Agronomic Crop Variety Trials

Overview

This crop performance data provides information to growers, extension personnel, seed producers, seed dealers and agricultural workers and agencies in South Carolina and the world. These results should help growers select the most profitable cultivars for individual farm conditions and management programs.

About Variety Releases

Clemson scientists have developed more than 100 new varieties of food, fiber, and landscape plants that are now being used by growers in temperate zones throughout the world. Several other varieties are still being tested before they are released for commercial production.

As a result of this research, consumers enjoy a wider variety of fruits and vegetables for their dinner table, improved cotton fiber for their clothing, and more choices of ornamental trees and grasses for their landscapes. Internationally, 90% of the okra grown in the world is produced by a variety developed at Clemson, and half of the cucumber acreage in the world is planted with Clemson varieties.
Guidelines for Release of Cultivars or Germplasm Lines
1. Proposal prepared by breeder-originator to release cultivar or germplasm line in accordance with policies of Experiment Station (ES) of Public Service Activities. Include data as appropriate. If disposition regarding Plant Variety Protection Act is requested, initiate application for protection.
2. Proposal submitted with ES Form 81-4 to chair, Clemson University Crop Variety Recommendation & Release Committee. Chair circulates proposal to committee members for comments and recommendation. Committee may request breeder-originator to consider application for certificate of protection under the Plant Variety Protection Act.
3. Comments and recommendations summarized and evaluated by chair for either returning to the breeder-originator or forwarding to the Chief Operating Officer of Experiment Station for approval. (Send to 104 Barre Hall).
4. Chief Operating Officer of Experiment Station approves/disapproves cultivar or germplasm line and approves/disapproves application for Plant Variety Protection. All forms returned to breeder-originator with copy to chair of the Clemson University Crop Variety Recommendation & Release Committee.
5. Breeder-originator prepares ES Form 81-5 for transfer of seed to South Carolina Foundation Seed Association.
6. Copy of ES Form 81-5 with COO’s signature is forwarded to South Carolina Foundation Seed Association and chair of Clemson University Crop Variety Recommendation & Release Committee.