Section 9: Variety testing, release and registration

(1) All imported and domestic varieties shall undergo testing in variety performance trials for at least two main growing seasons before their release. (2) For imported varieties, data from advanced yield trials shall serve as supportive evidence regarding the performance of a variety. (3) The certification service shall advise the breeder on the appropriate method and period of test for- (a) agricultural value in an approved number of sites in their appropriate ecological zones; (b) agricultural value for ratoons, forest and fruit trees, fibres, ornamentals, beverage crops and other plants and zones for which a system of evaluation is not practicable. (4) The naming of new varieties shall be the responsibility of the relevant plant breeders and shall be subject to approval by the Variety Release Committee. (5) The Board may grant breeders rights for a variety of seeds on the recommendation of the National Variety Release Committee. (6) The certification service shall be responsible for undertaking variety testing as required for the granting of plant breeders rights in accordance with relevant law. (7) All plant breeders, both local and foreign shall apply to the certification service for the release of their varieties. (8) A variety released under subsection (7) shall be eligible for certification and shall be entered on the National Variety List and East African Common Catalogue. (9) The maintenance and supply of breeders seed shall be the responsibility of the breeders concerned and a reference sample shall be deposited with the certification service on initial release. (10) All plant breeders of public or private institutions and importers of varieties for seed production in Uganda shall be registered with the certification service on payment of the prescribed fee. (11) The breeder or applicant shall provide data for advanced yield, multi-locational trials for at least one main growing season from relevant agro-ecological zones. (12) The breeder or applicant shall conduct on farm trials for one main growing season concurrently with variety performance trials. (13) The certification service shall be responsible for conducting variety performance trials in a number of representative locations, but may delegate suitable organisations to carry out this function. (14) Vegetatively propagated materials shall be evaluated for their genetic and agricultural values.