A plant variety right is the intellectual property in a new plant variety. This may cover varieties of all plant genera and species. A plant variety right gives you protection for the use of plant material of that variety, but also extends to harvest produce such as apples.
When an application is filed, the variety is tested for novelty, distinctness, uniformity and stability. Plant material must be submitted for this purpose. Depending on the crop, it will be DUS-tested (Distinctive, Uniform, Stable) for one or more years. The variety must also receive a suitable varietal description/denomination.