Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera
Specialist Writer – Agribusiness
The Horticultural Development Council has expressed concern over the emergence of informal and illegal plant breeders in the market.
This trend not only undermines the integrity of the horticultural industry but also constitutes a violation of plant breeders’ rights.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Kutsaga Tissue Culture Facility in Harare recently, HDC chief executive, Mrs Linda Nielsen said this practice could affect the reputation of the country as a trusted source of high-quality produce.
“We are deeply concerned by the emergence of informal and illegal plant breeders in the market. We have already seen unlicensed players claiming to sell protected varieties, such as Tango citrus, in clear violation of plant breeders’ rights,” she said.
Mrs Nielsen called on stronger enforcement to protect compliant growers and preserve the country’s horticulture sector.
Zimbabwe last year appended its signature to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Seed Charter for plant variety protection, paving way for regional trade harmonisation.
The International union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) ensures standardisation and harmonisation of trade at the international level but more importantly it ensures that plant breeders rights are protected for a defined period.
Through UPOV, Zimbabwe is strengthening its ability to develop, test and protect new plant varieties, thereby supporting innovation, attracting investment and giving confidence to partners that new ideas and varieties will be protected and rewarded.
Mrs Nielsen said the cultivation of globally accepted fruit varieties was a highly specialised activity that demanded strict compliance with international standards.
“In Zimbabwe, it takes years for local breeders to be licensed by global seed rights holders and any breach of these standards attracts severe financial penalties.
“More importantly, any breach risks damaging our hard-earned reputation as a credible export source,” she said.
Meanwhile, the HDC said Kutsaga has been producing and supplying elite seedlings of Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, flowers and fruit trees which are clean, uniform and high-performing.
“There is a direct link between strong seed systems and strong exports as buyers want traceability, quality and strict plant health standards. A strong tissue culture system helps us meet these requirements by supplying high-quality planting material that farmers and exporters can trust,” she said.
HDC is working with Seed Services, Plant Quarantine Services, research institutions and extension services to improve standards, certification processes and practical systems for horticultural planting material.
Kutsaga executive director production and operations, Mrs Rhoda Mavuka said their laboratory had developed 23 micro-propagation protocols spanning high-value horticultural crops such as blueberries, bananas, stevia, sugarcane, cassava, pineapple, Hass avocado, strawberries and ornamental flowers including Orchids, Clematis, Kangaroo paw and Eryngium.
“All the protocols developed have been commercialised for small-scale clients, large-scale commercial producers and industry demonstrating scalability and practical industry relevance.
“Currently, protocols are under development for flowers include Limonium, Gypsophila, Lilies, Cymbidium and Coelogyne orchids, which will be commercialised reflecting the expanding scope of our work,” she said.
Mrs Mavuka said through the hydroponic system and strategic commercial partnerships with companies, Kutsaga had produced over 12 million horticulture seedlings spanning a wide range of crops namely cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, covo, rape, spinach, tomatoes, peppers, onions, watermelon and butternuts.
Three million generation zero (G0) mini-tubers translating to 12 million generation four (G4) Irish seed potato tubers and 5 128 469 sweet potato seedlings have been produced.
The Kutsaga Tissue Culture Facility is currently working at 65 percent capacity.
dyton mupawaenda