The term "international cultivar registration authority" refers to an organization or body responsible for registering and classifying cultivars of plants at an international level. A cultivar is a cultivated variety of a plant that has been selected for specific desirable characteristics, such as improved yield, disease resistance, or ornamental qualities. These cultivated varieties are distinct from their wild or natural counterparts.
The international cultivar registration authority serves as a central authority that holds the responsibility of receiving and evaluating applications for the registration of new cultivars from breeders and organizations around the world. It provides a platform that ensures the systematic and standardized registration and classification of these cultivars, allowing for clear identification and recognition of each unique variety.
In addition to registration, the authority may also maintain a database or registry that catalogues all registered cultivars. This database serves as a valuable resource for researchers, agronomists, horticulturists, and plant breeders, facilitating the exchange of information and promoting collaboration across countries and organizations.
The primary goal of the international cultivar registration authority is to promote transparency, uniformity, and accuracy in the international trade and exchange of cultivars. By offering a standardized system for cultivar registration, it helps to protect the intellectual property rights of breeders while promoting fair competition and preventing unauthorized use or misrepresentation of cultivars.