considered as a new entry in
another variety trial.

3.5 The breeder or institution responsible for developing varieties that have been
approved for release would maintain an appropriate quantity of the breeder
and basic seed for use in replenishing and restoring commercial seed of the
variety to the desired genetic purity.

3.6 Obsolete varieties or otherwise arising from genetic deterioration, loss of

resistance to diseases, etc. will be recommended by the NVRC to be
discontinued from production list when it is reported by the users (breeders,
extension agents, state farms etc).

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4. AMENDMENT

This Annual Horticultural Crops Variety Release Guideline will be subjected

to amendment/revision as deemed necessary.

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 Form 2
NATIONAL VARIETY RELEASE COMMITTEE.
Application for Variety Release/Registration of Annual Crops

(To be filled in triplicate)

1. Name and address of researcher/institution responsible for developing

the cultivar (s).
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

5. Research commodity
______________________________________________________________

1. Crop (with Latin name)

______________________________________________________________

2. Variety designation (breeder’s reference)

______________________________________________________________

5. Background of the material including origin and pedigree

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

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6 Main positive feature(s) of the variety, which make it an improvement to
those in current use. Indicate also shortcomings, which may restrict its use
in some areas:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

7. Test years and locations providing data for this assessment:

Year 1.____________ No. of location__________No. of varieties in trial______________

Year 2.____________ No. of location ___________ No. of varieties in trial_____________
Year 3. ___________ No. of location ___________ No. of varieties in trial _____________

Regions /locations where trials were conducted

_____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

8. Results
8.1 Annex yield and other relevant agronomic data
8.2 Total yield of the variety as percent of check in trial_____
_______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

28
8.3 This variety required (kg/ha) N___________, P___________, K _________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Fertilizer to achieve this yield.

8.4 The trials received / did not received irrigation. (circle one)

8.5 Pesticide applied, was not applied (circle one).

Indicate type, chemical name and rate/ha.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

8.6. Resistance to disease, insects and other hazards (e.g. cold, heat, drought,
salinity). Explain scoring system and classify resistance in comparison with
standard check.
______________________________________________________________
Disease/insects Standard Proposed
and other hazard check variety
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

8.7 Quality of products (acceptability, nutritional value, TSS, utilization aspects

etc.). Provide information relevant to the crop.
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

29
9. Main morphological characteristics, which distinguish this variety

Morphological characteristics Measurement or description

10. Recommended ecological zones of adaptation

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

11. Source of seed or planting materials. Indicate which institution or

organization is maintaining breeder's seed.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

12. Other remarks:

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

13. Main contributors for the release of the variety:

Name Institution Profession
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

30
I the undersigned attest by my signature that the information given is true to the best
of my knowledge.
I, hereby, apply to the National Variety Release Committee for the release and
registration of this/these
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Name ________________________________________
Signature________________
Position _____________________
Institution ____________________
(Stamp and approval) ___________________
Date ___________________

FOR NVRC USE ONLY

Release and Registration of _______________________ Full release/ provisional/repeat/rejected

_______________________ Full release/ provisional/repeat/rejected

_______________________ Full release/ provisional/repeat/rejected

(circle one)

NVRC Chairman ____________________________

Signature __________________________________
Date________________________________________

31
B. FRUITS, COFFEE TEA AND ENSET

1. CONDITION FOR RELEASE

1.1 The proposed cultivar must show an improvement over existing or currently
recommended cultivar (s) in one or more economic characters (yield,
resistance/tolerance to diseases, pests, soil problems, fruit color, aroma,
flavor, storability, juice/pulp, quality, maturity periods, propagation
capability, high range of adaptability, hardiness, etc.). Other characters
should however be comparable to the existing cultivars, if not superior.

1.2 The character(s) for which the candidate cultivar is to be released should be
tested against the existing 'standard' local cultivar in the case of indigenous
species (e.g. coffee, enset etc.) and against already established commercial
cultivars if the new proposed cultivar is an exotic crop (e.g. citrus, grapes,
etc). In the absence of a standard cultivar for a particular crop, the cultivar
with the highest coverage will be considered as the standard for that
particular growing environment (e.g. citrus in Upper Awash). When such
established cultivars are not available, NVRC may still consider releasing
and registering the candidate cultivar, in the interests of the production
sector.

1.3 The candidate cultivar should be tested for all relevant characters such as
disease/pest, resistance/tolerance and susceptibility against the standard
cultivar or on internationally accepted screening systems and parameters.

1.4 At least two years production data should be provided for any crop in the
respective agro-ecological zones in at least two locations.

1.5 The cultivar proposed for release should be distinct, stable and uniform.

32
1.6 In view of the prolonged growth habit of perennial crops it is mandatory to
design the initial trial program in such a way that variety trial evaluation
plots will be used for verification purpose of promising varieties for release.
The candidate cultivar should be established together with recommended
cultivars /clones/ propagules /graft combinations replicated 3 times for every
agro-ecological region. Hence the plot size for:

1.6.1 Large plants (citrus, mango, avocado etc.) shall be 140 to 330 meter
square or 4 plants per plot.

1.6.2 Intermediate plants (papayas, coffee, enset etc.) shall be 40-100 meter
square or 8 plants per plot.

1.6.3 Small plants (strawberry, etc.) shall be about 15 meter square or 50

plants per plot.

1.6.4 In the case of papaya data of 3 locations for one year will be
submitted for NVRC and its performance will be evaluated in the
following year and later, yield and other data of the second year will
be submitted for final approval.

1.6.5 For enset, complete morphological and yield data of the screening
trial will be presented at the time of request for evaluation. In
addition the performance of advanced clones (variety trial) will be
evaluated just before harvest and yield and qualitative data will be
presented to NVRC for appropriate action .The most appropriate
period for inspection shall be communicated to the NVRC, at the
time the application is made for release/ registration.

33
2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR APPLICATION
Release requests should be accompanied by the following:

2.1 complete morphological description of the cultivar (s) should be provided by

each breeder/researcher/organization to enable identification. If possible
suitable plates, drawings and photographs may accompany each application.

2.2 Candidate cultivar should be free of serious diseases and insect pests at the
breeders' or nucleus source of seed/ bud wood / propagule / clone supply. A
document to that effect should be attached.

2.3 Adequate data in support of the application with respect to quantitative and
qualitative characters, under each location and number of years tested,
should be provided. These data should give a valid comparison with the
standard cultivar or local check if available.

2.4 Three completed copies for each candidate variety/varieties release request
form (Form 3) and a year location data summary of the recommended
entries must be submitted to the Secretariat Office of the NVRC before
Ginbot 30 for rainfed crops and before Meskerem 30 for irrigated crops each
year. Actions to place varieties on the released list will be taken at the
Yekatit /Megabit meeting of the NVRC. The breeder submitting the variety
or varieties for release may be called to appear in person before the NVRC
to answer queries regarding the proposal. Decisions reached by the
committee will be reported at the National Agricultural Research Review
Meeting.

34
3. EVALUATION PROCEDURE
3.1 The NVRC through its chairman appoints a sub-committee composed of
NVRC members and other relevant professionals to report on varietal
performance after examining the submitted data and field visits. The
evaluation report from the sub-committee is expected to cover: -

Research data evaluation

Verification trials evaluation
General comments
Recommendation

3.2 Breeder's maintenance plot, for scions and rootstock foundation or nucleus
multiplication blocks should be established by research institution or other
organization. This will ensure a steady supply of material to the production
sector. The commercial nursery/seed increase cooperator/ agency is the final
and crucial bridge between the plant breeder and the grower.

3.3 Seed gardens (foundation), nucleus scion wood and rootstock mother
plantations, colonial and propagate foundation blocks have to be maintained
and made available for periodic inspections by the NVRC or delegated
specialists after a cultivar is registered and released provisionally or
otherwise.

3.4 A perennial crop should be provisionally released if there is an urgent need

to develop an exotic crop that has shown sufficient potential in the period
stipulated even though comparisons are not possible in the short term.

3.5 Provisionally released varieties due to suspicion of disease or other problems

should be further inspected within the following two years by the NVRC.

35
3.6 Cultivars, which have been in commercial productions prior to the
establishment of this guideline, should be formally regularized by registering
with NVRC.

3.7 A new variety should be assigned a permanent designation by the

breeder/team (preferably a short local name) after it has been approved for
release. This is a pre-condition for registration. A variety should not be
distributed under more than one name. The proposed name(s) can be rejected
by NVRC for valid reason.

3.8 Up to three cultivars of a crop could be proposed for release for the same
agro-ecology for the same purpose. Moreover, varieties once rejected by the
NVRC should not be repeatedly put in verification and proposed for release
under the same agro-ecology for the same purpose.

3.9 A breakdown in resistance/tolerance to a condition the candidate cultivar was

developed for, should be communicated to the NVRC by the users. If this
occurs the NVRC will take appropriate action.

4. Amendments

This Perennial Crops Variety Release Guideline will be subjected to

amendments/revision as deemed necessary.

36
Form 3
NATIONAL VARIETY RELEASE COMMITTEE
Application for Variety Registration/Release of Perennial Crops
(To be filled in triplicate)

1. Name and address of researcher/ institute responsible for developing the

cultivar (s)
_______________________________________________________________

2. Research commodity ____________________________________________

2. Name of crop (with Latin Name)___________________________________

3. Variety designation (breeders reference) _____________________________

4. Origin of cultivar
Information on origin ,pedigree and mode of reproduction. (Hybrid/open
pollinated, seedling/bud sprout/clone/selection/imported/unknown)
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

5. Recommended ecological zones of adaptation.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

37
6. Main positive feature(s) of the variety which make it superior to those in current
use. Indicate also shortcomings, which may restrict its use in some areas:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

7. Input Required
7.1 This variety required (kg/ha) ____________(N), _____________(P),____________
(K) ________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
fertilizer to achieve this yield.

7.2. The trials (received) (did not receive) irrigation (circle one)
7.3. Pesticide applied, not applied (circle one). Indicate type, chemical name and
rate/ha.
Type Name Rate
__________________ ____________ ____ ________________
__________________ ________________ _________________
__________________ ________________ _________________

8. Test years and locations providing data for this assessment:

Year 1.____________ No. of location__________No. of varieties in trial______________
Year 2.____________ No. of location ___________ No. of varieties in trial_____________
Year 3. ___________ No. of location ____________No. of varieties in trial _____________

38
 Regions/locations where trials were conducted:
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

9. Characteristics of the cultivar:

9.1 Morphological description
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

39
9.2.Quality of Product (Acceptability, Nutritional Value, TSS, Utilization Aspects,
etc.)
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

9.3.Regularity in bearing
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

9.4. Harvest period (s)

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

9.5 Resistance to disease/insects and other hazards (e.g. cold, heat, drought,
salinity).
Explain scoring system and classify resistance in comparison with standard
check.

Disease/insect Standard Proposed

or other hazard check variety
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

40
9.6 Processing quality/utilization information
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

10. Additional information (fertilizer regimes, irrigation levels, rootstock

preferences edaphic adaptability, suitability for large scale production or
small farmer cropping systems etc.)
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
________________

11. Main contributor for the release of the variety

______________________________________________________________
Name Institution Profession
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

12. Organization/institution responsible for maintaining breeder's stock

_____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

41
 I the undersigned attest by my signature that the information given is true to
the best of my knowledge.

I, hereby, apply to the National Variety Release Committee for the release
And registration of this/these
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Name ______________________________ Signature ___________

Position __________________________________________________
Institution __________________________________________________

(Stamp and approval) __________________________

Date __________________________

FOR NVRC USE ONLY

Release & Registration of _________________________Full release/ provisional / repeat/rejected

_________________________Full release/ provisional / repeat/rejected

_________________________ Full release/ provisional / repeat/rejected

(circle one)

NVRC Chairman _________________________

Signature ____________________________
Date _________________________

42
IIV. Variety Evaluation Report Guideline

Please include the following points in your evaluation visit report of verification
plots of varieties proposed for release. (Any other additional Information is
appreciated).

1. Performance data evaluation

This will consist of scrutinizing the submitted data for completeness,

relevance, Commissions and assessing if appropriate comparisons were done

2. Field evaluation

Insitu performance evaluation and recording of relevant information (data)

that will help in decision making and checking against reported information.

3 Comments

Any general observations regarding the conduct of the verification plots and
any shortcomings and suggestion should be included.

4 Recommendation

A recommendation on whether to accept, reject or reassess the variety or

varieties proposed for release should be explicitly stated.

43
ANNEX 1 : Breeders Seed Requirement1

Crop Seed stock class Breeder's seed Breeder's Nucleus

requirement/variety cold storage/variety
Capsicum New releases 0.7 60
Renewable stock 1.0 60
Egg plant New releases 0.7 60
Renewable stock 1.0 60
Tomato New releases 0.3 50
Renewable stock 0.5 50
Leek New releases 4.0 500
Renewable stock 6.0 500
Onion New releases 4.0 500
Renewable stock 6.0 500
Cabbage New releases 0.7 100
Renewable stock 1.0 100
Cauliflower New releases 0.7 100
Renewable stock 1.0 100
Lettuce New releases 0.7 100
Renewable stock 1.0 100
Spinach New releases 8.0 2000
Renewable stock 10.0 2000
Swisschard New releases 8.0 2000
Renewable stock 10.0 2000
Green Beans New releases 80.0 1600
Renewable stock 100.0 1600
Melon New releases 3.0 400
Renewable stock 4.0 400
Beet root New releases 8.0 2000
Renewable stock 10.0 2000
Carrot New releases 4.0 500
Renewable stock 5.0 500
Cassava New releases 1000 cutting TBA *
Renewable stock 1200 cutting TBA

44
 1
Crop Seed stock class Breeder's seed Breeder's Nucleus
requirement /variety cold storage/variety
Potato New releases 2000 TBA
Renewable stock 2500 TBA
Sweet potato New releases 25000 TBA
Renewable stock 30000 TBA
Taro New releases 12500 TBA
Renewable stock 15000 TBA
Yam New releases 12500 TBA
Renewable stock 15000 TBA
Garlic New releases 600 TBA
Renewable stock 700 TBA
Shallot New releases 1200 TBA
Renewable stock 1500 TBA
Ginger New releases TBA
Renewable stock TBA
Turmeric New releases TBA
Renewable stock TBA
Cardamom (true) New releases TBA
Renewable stock TBA
Cardamom (false) New releases TBA
Renewable stock TBA
Black paper New releases TBA
Renewable stock TBA

* TBA = To be arranged with Bio-Diversity

Conservation and Research Institute and the
appropriate researcher.
1
Breeder seed requirement for perennial crops will be arranged with the
appropriate researcher.

45
ANNEX 2: DEFINITIONS OF KEY TERMS

RESEARCHER/BREEDER: - Refers to individual professionals working

privately or in public agricultural research and
development institutes and are engaged in the
development of a candidate variety for release.

COOPERATOR: - An individual or private or public agricultural

organisation that collaborates with researcher/
institution to undertake variety and/or verification
trial in accordance with previously made
memorandum of understanding.

BREEDERS SEED: - A specified amount of seed/planting material

maintained by the breeder/institutions having the
maximum varietal and genetic purity.

Breeder’s NUCLEUS SEED: A specified amount of seed planting material

which should be submitted to an appropriate
organisation for a long term ex-situ conservation.

MAINTENANCE BLOCK: A small plot of land where selected mother

trees/plants are grown and monitored by the
researcher/ institutions to maintain its varietal and
genetic purity and serve as seed/planting
materials source in future propagation of the
variety.

NEW RELEASE: - A newly developed variety of a given crop type

which has obtained an official approval for
release by the NVRC for the purpose and agro-
ecology it is developed for.

PROVISIONAL RELEASE: - A status or condition where a given proposed

variety for release that has shown appreciable
performance which makes it eligible for release.
However, subjected to one more year of
inspection to assess further clarification.

REPEAT STATUS: - A condition where a given verification trial is

recommended to be repeated by the NVRC due to
lack of sufficient information.

LOCAL CULTIVAR: - A popularly grown indigenous variety or an

introduced variety which has been under
commercial production.

46
STANDARD CULTIVAR: - The latest improved variety of given crop type
against which a candidate variety is evaluated in
verification trials.

INTRODUCED CULTIVAR: - A variety introduced to be considered for release

by the NVRC in the interest of the production

LARGE PLANTS: - A category of perennial horticultural crops having

larger canopy and requiring larger inter-and intra-
raw spacing.

INTERMEDIATED PLANTS: A perennial horticultural crops having an

intermediate canopy and requiring moderately
large inter-and intra-raw spacing.

SMALL PLANTS: - A perennial horticultural crops with relatively

smaller canopy and require narrow inter-and-
intra-raw spacing.

VERIFICATION TRIAL: - The final stage in a series of variety development

trials in which few (usually 1-3) outstanding
candidate varieties proposed for release are
planted with the existing local or standard, check
to be evaluated for their yield and other desirable
characteristics to be considered by the NVRC.

47
 Appendix 3

MINIMUM FIELD CROPS BREEDERS SEED QUANTITY BREEDERS

MUST HAVE IN THEIR SEED STOCK WHEN MAKING A REQUEST TO
RELEASE NEW VAREITIES.1

Crop Seed Stock Class Breeder's Seed Breeder's Nucleus

required cold storage
kg/variety.2 kg/variety.3
Wheat Future Provisional Releases 250
Renewal Stocks 250 8.0
Barley New Release 100 6.0
(Malt) Renewal Stocks 100
Barely New Releases (Regional or 100
National
Renewal Stocks 100 6.0
Oats Forage oats 6 0.5
Grain oats 6 0.5
Hybrids Inbred parents By pre-
arrangement
Maize Note: Inbred parents only
Will be multiplied and cold
Sorghum stored till needed by users
Sunflower
Maize Composites/Synthetics,
per cycle
Open Early maturity 5 2.0
Pollinated Medium Maturity 10 3.0
Late Maturity 20 5.0
Sorghum Lowlands, 80 days 100 1.0
" 100 " 50 1.0
Open " 120 " 20 1.0
Pollinated Mid-High, 150 20 1.0
Tef New Release (Regional or 1.5 0.5
National
Renewal Stocks 5 0.5
Rapeseed New Release 0.5 1.0
Renewal Stocks 1.0 1.0

48
 Appendix 3 Continued

MINIMUM BREEDERS SEED QUANTITY BREEDERS MUST HAVE IN

THEIR SEED STOCK WHEN MAKING A REQUEST TO RELEASE NEW
VAREITIES.1

Crop Seed Stock Class Breeder's Seed Breeder's Nucleus

required cold storage
kg/variety.2 kg/variety.3
Mustard New Release or 0.5 1.0
Renewal Stocks
Linseed New Release 3.0 3.0
Renewal Stocks
Faba bean New Releases 100 25.0
Renewal Stocks 100
Sunflower Open New Releases 0.5 1.0
Pollinated Renewal Stocks 10.0 1.0
Noug New Release 1.0 0.5
Renewal Stocks 1.0 0.5
Sesame New Releases 1.0 0.5
Renewal Stocks 1.0 0.5
Groundnut New Releases 50.0 10.0
Renewal Stocks 50.0 10.0
Field pea New Release 13 2.5
Renewal Stocks 25.0 2.5
Lentil New Releases 10.0 2.0
Renewal Stocks 15.0 2.0
Chickpea New Releases
Renewal Stocks 25.0 3.0
Crop Seed Stock Class Breeder's Seed Breeder's
Required) Nucleus
Kg/variety.2 Cold Storage
kg/variety
Haricot New Release 10.0 2.5
Renewal Stocks 20.0 2.5
Soybean New Release 10.0 1.5
Renewal Stocks 10.0 1.5
Vetch New Releases or 3.5 0.25
Renewal Stocks

49
NOTES: 1. Breeders will be required to provide "Breeders Seed" to the Ethiopian
Seed Industry Agency through the NVRC at the time they are granted
the status of "provisional release" or full release approval by the
NVRC for their varieties. Requests for renewal stocks will be made
by government and other authorized users directly from the breeder
concerned in writing, copies made to National Seed Industry Agency
and NVRC. Breeders should plan to provide the seed requested
within 12 months. Breeders are also required to provide seed to the
Plant Genetic Resources of Ethiopia for long time storage and
maintain duplicate samples at the time they get approval from
NVRC to release their varieties.

2. Appendix 3 column 3 shows seed quantities per variety and class

l i st e d
which authorized government and other users such as the ESE
should receive from the breeder, so that the users may produce
the Breeder-pre-Basic (1) generation the same season as received.

3. Appendix 3 column 4 suggests the nucleus seed quantities which the

breeder
should preferably keep in cold storage. The breeder is responsible to
ensure that this nucleus stock is 100% authentic (represents the
variety as released) and viability exceeds 85%. In practice, the
breeder will multiply this seed one generation to obtain the Breeder
Seed quantity for authorized government and other users and
simultaneously replace his nucleus stock in cold storage.

50