var

The standard abbreviation for ‘variety’ — the taxonomic rank below subspecies, written ‘var.’ Varieties usually arise through selective breeding and differ from the parent in relatively minor ways: fruit colour, size, or disease resistance in crops; metabolic or physiological traits in microbes (biovars/biotypes); or morphology. In food trade and labelling, variety names (apple or wheat varieties, for instance) carry quality and authenticity expectations, and plant variety rights protect breeders’ innovations. Correct variety identification matters for processing, since varieties differ in composition, texture, and end-use suitability.