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Abstract. The aim of this paper is to show the advantages of implementing a Quality Management System (QMS) in a research laboratory in order to improve the management of risks specific to research programmes and to increase the reliability of results. This paper also presents experience gained from feedback following the implementation of the Quality process in a research laboratory at INRA, the French National Institute for Agronomic Research and details the various challenges encountered and solutions proposed to help achieve smoother adoption of a QMS process. The 7Ms (Management, Measurement, Manpower, Methods, Materials, Machinery, Mother-nature) methodology based on the Ishikawa 'Fishbone' diagram is used to show the effectiveness of the actions considered by a QMS, which involve both the organization and the activities of the laboratory. Practical examples illustrate the benefits and improvements observed in the laboratory.

France is responsible for DUS (Distinction-Uniformity-Stability) testing of new varieties of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) for several European countries. Many varieties fail to be registered because of a lack of distinctness from the already registered varieties. The addition of the other traits such as disease or pest resistance could help in distinction. The aim of the present study was to optimize measurement of the resistance of lucerne to Verticillium albo-atrum. Although the resistance to V. albo-atrum is a qualitative trait for each plant, varietal resistance is a continuous variable because each variety contains a variable percentage of resistant plants. Fifty cultivars were tested for V. albo-atrum in two laboratories at random from among five private and public laboratories. Five check varieties were tested in the five laboratories in two tests. A score of resistance, corrected from the effect of the test, was given for each cultivar. A method to validate any new test is proposed. This data set can now be incremented by the resistance scores to V. albo-atrum of new varieties. It will help in distinguishing between lucerne varieties.