Calibration books

For the purpose of harmonised DUS testing Naktuinbouw makes use of calibration books. For all major crops for listing and/or Plant Breeders’ Rights Naktuinbouw uses these calibration books. These books can be of great use for applicants. It is a helpful tool in filling the technical questionnaire and will help to you to make variety descriptions and enlarges the understanding of the descriptions made by official bodies. The calibrations books will not replace the professional skill needed in order to make sound descriptions but can be used as a manual.

Sources of information

The basis for these calibration books is in CPVO protocols, which are based on UPOV guidelines. It is advisable to use these as background information when applying calibration books. By clicking on the crop you’ll find the documents used for that crop.

The application of the calibration book is founded on general UPOV principles on the definition and use of characteristics in variety descriptions (UPOV TG/1/3).

Method applied

The UPOV systematic is based on notes related to the expression of the characteristic of example varieties. In the calibration book you’ll find two types of characteristics: visually observed characteristics and measured characteristics.

The expression of visually observed characteristics can be compared with the visual expression of the characteristic of the example varieties. In the calibration book many photo’s and drawings have been added to determine the expression of the characteristic of a variety.

For measured characteristics the method is more complicated. These characteristics can be influenced by climatologic or growing conditions. The use of the expression of example varieties is absolutely necessary. In the calibration books the example varieties as mentioned in the CPVO protocols are not included, as many DUS testers prefer their own set of example varieties.

How to obtain

Calibration books are available for interested parties, the price of a book found in the tariff list. It is also possible to purchase a calibration book in electronic (PDF) format. You will receive the electronic issue plus a complimentary hard copy issue, the price of a book in PDF format can also be found in the tariff list.

You can order the calibration books via e-mail. Please indicate if you would like a hard copy or the electronic (PDF) package (including one hard copy). We will send you an invoice with the delivery. The terms and conditions of Naktuinbouw are applicable.

Calibrations books are available for the under mentioned crops. By clicking on the crop you can find the sources of information and see example pages.

Ornamentals

Amaryllis (Dutch)	Anthurium (Dutch)	Carnation (Dutch)
Gerbera (Dutch)	Hypericum (Dutch)	Phalaenopsis (English)
Spathiphyllum (Dutch)	Tulip (Dutch)

Vegetables (all available in English)

Cabbage (white and red)	Savoy cabbage	Carrot
Cauliflower	Celery	Chinese cabbage
Cucumber and Gherkin	Endive	Leek
Lettuce	Melon	Onion and Shallot
Pepper	Spinach	Squash
Tomato	Watermelon