CTPS Vegetable Section: 151 new varieties approved and projections for 2026
At its meeting on 17 December, the Vegetable Species Section of the CTPS approved the registration of nearly 151 varieties. A characteristic feature of this Section’s work, the diversity of both vegetable species and types and users was once again reflected in discussions on disease resistance and, in particular, the contribution of genetic resistance to the health quality of seeds and crops. The methods of dissemination and communication concerning organic varieties suitable for organic production, which have been regularly addressed since the implementation of the European Regulation on Organic Agriculture, were also discussed. The subject of the classification between shallot and onion types was raised, as methodological work has been ongoing in France for several years and a process to revise this classification is underway at European level.
Despite sometimes difficult weather conditions during the 2025 growing season, with high viral pressure in the spring, all 241 varieties submitted for inclusion in the 2025 Catalogue were able to be assessed (activity volume stable compared to the 2024 campaign) For the 151 varieties that completed their DUS examination in autumn 2025, the Section approved their application for registration, which will take effect in the first quarter of 2026. Nearly 80 other varieties will continue their DUS examination in 2026, and finally, around 30 varieties will have the results of their DUS examinations presented to the Section in March 2026.
While the majority of the varieties assessed were for list a, list d, which includes varieties mainly intended for home consumption (amateur gardeners), maintained its average annual flow of five varieties. List d remains a gateway and recognition on the markets for the quality of maintenance and varietal distinction of varieties created for amateurs. As a result, four varieties have been approved for transfer from list d to list a. In terms of first-time entries on list d, four tomato varieties and two leafy cabbage varieties (kale and Tronchuda) of the population type have been approved for registration.
With regard to genetic resistance to diseases, for which more than sixty species x pest pairs are tested by SNES (GEVES) as part of DUS studies, no update to the CTPS disease classification was proposed during this Section meeting. Several methodological studies are underway, including the eagerly awaited study on the tomato x ToBRFV pair, which will undoubtedly be proposed to the December 2026 Section.
Still in the field of genetic resistance to diseases, the Section was informed of the experience gained with molecular markers to validate resistance or susceptibility to three tomato pests (Fol:1, ToMV and TSWV): although the results obtained have validated these markers, additional elements will be discussed for routine application. At the same time, with regard to the implementation of European regulations on the trade in chilli seeds in relation to ToBRFV, the Section was informed of a draft list of varieties recognised as resistant to this virus from the official French Catalogue and therefore exempt from any virus testing. Based on the work carried out in the European ToBRAg project, this list may be amended in 2026 at the end of the ToBRAg project.
With regard to the experience developed by GEVES in the study of varieties intended for organic agriculture, the Section was informed of discussions within CISAB on the methods for defining a Variety Suitable for Organic Production, as well as proposals made through the European Liveseeding project on the minimum time frame for defining an organic selection scheme. In addition, illustrated by the case of a cauliflower dossier submitted to the CTPS in 2025, the Section discussed the methods for assigning varieties to the OHM component on the one hand or the VBAPB component on the other
The varietal classification of shallot and onion types within the Allium cepa species was discussed during this Section meeting in light of advances in methodological work conducted at GEVES from 2021 to 2025 and a resumption of discussions in 2024 to update the CPVO DUS protocol. As this document includes a classification rule for shallots vs onions that is necessary for the implementation of the European Catalogue through the shallot and onion lists, the discussions to be held in 2026 will be of great importance, particularly with regard to the definition of shallots regardless of their production method.
Finally, with regard to the revision of the regulatory framework of the European Catalogue, beyond the PMA responding to the need for rapid dissemination of varieties for the vegetable sectors, as validated during the Danish Presidency of the EU, the PRM text includes an expansion of the vegetable species subject to the Official Catalogue. This is the case for butternut squash, Cucurbita moschata, for which the Section has approved the creation of a national list in the coming months in order to speed up the process of integrating varieties listed in the French Catalogue into the European Catalogue.
