23 tables, 3 graphs, 3 fig., 61 ref. Summary (En) AGRIS/ABOA Coordinator, CSIRO Inf. Services, POB 89, East Melbourne VIC 3002 Australia

This report examines Australia's needs with regard to the introduction of Plant Variety Rights, and the need to ensure that plant breeding remains responsive to industry and changes in technology. Current breeding effort was addressed by survey, interviews and submissions. Resources invested in improving wheat were disproportionate to that for barley, summer-growing cereals, oil crops, sugar, cotton and rice. Australian agriculture would benefit from more breeding in pasture, horticulture, ornamental plants and other field crops. Total resources invested are insufficient for rapid and effective improvement of agricultural and horticultural plants. Funding is the most significant deficiency, and state government support is declining. The service emphasis of public programs contrasts with the market orientation of private breeders and lack of access to varieties bred overseas is limiting crop improvement in Australia. Fragmentation of effort and quarantine restrictions are organisational impediments. R oyalties paid on public varieties should be returned to crop improvement programs, after P.V.R. legislation

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