Regulation on methods of testing varieties of castor (Ricinus communis L.) for the purpose of variety recognition.

This Regulation provides technical and procedural test methods for castor plant varieties (Ricinus communis L.) for the purpose of plant variety recognition. The methods here provided are aimed to examine certain essential characteristics of a specific variety, in order to determine: 1) variety, uniformity and stability of the variety (DUS test); 2) better production and use values of the variety (VCU test). Production and use value of the variety (VCU test) is determined on the basis of results of testing over certain essential characteristics of certain variety and related to the following eleven elements 1) length of vegetation; 2) plant height; 3) cluster height; 4) moisture content in the grain; 5)% shell; 6) oil content; 7) content of higher fatty acids in oil; 8) weight of 1000 seeds (g); 9) hectolitre weight (kg / hl); 10) seed color; 11) tolerance to diseases and pests. The variety shall be tested by comparing essential characteristics under examination with essential characteristics of one or more standard varieties of the same plant type, in accordance with the Serbian Law governing the recognition of agricultural plant varieties.