Advances in the Protection of New Varieties of Horticultural Crops in China

Abstract Horticultural crops yield considerable economic benefits, vital for supply stability and income enhancement. Plant breeders' rights (PBR) form a foundation, offering breeders essential safeguards to secure benefits and sustain breeding efforts. Therefore, comprehending the status and challenges in horticultural crop variety protection is vital for advancing horticulture. These crops encompass five primary categories: ornamental plants, fruit trees, vegetables, tea, and edible fungi. This article reviews the distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) testing guidelines and progress in molecular identification research for Chinese horticultural crops from 1999 to 2022. Additionally, it statistically analyzes data from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Forestry Knowledge Service System on PBR applications and grants for all horticultural crop breeders. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of horticultural crop variety protection in China. By thoroughly analyzing the existing status and challenges, the article seeks to enhance the international standing of plant variety protection in Chinese horticulture.