Washington State University is taking steps to protect its new apple variety, WA 2, in overseas countries. WA 2, the first variety to emanate from its apple breeding program, is moving into the commercialization phase and is available to Washington growers only. Dr. Kate Evans, WSU’s pome fruit breeder, said plant variety rights are slightly different from patents. Applications in Europe can be made only after the variety is growing as a fruiting tree in the country of application, and rights must be applied for within six years of offering the variety for sale. But before it can be sold […]