b'A PAINFUL DILEMMA FOR BREEDERSBreeders commercialize hybrids to meet market needs. Parent lines can be used in different hybrids. A first hybrid may be commercial-ized but prove not to be very successful. However, a second hybrid, released at a later stage, using one of the same parent lines, might be very successful. Only after a few years, a breeder might seek protection for that parent lineonce its value as hybrid parent has been fully established. But, then under the outdated novelty rules in some UPOV countries, it would be too late to protect such a parent line. In countries where hybrid commercialization destroys novelty for the parent lines, some breeders are indicating that they face a painful dilemma: Delay releasing high-performing hybrids to protect the nov- elty of the parent lines? Or release the hybrids and lose the chance to protect theparent lines?Neither choice is favourablefor breeders, for innovation, or for farmers who benefit from access to top-performing varieties.In practice, not many breeders would commercialize a hybrid without already knowing the value of the parent lines, therefore already wanting to protect the parent lines. And a breeder would normally not consider delaying release of a hybrid to protect parent line novelty. Nonetheless, some breeders have indicated that they PARENT 2 MAXIMISINGNATURES POTENTIAL TOGETHERHow can we add value for you?Great seeds are just the beginning. To succeed in todays market, you need a partner that helps you optimise seed performance, expand market opportunities, and deliver results that strengthen customer relationships. Germains seed enhancement solutions maximise your seeds potentialdelivering greater customer confidence.Visit germains.com to learn more!NOVEMBER 2025|SEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPEISEED WORLD EUROPE I 27'