The South African floricultural industry and the Plant Breeders' Rights Act: A short review

The floriculture industry has been identified as one of the industries with an opportunity to grow and contribute positively to the economy of South Africa. The largest number of plant breeders' rights applications filed in South Africa is for ornamental plants. This article gives a short review of the South African floricultural industry, some features of the Plant Breeders' Rights Act, 1976 (Act No. 15 of 1976), and the trends in plant breeders' rights applications and grants for ornamental plants over the past decade.

► Review of Plant Breeders' Rights for the floricultural industry in South Africa.
► Problems of products not covered by PBR.
► Trends in the use of, and statistics for, the PBR system.
► Need for further research, analysis and improvements emphasised.