Which of the following has been covered under the broad patent category ?

Options

A. Triticum
B. Oryza
C. Pisum sativum
D. Brassica

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Options**: The question provides four options: Triticum (wheat), Oryza (rice), Pisum sativum (pea), and Brassica (cabbage).

2. **Understand the Context of Patents**: The question is asking about which of these plants has been covered under a broad patent category. This implies that one of these plants has been patented, allowing for exclusive rights over its use or sale.

3. **Research the Patents**: In 1997, an American company obtained a patent for Basmati rice, which falls under the category of Oryza. This patent was granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office.

4. **Analyze the Implications of the Patent**: The patent allowed the company to sell a new variety of Basmati rice derived from Indian farmer's varieties. The new variety was created by crossing the traditional Basmati with a semi-dwarf variety, and this was claimed as a novel invention.

5. **Conclusion**: Since the patent extends to functional equivalents, it implies that others selling Basmati rice could be restricted by this patent. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is Oryza (rice).

### Final Answer:
The option that has been covered under the broad patent category is **Oryza (rice)**.

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