REQUIREMENTS FOR RELEASING A VARIETY FOR COMMERCIALIZATION IN KENYA

Before a variety is realized, the evaluation at the testing locations has to be done for a period of at least two and preferably three years or seasons before final assessment. The assessments tests include:-

1. NPT- (National Performance Trial)


• Is the conducting of comparative trials of new varieties.
• There are field experiment in which the new varieties are compared with the best existing commercial varieties.
• The comparison of the varieties is done on the general performance, yield and tolerance to pests.
• The trial must be performed in the area where the new variety is going to be grown and at least one breeding station.


2. DUS - ( Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability)


• The test is carried out for at least two years or growing seasons.
• The breeder is responsible for properly describing a new variety.
• Uniformity and stability are important in properly identifying and describing a variety.
• In addition, description stating the range of variation expected is extremely useful.
• Information in identity and genetic stability of crop varieties is used by plant breeders to monitor the purity of varieties and by seed certifying organisations to access the genetic purity of varieties.
• A variety is qualified to be tested in the DUS trial when it has out-performed most of its competitors in second year of NPT or when it is pre-released or was imported, tested and proved to be good for official release.
• Newly bred varieties are normally tested together with their parental lines.
• After three years testing in the NPT, the best varieties are recommended for pre-release or release.