Meeting of European experts on fruit species

The European DUS experts for fruit species met by videoconference under the supervision of the CPVO on 13 and 14 November 2024.

As well as validating the new DUS protocols for apple, sweet cherry and strawberry, the group discussed a number of fundamental issues. Several phenotyping tools, including some using artificial intelligence, were presented to us. Still under development, some of these tools will be tested by the Examination Offices (including GEVES) in order to verify their usefulness in the work of our examiners.

The ideal tool would enable us to produce reliable mass data in a non-destructive way, on characteristics that are complicated to record and therefore to harmonise between offices (distribution of fruit colour, fruit shape, for example).

In addition, at the suggestion of GEVES, the CPVO protocol for studying Malus rootstocks will be modified, with the elimination of characteristics relating to flowers and fruit.

The latter can still be used as additional characteristics if required, but will no longer be necessary to conclude the tests. The tests can therefore be completed without waiting for the fruiting of these varieties, which are not intended for fruit production.