Species Regulations, 2023

Suppliment tal-Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta Nru. 21,079, 4 ta’ Lulju, 2023 B 1209

L.N. 144 of 2023

PLANT QUARANTINE ACT

(CAP. 433)

Examination of Varieties of Agricultural Plant and Vegetable

Species Regulations, 2023

IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by article 32 of the Plant

Quarantine Act, the Minister responsible for agriculture, has made the

following regulations:-

(1) The title of these regulations is the Examination of Citation and

Varieties of Agricultural Plant and Vegetable Species Regulations, scope.

2023. (2)

The scope of these regulations is

(a)

to ensure that varieties of species of agricultural

plants and vegetables which shall be included in the national

catalogue of such varieties in Malta shall comply with

internationally recognised guidelines as regards the

characteristics to be covered as a minimum by the examinations

and the minimum conditions for examining such varieties;

(b)

to further transpose the provisions of

(i) Commission Directive 2003/90/EC of 6

October 2003 setting out implementing measures for the

purposes of Article 7 of Council Directive 2002/53/EC as

regards the characteristics to be covered as a minimum by

the examination and the minimum conditions for

examining certain varieties of agricultural plant species, as

may be amended from time to time; and

(ii) Commission Directive 2003/91/EC of 6

October 2003 setting out implementing measures for the

purposes of Article 7 of Council Directive 2002/55/EC as

regards the characteristics to be covered as a minimum by

the examination and the minimum conditions for

examining certain varieties of vegetable species as may be

amended from time to time.

(Regulation 3(2)(a)(i))

CPVO guidelines

The following tables list the genera and species for which CPVO

guidelines apply. These technical protocols can be found on the CPVO

website www.cpvo.europa.eu.

1. Agricultural Plants

A.

Cereals

Table 1.1

Scientific name

Common name

CPVO protocol

Avena nuda L.

Small naked oat, Hulless oat TP 20/3 of 6.3.2020

Avena sativa L. (includes A.

Oats and Red oat

TP 20/3 of 6.3.2020

byzantina K. Koch)

Hordeum vulgare L.

Barley

TP 19/5 of 19.3.2019

Secale cereale L.

Rye

TP 58/1 Rev of

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires

Interpretation.

"the

competent

authority"

means

the

Directorate

responsible for plant health.

(Regulation 3(2)(a)(ii))

UPOV guidelines

The following tables list the genera and species for which UPOV

guidelines apply. These technical protocols can be found on the UPOV

website www.upov.int.

1. Agricultural Plants

A.

Fodder Plants

Table 2.1

Scientific name

Common name

CPVO protocol

Poaceae (Gramineae)

Agrostis canina L.

Velvet bent

TG/30/6 of 12.10.1990

Agrostis capillaris L.

Brown top

TG/30/6 of 12.10.1990

Agrostis gigantea Roth

Red top

TG/30/6 of 12.10.1990

Agrostis stolonifera L.

Creeping bent grass

TG/30/6 of 12.10.1990

Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Straight-spined medic

TG 228/1 of 5.4.2006

Medicago doliata

Carmign.

Medicago italica (Mill.)

Disc medic

TG 228/1 of 5.4.2006

Fiori

Medicago littoralis Rohde

Shore medic/Strand medic

TG 228/1 of 5.4.2006

ex Loisel.

Medicago murex Willd.

Sphere medic

TG 228/1 of 5.4.2006

Medicago polymorpha L.

Bur medic

TG 228/1 of 5.4.2006

Medicago rugosa Desr.

Wrinkled medic/Gama

TG 228/1 of 5.4.2006

medic

Medicago scutellata (L.)

Snail medic/Shield medic

TG 228/1 of 5.4.2006

Mill.

Barrel medic

TG 228/1 of 5.4.2006

Medicago truncatula

Gaertn.

Subterranean clover

TG/170/3 of 4.4.2001

Trifolium subterraneum

L.

2. Vegetables

Table 2.2

Scientific name

Common name

CPVO protocol

Brassica rapa L.

Turnip

TG/37/10 of 4.4.2001

(1) Varieties of agricultural plant species and vegetable

species shall be officially accepted in the national catalogue within the

meaning of regulation 6(1) of the Seeds of Agricultural Plants and

Vegetables Regulations after fulfilling the requirements set out below

(2) (a) As regards distinctness, uniformity and stability,

without prejudice to sub-regulation (2)(b)

(i) the species listed in Schedule I shall comply

with the conditions laid down in the Protocols for

distinctness, uniformity and stability tests of the

Administrative Council of the Community Plant Variety

Office, (hereinafter referred to as the "CPVO") which are

relevant for the particular species;

(ii) the species listed in Schedule II shall comply

with the test guidelines for the conduct of tests for

distinctness, uniformity and stability of the International

Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants

(hereinafter referred to as "UPOV") which are relevant for

the particular species.

(b) (i) By way of derogation from sub-regulation

(2)(a), as regards uniformity, the organic agricultural plant

varieties suitable for organic production which belong to the

species listed in Schedule IV Part A, may instead comply with

the conditions listed in Part B of the said Schedule.

(ii) By way of derogation from sub-regulation

(2)(a), as regards uniformity, the organic vegetable

varieties suitable for organic production, which belong to

the species listed in Schedule VI Part A, may instead

comply with the conditions listed in Part B of the said

Schedule.

(c) The competent authority shall report to the

Commission and the other Member States, by 31st December of

each year, until 31st December 2030, on the number of

applications for variety registrations and results of the

examinations for distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS)

concerning those organic varieties.

(3) (a) As regards the value for cultivation or use, varieties

of agricultural plant species listed in Schedules I and II shall comply

with the conditions laid down in Schedule III without prejudice to

regulation 6(3) of the Seeds of Agricultural Plants and Vegetables

Regulations.

(b) By way of derogation from sub-regulation (2), as

regards the value for cultivation or use, organic varieties suitable

for organic production which belong to the species listed in

Schedule V Part A, may instead comply with the conditions laid

down in Part B of the said Schedule.

(c) The competent authority shall report, to the

Commission and the other Member States by 31st December of

each year, until 31st December 2030, on the number of

applications and results of the examinations for the value of

cultivation and use (VCU) concerning those organic varieties.

(4) All the varietal characteristics within the meaning of sub-

regulation (2)(a)(i) and any characteristics in the UPOV referred to in

sub-regulation (2)(a)(ii) shall be used, provided that observation of a

characteristic is not rendered impossible by the expression of any other

characteristics and provided that the expression of a characteristic is

not prevented by the environmental conditions under which the test is

conducted.

(5) It shall be ensured that in respect of the species of

agricultural plants and vegetables listed in Schedules I and II, the

minimum requirements for carrying out the examinations in respect of

trial design and growing conditions, as laid down in the test guidelines

referred to in the said Schedules, are fulfilled at the time of the

examinations.

Repeal.

(Regulation 3(3)(a))

Examination of the value for cultivation or use

The following are the characteristics as regards the examination

of the value for cultivation or use

1. Yield;

2. Resistance to harmful organisms;

3. Behaviour with respect to factors in the physical

environment;

4. Quality characteristics.

The methods used shall be specified when the results are submitted.

The Examination of Varieties of Agricultural Plant Species S.L. 433.22.

Regulations and the Examination of Varieties of Vegetable Species S.L. 433.23.

Regulations are hereby repealed without prejudice to anything done or

omitted to be done thereunder.

(Regulation 3(2)(b)(i))

PART A

List of species referred to in regulation 3(2)(b)(i)

Barley

Maize

Rye

Wheat

PART B

Specific provisions concerning tests for distinctness, uniformity and

stability (DUS) for organic varieties of agricultural plant species

suitable for organic production

1. General rule

The following shall apply to organic varieties of agricultural

plant species suitable for organic production

1.1. As regards distinctness and stability, all characteristics of

the protocols and guidelines referred to in Schedules I and II shall be

observed and described.

1.2. As regards uniformity, all characteristics of the protocols

and guidelines referred to in Schedules I and II shall be observed and

described and the following shall apply to the characteristics listed

under item 2

(a) those characteristics may be assessed in a less

stringent way;

(b) where for those characteristics a derogation from the

respective technical protocol is provided for in that item 2, the

level of uniformity within the variety shall be similar to the level

of uniformity of comparable varieties of common knowledge in

the Union.

2. Derogation from technical protocols

2.1. Barley

For the varieties belonging to the species barley (Hordeum

vulgare L.), the following DUS characteristics of the CPVO technical

protocol CPVO/TP-019/5 of the tested variety may deviate from the

following DUS requirements for uniformity

CPVO No 5 — Flag leaf: anthocyanin colouration of auricles

CPVO No 8 — Flag leaf: glaucosity of sheath

CPVO No 9 — Awns: anthocyanin colouration of tips

CPVO No 10 — Ear: glaucosity

CPVO No 12 — Grain: anthocyanin colouration of nerves of

lemma

CPVO No 16 — Sterile spikelet: attitude

CPVO No 17 — Ear: shape

CPVO No 20 — Awn: length

CPVO No 21 — Rachis: length of first segment

CPVO No 22 — Rachis: curvature of first segment

CPVO No 23 — Median spikelet: length of glume and its awn

relative to grain

CPVO No 25 — Grain: spiculation of inner lateral nerves of

dorsal side of lemma

2.2. Maize

For the varieties belonging to the species maize (Zea mays L.) the

following DUS characteristics of the CPVO technical protocol CPVO-

TP/002/3 of the tested variety may deviate from the following DUS

requirements for uniformity

CPVO No 1 — First leaf: anthocyanin colouration of sheath

CPVO No 2 — First leaf: shape of apex

CPVO No 8 — Tassel: anthocyanin colouration of glumes

excluding base

CPVO No 9 — Tassel: anthocyanin colouration of anthers

CPVO No 10 — Tassel: angle between main axis and lateral

branches

CPVO No 11 — Tassel: curvature of lateral branches

CPVO No 15 — Stem: anthocyanin colouration of brace roots

CPVO No 16 — Tassel: density of spikelets

CPVO No 17 — Leaf: anthocyanin colouration of sheath

CPVO No 18 — Stem: anthocyanin colouration of internodes

CPVO No 19 — Tassel: length of main axis above lowest lateral

branch

CPVO No 20 — Tassel: length of main axis above highest lateral

branch

CPVO No 21 — Tassel: length of lateral branch

2.3. Rye

For the varieties belonging to the species rye (Secale cereale L.),

the following DUS characteristics of the CPVO technical protocol

CPVO-TP/058/1 of the tested variety may deviate from the following

DUS requirements for uniformity

CPVO No 3 — Coleoptile: anthocyanin colouration

CPVO No 4 — Coleoptile: length

CPVO No 5 — First leaf: length of sheath

CPVO No 6 — First leaf: length of blade

CPVO No 8 — Flag leaf: glaucosity of sheath

CPVO No 10 — Leaf next to flag leaf: length of blade

CPVO No 11 — Leaf next to flag leaf: width of blade

CPVO No 12 — Ear: glaucosity

CPVO No 13 — Stem: hairiness below ear

2.4. Wheat

For the varieties belonging to the species wheat (Triticum

aestivum L. subsp. aestivum.), the following DUS characteristics of the

CPVO technical protocol CPVO-TP/003/5 of the tested variety may

deviate from the following DUS requirements for uniformity

CPVO No 3 — Coleoptile: anthocyanin colouration

CPVO No 6 — Flag leaf: anthocyanin colouration of auricles

CPVO No 8 — Flag leaf: glaucosity of sheath

CPVO No 9 — Flag leaf: glaucosity of blade

CPVO No 10 — Ear: glaucosity

CPVO No 11 — Culm: glaucosity of neck

CPVO No 20 — Ear: shape in profile

CPVO No 21 — Apical rachis segment: area of hairiness on

convex surface

CPVO No 22 — Lower glume: shoulder width

CPVO No 23 — Lower glume: shoulder shape

CPVO No 24 — Lower glume: length of beak

CPVO No 25 — Lower glume: shape of beak

CPVO No 26 — Lower glume: area of hairiness on internal

surface.

(Regulation 3(3)(b))

PART A

List of species referred to in regulation 3(3)(b)

Barley

Maize

Rye

Wheat

PART B

Conditions to be fulfilled – Value of cultivation and use for organic

varieties suitable for organic production

1. The examination for cultivation and use shall be conducted

under organic conditions in accordance with the provisions of

Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the

Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of

organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007

and in particular with the general principles under Article 5(d), (e), (f)

and (g) and plant production rules under Article 12.

2. The specific needs and objectives of organic agriculture

shall be taken into account in variety examination and in the

evaluation of examination results. Disease resistance or tolerance and

adaptation to diverse local soil and climate conditions shall be

examined.

3. Where the competent authority is not able to provide for an

examination under organic conditions or for the examination of certain

characteristics, including disease susceptibility, testing may be carried

out pursuant to one of the following points

(a) under the supervision of the competent authority on

organic breeders premises or organic farms;

(b) under low-input conditions and with minimum

treatments;

(c) in another Member State, if bilateral agreement

between a Member State and Malta has been concluded to

achieve testing under organic conditions.

The value of a variety for cultivation or use shall be considered

as satisfactory if, when compared to other organic varieties suitable for

organic production accepted in the catalogue of the Member State in

question, its qualities, taken as a whole, offer, at least as far as

production in any given region is concerned, a clear improvement

either for cultivation or for uses which can be made of the crops or the

products derived therefrom. Superior characteristics for the

agricultural production, as regards farming practices and food or feed

production that present advantages for organic agriculture, shall be

considered as particularly valuable for the VCU examination.

4. The competent authority shall provide for different

examination conditions that are adapted to specific needs of organic

agriculture and shall examine to the extent of its capacity specific traits

and characteristics, at the applicant’s request, if reproducible methods

are available.

(Regulation 3(2)(b)(ii))

PART A

List of species referred to in regulation 3 (2)(b)(ii)

Carrot

Kohlrabi

PART B

Specific provisions concerning tests for distinctness, uniformity and

stability for organic varieties of vegetable species suitable for

organic production

1. General rule

The following shall apply to organic varieties of vegetable species

suitable for organic production

1.1. As regards distinctness and stability, all characteristics of

the protocols and guidelines referred to in Schedules I and II shall be

observed and described.

1.2. As regards uniformity, all characteristics of the protocols

and guidelines referred to in Schedules I and II shall be observed and

described and the following shall apply to the characteristics listed

under item 2

(a) those characteristics may be assessed in a less

stringent way;

(b) where for those characteristics a derogation from the

respective technical protocol is provided for in item 2, the level

of uniformity within the variety shall be similar to the level of

uniformity of comparable varieties of common knowledge in the

Union.

2. Derogation from technical protocols

2.1. Carrot

For the varieties belonging to species carrot (Daucus carota L.)

the following DUS characteristics of the CPVO technical protocol

CPVO-TP/049/3 of the tested variety may deviate from the following

DUS requirements for uniformity

CPVO No 4 – Leaf: division

CPVO No 5 – Leaf: intensity of green colour

CPVO No 19 – Root: diameter of core relative to total diameter

CPVO No 20 – Root: colour of core

CPVO No 21 – Excluding varieties with white core; Root

intensity of colour of core

CPVO No 28 – Root: time of colouration of tip

CPVO No 29 – Plant: height of primary umbel at time of its

flowering

2.2. Kohlrabi

For the varieties belonging to species kohlrabi (Brassica

oleracea L.) the following DUS characteristics of the CPVO technical

protocol CPVO-TP/065/1 Rev. of the tested variety may deviate from

the following DUS requirements for uniformity of the respective

CPVO technical protocol

CPVO No 2 – Seedling: intensity of green colouration of

cotyledons

CPVO No 6 – Petiole: attitude

CPVO No 8 – Leaf blade: length

CPVO No 9 – Leaf blade: width

CPVO No 10 – Leaf blade: shape of apex

CPVO No 11 – Leaf blade: division to midrib (on lower part of

leaf)

CPVO No 12 – Leaf blade: number of margin incisions (on upper

part of leaf)

CPVO No 13 – Leaf blade: depth of margin incision (on upper

part of leaf)

CPVO No 14 – Leaf blade: shape in cross section

CPVO No 19 – Kohlrabi: number of inner leaves.

€0.81

4.2022

Sorghum bicolor (L.)

Sorghum

TP 122/1 of 19.3.2019

Moench subsp. bicolor

Sorghum bicolor (L.)

Sudan grass

TP 122/1 of 19.3.2019

Moench subsp. drummondii

(Steud.) de Wet ex Davidse

Sorghum bicolor (L.)

Hybrids resulting from the TP 122/1 of 19.3.2019

Moench subsp. bicolor x

crossing of Sorghum bicolor

Sorghum bicolor (L.)

subsp. bicolor and Sorghum

Moench subsp. drummondii

subsp. drummondii

bicolor

(Steud.) de Wet ex Davidse

xTriticosecale Wittm. ex A. Hybrids resulting from the TP 121/3 of 27.4.2022

Camus

crossing of a species of the

genus Triticum and a

species of the genus Secale

Triticum aestivum L. subsp. Wheat

TP 3/5 of 19.3.2019

aestivum

Triticum turgidum L. subsp. Durum wheat

TP 120/3 of 19.3.2014

durum (Desf.) van Slageren

Maize

TP 2/3 of 11.3.2010

Zea mays L. (partim)

B.

Fodder Plants

Table 1.2

Scientific name

Common name

CPVO protocol

Poaceae (Gramineae)

Festuca filiformis Pourr.

Fine-leaved sheep’s fescue

TP 67/1 of 23.6.2011

Festuca ovina L.

Sheep’s fescue

TP 67/1 of 23.6.2011

Festuca pratensis Huds.

Meadow fescue

TP 39/1 of 1.10.2015

Festuca rubra L

Red fescue

TP 67/1 of 23.6.2011

Hard fescue

TP 67/1 of 23.6.2011

Festuca trachyphylla

(Hack.) Hack.

Lolium multiflorum Lam.

Italian ryegrass

TP 4/2 of 19.3.2019

Lolium perenne L.

Perennial ryegrass

TP 4/2 of 19.3.2019

Poa pratensis L.

Smooth-stalked meadow

TP 33/1 of 15.3.2017

grass

Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Medicago sativa L.

Lucerne

TP/6/1 of 22.12.2021

Pisum sativum L. (partim)

Field pea

TP 7/2 Rev. 3 Corr of

16.3.2020

Trifolium pratense L.

Red clover

TP/5/1 of 22.12.2021

Vicia faba L.

Field bean

TP 8/1 of 19.3.2019

Vicia sativa L.

Common vetch

TP 32/1 of 19.4.2016

C.

Potatoes

Table 1.3

Scientific name

Common name

CPVO protocol

Solanum tuberosum L.

Potato

TP 23/3 of 15.3.2017

2. Vegetables

Table 1.4

Scientific name

Common name

CPVO protocol

Allium cepa L. (Cepa

Onion and Echalion

TP 46/2 of 1.4.2009

group)

Allium cepa L.

Shallot

TP 46/2 of 1.4.2009

(Aggregatum group)

Allium fistulosum L.

Japanese bunching onion or

TP 161/1 of 11.3.2010

Welsh onion

Allium porrum L.

Leek

TP 85/2 of 1.4.2009

Allium sativum L.

Garlic

TP 162/1 Corr of

25.3.2004

Allium schoenoprasum L.

Chives

TP 198/2 of 11.3.2015

Apium graveolens L.

Celery

TP 82/1 of 13.3.2008

Apium graveolens L.

Celeriac

TP 74/1 of 13.3.2008

Asparagus officinalis L.

Asparagus

TP 130/2 of 16.2.2011

Beta vulgaris L.

Beetroot including

TP 60/1 of 1.4.2009

Cheltenham beet

Beta vulgaris L.

Spinach beet or Chard

TP 106/2 of 14.4.2021

Brassica oleracea L.

Curly kale

TP 90/1 of 16.2.2011

Brassica oleracea L.

Cauliflower

TP 45/2 Rev. 2 of

21.3.2018

Brassica oleracea L.

Sprouting Broccoli or

TP 151/2 Rev. 2 of

Calabrese

21.4.2020

Brassica oleracea L.

Brussels sprouts

TP 54/2 Rev. of

15.3.2017

Brassica oleracea L.

Kohlrabi

TP 65/1 Rev. of

15.3.2017

Brassica oleracea L.

Savoy cabbage, White

TP 48/3 Rev. 2 of

cabbage and Red cabbage

25.3.2021

Brassica rapa L.

Chinese cabbage

TP 105/1 of 13.3.2008

Capsicum annuum L.

Chilli or Pepper

TP 76/2 Rev. 2 Corr of

21.4.2020

Cichorium endivia L.

Curled-leaved endive and

TP 118/3 of 19.3.2014

Plain-leaved endive

Cichorium intybus L.

Industrial chicory

TP 172/2 of 1.12.2005

Cichorium intybus L.

Leaf chicory

TP 154/1 Rev.2 Corr of

14.4.2021

Cichorium intybus L.

Witloof chicory

TP 173/2 of 21.3.2018

Watermelon

TP 142/2 Rev of

Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)

14.4.2021

Matsum. & Nakai

Cucumis melo L.

Melon

TP 104/2 Rev. 2 of

25.3.2021

Cucumis sativus L.

Cucumber and Gherkin

TP 61/2 Rev. 2 of

19.3.2019

Gourd

TP 155/1 of 11.3.2015

Cucurbita maxima

Duchesne

Cucurbita pepo L.

Marrow or Courgette

TP 119/1 Rev. of

19.3.2014

Cynara cardunculus L.

Globe artichoke and

TP 184/2 Rev. of

Cardoon

6.3.2020

Daucus carota L.

Carrot and Fodder carrot

TP 49/3 of 13.3.2008

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Fennel

TP 183/2 of 14.4.2021

Lactuca sativa L.

Lettuce

TP 13/6 Rev. 3 of

27.4.2022

Solanum lycopersicum L. Tomato

TP 44/4 Rev. 5 of

14.4.2021

Parsley

TP 136/1 Corr of

Petroselinum crispum

21.3.2007

(Mill.) Nyman ex A.W. Hill

Phaseolus coccineus L.

Runner bean

TP 9/1 of 21.3.2007

Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Dwarf French bean and

TP 12/4 of 27.2.2013

Climbing French bean

Pisum sativum L. (partim)

Wrinkled pea, Round pea

TP 7/2 Rev. 3 Corr of

and Sugar pea

16.3.2020

Raphanus sativus L.

Radish, Black radish

TP 64/2 Rev. Corr. of

11.3.2015

Rheum rhabarbarum L.

Rhubarb

TP 62/1 of 19.4.2016

Scorzonera hispanica L.

Scorzonera or Black salsify

TP 116/1 of 11.3.2015

Solanum melongena L.

Aubergine or Egg plant

TP 117/1 of 13.3.2008

Spinacia oleracea L.

Spinach

TP 55/5 Rev. 4 Of

27.4.2022

Valerianella locusta (L.)

Corn salad or Lamb’s

TP 75/2 of 21.3.2007

Laterr.

lettuce

Vicia faba L. (partim)

Broad bean

TP 206/1 of 25.3.2004

Zea mays L. (partim)

Sweet corn and Pop corn

TP 2/3 of 11.3.2010

Solanum habrochaites S.

Tomato rootstocks

TP 294/1 Rev. 5 of

Knapp & D.M. Spooner;

14.4.2021

Solanum lycopersicum L. x

Solanum habrochaites S.

Knapp & D.M. Spooner;

Solanum lycopersicum L. x

Solanum peruvianum (L.)

Mill.; Solanum lycopersicum

L. x Solanum cheesmaniae

(L. Ridley) Fosberg;

Solanum pimpinellifolium L.

x Solanum habrochaites S.

Knapp & D.M. Spooner

Interspecific hybrids of

TP 311/1 of 15.3.2017

Cucurbita maxima

Duchesne x Cucurbita

Cucurbita maxima

moschata Duchesne

Duchesne x Cucurbita

moschata Duchesne for use

as rootstocks