Geneva, Switzerland — The ISF Disease Resistance Terminology (DRT) Expert Group convened from 16–18 June, bringing together international experts to advance the harmonization of disease resistance terminology and strengthen collaboration on technical standards that support the global seed sector.
Over three days, the Expert Group reviewed progress across its work plan, focusing on disease resistance terminology, differential sets, explanatory notes, and ongoing DRT projects. Members also confirmed publication priorities, discussed website-related actions, advanced the technical review of selected differential sets, and identified new project proposals to support future work.
The meeting also reinforced alignment between the Expert Group’s technical work and ISF’s broader communications and public affairs activities. By promoting consistent terminology and clear technical explanations, the group contributes to improved understanding of disease resistance among breeders, regulators, researchers, and other stakeholders.
As part of the programme, the Expert Group held a dedicated technical exchange with the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Discussions focused on strengthening mutual understanding of disease resistance terminology and Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS)-related considerations, including taxonomy, reference materials, interpretation of resistance characteristics, pathology-specific challenges, and opportunities for continued informal dialogue.
