How to Name New Plant Varieties According to Nomenclature Rules

Naming new plant varieties is an essential step in horticulture, agriculture, and botanical sciences. A well-chosen name not only helps in identifying and cataloging the plant but also plays a crucial role in protecting breeders’ rights and facilitating global communication among scientists, growers, and consumers. However, naming new plant varieties is not a matter of simply picking a creative or catchy name. It must adhere to established nomenclature rules governed by international codes to ensure consistency, stability, and clarity.

In this article, we will explore the principles and procedures for naming new plant varieties according to recognized nomenclature rules. We will delve into relevant regulations, key considerations for breeders, and practical steps to follow when introducing a new variety.

Understanding Plant Nomenclature Systems

Before naming a new plant variety, it is important to understand the systems that govern plant names at different taxonomic levels.

Botanical Nomenclature

Botanical nomenclature refers to the scientific naming of plants based on their taxonomic classification (genus, species, subspecies, etc.). The International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN) governs this system. Scientific names are typically Latin or latinized words written in italics or underlined (e.g., Rosa canina).

However, botanical nomenclature primarily applies to naturally occurring taxa rather than cultivated varieties.

Cultivar and Variety Nomenclature

For plants developed through cultivation or breeding programs — often called cultivars or plant varieties — the naming conventions differ. The primary governing document here is the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP).

The term “variety” in cultivated plants often refers to a distinct form selected within a species or hybrid that has consistent traits maintained through propagation. It differs from botanical “variety,” which is a taxonomic rank below species.

The Importance of Naming New Plant Varieties Correctly

Correctly naming new plant varieties per international rules is important for several reasons:

• Legal Protection: Names linked to new varieties can be registered for intellectual property rights such as Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) or Plant Variety Protection (PVP), helping breeders protect their innovations.
• Trade and Commerce: A unique name helps avoid confusion in the market and enhances consumer recognition.
• Research and Conservation: Correct names enable accurate retrieval of information about plant characteristics, genetics, and cultivation requirements.
• Global Communication: Harmonized naming enables clear communication between international stakeholders including researchers, breeders, regulatory bodies, and growers.

Key Principles of Naming New Plant Varieties

The ICNCP outlines several key principles that must be observed when naming cultivated plants:

Uniqueness

Every variety name must be unique within its denomination class. Using previously established names or ones very similar to existing names that could cause confusion is prohibited.

Stability

Once published and accepted, variety names should remain stable over time and not be changed arbitrarily.

Appropriateness

Names should not be misleading or imply characteristics the variety does not have. They should also avoid names that might be offensive or inappropriate culturally or politically.

Language and Formatting

• Names of cultivars or varieties should be in a modern language rather than Latin.
• The name should be enclosed in single quotation marks without italics (e.g., Rosa ‘Peace’).
• It may include letters, numerals, spaces, hyphens but no special symbols like @ or #.

Length

While there is no strict limit on length, names should ideally be concise for practical use.

Steps to Name a New Plant Variety

Follow these steps to name your new plant variety correctly:

1. Confirm That Your Variety Is Distinct

Before naming your plant variety, ensure it qualifies as a distinct entity. This involves demonstrating that it has identifiable morphological or genetic traits that differentiate it from existing varieties within the same species.

Breeders often conduct trials comparing the new variety with known standards under various conditions over multiple growing seasons.

2. Check Existing Names for Conflicts

Conduct thorough searches in databases such as:

• The International Cultivar Registration Authorities (ICRAs)
• National plant variety registries
• Commercial catalogs
• Relevant publications

This ensures your proposed name does not duplicate or closely resemble existing names in the same genus or crop group.

3. Choose an Appropriate Name

When selecting a name:

• Avoid names that describe a disease or pest susceptibility unless it is neutral or positive.
• Do not use purely descriptive terms like color unless combined with other distinctive elements.
• Avoid commercial brand names unless you own rights to them.
• Consider cultural sensitivities—avoid words that may be offensive.

Use memorable yet professional-sounding names that can stand the test of time.

4. Format the Name Correctly

The format varies depending on the taxonomic level of the cultivar:

• For cultivars: Genus name + single quotation marks around cultivar epithet (e.g., Lilium ‘Stargazer’)
• For groups: The group name is capitalized without quotation marks (e.g., Rosa Hybrid Tea Group)

Avoid italicizing cultivar epithets; only genus/species names are italicized.

5. Register the Variety Name Officially

Many countries require breeders to register their new variety names with official bodies if they want legal protection through PBR/PVP schemes.

Registration typically involves:

• Submitting an application with detailed descriptions of the variety’s characteristics
• Proof of distinctness
• Photographs or herbarium specimens
• Proposed variety name following ICNCP conventions

Registration helps prevent unauthorized use of the name by others and establishes priority.

6. Publish the Name Formally

Publication means making details about your new variety name accessible through reliable media such as scientific journals, official registries, or electronic databases.

Formal publication ensures universal acceptance and recognition of the name and protects against invalidation due to non-compliance with nomenclatural rules.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Naming New Varieties

To ensure your name stands up to scrutiny, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Using Latin words as cultivar epithets (reserved for botanical taxa)
• Selecting names already registered or too similar phonetically to existing ones
• Using excessive technical jargon that confuses end-users
• Ignoring cultural sensitivities leading to offensive meanings in some languages
• Failing to follow capitalization or punctuation conventions
• Overloading names with numbers or symbols making them impractical

Role of International Cultivar Registration Authorities (ICRAs)

ICRAs are specialized organizations responsible for registering cultivar names in specific genera or crops globally. They maintain authoritative lists preventing repetition and confusion.

Examples include:

• The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) for many ornamental plants
• International Seed Federation for agricultural crops
• The International Dahlia Society for dahlias

Before finalizing a name, consult relevant ICRAs that cover your crop group to streamline registration and ensure compliance.

Case Study: Naming a New Rose Variety

Imagine you have bred a new rose hybrid with unique pink-purple flowers resistant to powdery mildew. Here’s how you would proceed:

1. Conduct trials proving its distinctness from other roses.
2. Search rose cultivar databases maintained by RHS.
3. Choose an original appropriate name such as ‘Velvet Mist’.
4. Format correctly: Rosa ‘Velvet Mist’.
5. Submit registration documents including detailed description and photos.
6. Once accepted and published by RHS’s International Cultivar Registration Authority for Roses, start marketing under this registered name ensuring legal protection under PBR if desired.

Conclusion

Naming new plant varieties according to nomenclature rules requires careful consideration and adherence to international codes such as the ICNCP. This process ensures clarity, uniqueness, legal protection, and global acceptance of new cultivars in horticulture and agriculture.

For breeders aiming to introduce novel plants into the market successfully, understanding these principles is vital. By following established guidelines—ensuring distinctness, choosing appropriate unique names, formatting correctly, registering officially—and utilizing resources like ICRAs, you can contribute effectively to the global community of plant cultivators while protecting your intellectual property rights.

Choosing the right name is more than an administrative task; it reflects your innovation’s identity in the rich tapestry of cultivated plants worldwide.