Registration and protection of cultivars in Brazil: the experience of Embrapa Vegetables' Capsicum breeding program

The process of registration of new cultivars in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply is an important step for seed production and commercialization in Brazil. Registration assures the genetic identity and varietal quality for breeding programs. Additionally, cultivar protection guarantees royalties to private and public breeding and seed companies, which can use these resources to continue their research and development projects. This paper describes the experience in registering and protecting two new jalapeno pepper cultivars (BRS Sarakura and BRS Garca) released by Embrapa Vegetables' Capsicum breeding program. Four out of 48 botanical descriptors showed high discriminatory potential to differentiate the two new cultivars: plant length and size, green color intensity in fruits before maturity, and peduncle thickness. Both jalapeno cultivars showed plant uniformity, high yield and capsaicin content, and genetic stability during two growing-cycles, as well as distinct traits when compared to other Capsicum cultivars. Lessons learned with cultivar registration and protection include the need to have prior experience in morphological characterization and practical application of botanical descriptors, the aid of an experienced botanist to identify new Capsicum species and varieties, and finally knowledge of bureaucratic procedures and requirements.