Pre-Variety Germplasm (PVG)
Certification program for Source Identified, Selected, and Tested germplasm before variety release.
PVG Program
Pre-Variety Germplasm certification is used for plant material that has not reached full variety status. ACIA reviews eligibility, source documentation, development history, identity, generation, and applicable AOSCA PVG requirements before approving certification.
PVG material is handled by categories, not regular seed certification classes.
PVG Categories
- Source Identified: identified by species and geographic source.
- Selected: selected material with documented basis for selection.
- Tested: material with testing showing that desired traits are heritable.
PVG Development Flow Chart
The flow chart shows how plant species populations or germplasm accessions move through Natural Track or Manipulated Track pathways into Source Identified, Selected, Tested, and eventually variety/cultivar status when sufficient data are available.
Natural Track and Manipulated Track
Natural Track (N-T)
Used for an unrestricted representation of an intact wildland, native, or naturalized plant population from the original site. Involuntary selection should be avoided during wildland harvest and field increase.
Manipulated Track (M-T)
Used when germplasm has been manipulated by selection, recurrent selection, hybridization, mutation, or another breeding or development technique.
Eligibility Guidelines
| Requirement | Source Identified | Selected | Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germplasm identification term | Optional | Recommended | Recommended |
| Geographic source | Required | Required or known depending on track | Required or known depending on track |
| Germplasm identity | Source required; recommended where applicable | Required or recommended depending on track | Required or recommended depending on track |
| Breeding or development history | Not applicable | Required | Required |
| Morphological and performance traits | Not applicable | Document basis for selection | Prove heritability across generations |
| Trait comparison or heritability data | Not applicable | One location / one year common garden | One location / one year intergenerational trial |
| Statistical significance | Not applicable | Optional | 10% level |
Certification Process
Apply
Submit the PVG application with species, germplasm type, developer, source, use, and track information.
Document
Provide origin, development history, source location, identity, morphology, performance, and maintenance information.
Review
ACIA reviews eligibility, required records, generation limits, and applicable standards.
Inspect
Field-produced PVG material is inspected for identity, isolation, generation, and field condition.
Verify Wildland Lots
Wildland collected seed requires site and collection records, lot designation, and supporting documents.
Tag
Approved lots are tagged as Source Identified, Selected, or Tested with the appropriate site and germplasm information.
Application Information Required
Identification and Origin
- PVG type: Source Identified, Selected, or Tested
- Germplasm ID followed by the word “Germplasm” when used
- Species, common name, and Latin name
- Indigeneity: indigenous, non-indigenous, or unknown
- Natural Track or Manipulated Track designation
- Source location: state, county, elevation, and GPS if available
Development and Description
- Originator or developer
- Breeding, development, or collection history
- Primary use such as restoration, forage, turf, ornamental, food, or fiber
- Botanical or morphological description
- Performance claims and supporting data
- Area of adaptation
- Procedure for maintaining stock seed
- Generation, stand age, or geographic limitations
Wildland Collected Seed
Wildland collected seed may be certified under PVG when the collection site, species identity, collection records, lot designation, and supporting documents are adequate. Field standards do not apply to wildland collected seed, but seed standards and documentation requirements still apply.
| Record or Step | Use |
|---|---|
| Pre-Collection Application | Begins the process and records site information for wildland collected seed. |
| Site Inspection | Records associated species, site characteristics, and plant community details. |
| Site ID Log Part 1 | Used for seed lots intended for tagging and direct sale or revegetation outplanting. |
| Site ID Log Part 2 | Used when wildland collected material will establish G0 stock seed or controlled restoration projects. |
| Records Review | Collection logs, permits, contracts, lot designations, and seed broker records are reviewed for eligibility. |
| Tagging | Eligible lots receive Source Identified, Selected, Tested, or variety tags with appropriate site and germplasm information. |
PVG Forms and Documents
Use the PVG Application to begin ACIA review. Additional supporting records may be required depending on whether the material is Source Identified, Selected, Tested, field produced, or wildland collected.
ACIA Notes
- PVG certification is handled separately from regular variety certification.
- PVG uses categories, not regular certification classes.
- ACIA determines eligibility after reviewing documentation and applicable standards.
- Applicants should contact ACIA before collecting, increasing, conditioning, or tagging PVG material.