Cultivar vs. Variety

Attribute	Cultivar	Variety
Definition	A cultivated variety of a plant species	A distinct variation within a plant species
Origin	Developed through intentional breeding or selection	Can occur naturally or through breeding
Genetic Makeup	May have specific genetic traits or characteristics	May have specific genetic traits or characteristics
Propagation	Usually propagated through cloning or grafting	Can be propagated through various methods
Uniformity	Generally more uniform in terms of traits	May exhibit some variation within the variety
Naming	Named by the breeder or developer	Named based on distinct characteristics or origin

Introduction

When it comes to plants, the terms "cultivar" and "variety" are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion among gardeners and horticulturists. However, these terms have distinct meanings and are used to describe different aspects of plant classification and breeding. In this article, we will explore the attributes of cultivars and varieties, highlighting their differences and similarities.

Definition and Origin

A cultivar, short for "cultivated variety," is a plant that has been selected and bred by humans for specific desirable traits. These traits can include characteristics like flower color, fruit size, disease resistance, or growth habit. Cultivars are created through deliberate human intervention, often involving controlled pollination and selective breeding techniques. They are given unique names and are propagated through asexual means, such as cuttings or grafting, to maintain their desired traits.

On the other hand, a variety is a naturally occurring variation within a species. Varieties can arise through spontaneous mutations, genetic recombination, or adaptation to different environmental conditions. Unlike cultivars, varieties are not intentionally bred or selected by humans. They can be found in the wild or arise in cultivated populations. Varieties are often named based on their distinguishing characteristics and can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means.

Distinctive Characteristics

One of the key differences between cultivars and varieties lies in their stability. Cultivars are genetically stable and will consistently exhibit the desired traits when propagated asexually. This stability allows gardeners and growers to rely on the cultivar's predictable characteristics. In contrast, varieties can show more variability in their traits, even within a single population. This variability is due to the genetic diversity present in natural populations and can be influenced by environmental factors.

Another important distinction is the level of human intervention involved in their development. Cultivars are the result of intentional breeding efforts, where specific traits are selected and propagated over generations to create a plant with desired characteristics. This process requires careful planning, controlled pollination, and often takes several years to develop a stable cultivar. On the other hand, varieties arise naturally without human intervention, driven by genetic variation and environmental factors. They can emerge relatively quickly and adapt to local conditions.

Classification and Naming

Cultivars are classified using a specific naming system that includes a cultivar name, often in Latin, followed by the name of the person or organization that introduced or discovered it. This naming convention helps to identify and differentiate cultivars from one another. For example, Rosa 'Peace' is a cultivar of rose, with 'Peace' being its cultivar name. The International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP) provides guidelines for naming and registering cultivars to ensure consistency and avoid duplication.

Varieties, on the other hand, are named based on their distinguishing characteristics or the region where they were discovered. These names can vary across different regions and languages, leading to some confusion. For instance, the tomato variety 'San Marzano' is named after the region in Italy where it originated. Varieties are not formally registered like cultivars, but their names can become widely recognized and used in horticultural literature and trade.

Propagation and Availability

Propagation methods differ between cultivars and varieties. Cultivars are typically propagated asexually to maintain their desired traits. This can be done through methods like cuttings, grafting, or tissue culture. By using asexual propagation, cultivars can be reliably reproduced and distributed to ensure consistency in their characteristics. This is particularly important for commercial growers who rely on the predictability of cultivars for their business.

Varieties, on the other hand, can be propagated both sexually and asexually. Sexual propagation involves collecting and sowing seeds, which can result in some variability among the offspring. Asexual propagation methods, such as cuttings or division, can also be used to maintain the characteristics of a specific variety. However, due to the potential variability in traits, varieties may not always be as consistent as cultivars when propagated.

In terms of availability, cultivars are often more widely available in the horticultural market compared to varieties. This is because cultivars are intentionally bred and selected for their desirable traits, making them commercially valuable. Nurseries and seed companies actively propagate and distribute cultivars to meet the demand of gardeners and growers. Varieties, on the other hand, may be less commercially available, especially those that are found in the wild or have limited regional distribution.

Conclusion

While the terms "cultivar" and "variety" are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and implications in the world of plants. Cultivars are the result of intentional breeding efforts, selected for specific desirable traits, and propagated asexually to maintain their characteristics. Varieties, on the other hand, arise naturally without human intervention and can show more variability in their traits. Understanding the differences between cultivars and varieties can help gardeners and horticulturists make informed decisions when selecting plants for their gardens or commercial operations.