IPR and the Use of Genetic Diversity.

Patterns of genetic diversity in cultivated crop varieties result from many sources. This presentation examines the effects of various factors upon patterns of genetic diversity using examples from wheat, maize and other crops. Effective intellectual property protection is an important prerequisite for engagement by the private sector in plant breeding. Types of intellectual property protection that are available will be reviewed, including the strength of protection they provide. The presentation concludes with a review of the impacts that effective IP, or the lack thereof, can have on genetic diversity and its use in agriculture.