Plant Breeders in Ghana Undergo Specialized Training on Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability Testing.

Fumesua: Some selected plant breeders and seed scientists are undergoing training to effectively conduct tests on the distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) of new plant varieties for Ghana and applications from other countries. This initiative is crucial following the implementation of the Plant Variety Protection Act 2020, (Act 1050) by the Ghana Industrial Property Office (GHIPO) of the Registrar General's Department.According to Ghana News Agency, the five-day training has been organized by the GHIPO in collaboration with the Netherlands Embassy and Crops Research Institute (CRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Participants have been chosen from CSIR-CRI, CSIR-Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), CSIR-Oil Palm Research Institute, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and West African Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) at the University of Ghana.Dr. Ernest Baafi, Acting Director of CSIR-CRI, emphasized the importance of the DU S tests, noting that passing these tests is essential for granting Plant Breeder's rights. DUS testing involves verifying that a newly bred variety is distinct from existing varieties within the same species, ensuring uniformity of characteristics, and confirming stability across generations.These tests enable new varieties to access the market legally through the UK National List and secure Plant Breeders Rights, protecting the economic investments in modern plant breeding. DUS tests are typically conducted over two growing seasons, focusing on morphological characteristics and using internationally recognized protocols.Dr. Baafi highlighted a harmonization process that eliminates the need to repeat variety releases in neighboring countries such as Nigeria or Burkina Faso, simplifying registration once a crop variety is released in Ghana. This streamlined system is expected to enhance food security as breeders become more adept in crop development, leading to higher turnover of crop varieties.Dr. Hilla ry Mireku Botey, a Seed Scientist at the CSIR-CRI, stated that Ghana aims to introduce varieties capable of overcoming climate change challenges, such as pests, diseases, and drought. The new Plant Variety Protection Act is anticipated to facilitate the exchange of adaptable crop varieties between Ghana and other countries, benefiting both farmers and breeders.