Sortenbildung

Sortenbildung is the German term for the systematic development and registration of new plant varieties. It encompasses the entire breeding cycle, from the selection of parent material to the formal recognition of a cultivar under national and European regulations. The objective is to achieve desirable traits such as improved yield, quality, adaptability, and disease resistance while maintaining genetic diversity.

The process usually begins with a germplasm collection, where breeders compile a wide range of genetic material from natural populations, related species, and existing cultivars. Cross‑breeding, mutagenesis, or modern biotechnological approaches may be employed to generate variability. Offspring populations are then subjected to rigorous field trials that assess agronomic performance, phenological traits, and horticultural quality under diverse environmental conditions.

After preliminary screening, selected candidates undergo multi‑location trials over several years. Consistency and stability of key traits are analysed using statistical methods. Successful candidates must also comply with legal criteria for variety registration, such as distinctness, uniformity, and stability. In Germany, the VEB (Verordnung über die Erteilung von Sorteinweisungen) sets specific documentation requirements, while in the European Union, the Plant Variety Protection Regulation provides a harmonised framework.

Once a candidate passes all tests, breeders submit an application for a Sorteinweisung (variety registration). An expert committee evaluates the submission, and, if approved, the new variety receives a unique URL or registration number. This legal status protects the breeder’s investment and grants exclusive cultivation rights for a defined period.

Typical examples of Sortenbildung include the development of new apple cultivars like 'Elstar', ornamental roses such as 'Madame Butterfly', and cereals with enhanced resistance to pests. The discipline remains essential for sustainable agriculture, enabling adaptation to climate change, evolving disease pressures, and shifting consumer preferences.