kenttälaji

Kenttälaji is a Finnish term that refers to a cultivated plant variety that is intended for field production. It is the Finnish counterpart of the English term “field variety” or “field type” and is used primarily by horticulturists, agronomists and plant variety registries. The concept is applied to plants that are grown in open fields rather than in greenhouses, indoor gardens or controlled environments.

In the legal framework the term is part of the plant variety protection system. In Finland the Plant Variety and Seeds Act (kasvillisten lajien ja siementen laki) recognises kenttälajit as distinct entities that can be registered, protected and traded. A kenttälaji must be distinct from other varieties by measurable horticultural traits such as yield, fruit or flower characteristics, disease resistance and maturation period. It is usually a cultivar that has been bred for specific field conditions – climate, soil type, pest pressure – and has been tested to confirm its performance under those conditions.

Common examples of kenttälajit are annual seed crops such as lettuce, bell pepper and tomato, but the term is also applied to perennial crops like tomatoes, cucumbers and ornamental shrubs that are grown in farms. Each registered kenttälaji receives a unique identification code, and its name is protected from unauthorised use. This protects breeders and growers, encourages innovation, and aids farmers in selecting the most suitable varieties for regional field production.

The classification of kenttälajit assists in traceability, seed certification and exchange of breeding material. It also provides scientific data that is valuable for research in agronomy and plant breeding, helping to monitor genetic diversity and promote sustainable agricultural practices.