東アジア植物品種保護フォーラム

The East Asia Plant Variety Protection Forum

5 January 2011
The East Asia Plant Variety Protection Forum

Manual for Taking Photographs for DUS TestingC 2011 Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Contents
1. Purpose of taking photographs during DUS tests ····························································································· 3(1) Why are photographs important for DUS tests?··································································································· 3(2) Use of photographs ·············································································································································· 3

2. Basic items for taking photographs···················································································································· 4(1) Types of digital cameras ······································································································································ 4(2) Camera functions, basic operation, and photographic techniques········································································ 4(3) Basic photography methods ································································································································· 8

3. Photographic techniques (practical guide) ······································································································ 11(1) Photographs that explain about characteristics and growth conditions ······························································ 11(2) Photos to explain about DUS ····························································································································· 11(3) Important points in taking photographs ············································································································· 14

4. List of compositions by species ························································································································· 16(1) Typical compositions········································································································································· 16(2) Compositions showing the distinctness·············································································································· 25

1. Purpose of taking photographs during DUS tests
Photographs that are taken during DUS tests provide important information about characteristics, growth
conditions, and corroboration of DUS. For that reason, it is necessary to take clear photographs that are easy
to understand, and easy to compare.
(1) Why are photographs important for DUS tests?
Photographs that are taken during DUS tests are attached to DUS test reports to provide a better
understanding of the growth conditions and characteristics. By attaching appropriate photographs to reports,
you can help to improve the quality of both the reports and the examinations.
(2) Use of photographs
1) DUS test report
Photographs that are attached to DUS test reports must explain about characteristics in variety
descriptions.
2) Accumulation of photographic data on varieties
Photographs that are attached to DUS test reports must be arranged so that they can be viewed by test andby variety so that it will be easy to use them as materials in future examinations.
3) Selection of comparing varieties
The arranged photographic data described in 2) above can be used to select comparing varieties forcandidate varieties that will be applied in the future.
4) Other purposes
Photographs can also be used as materials for writing manuals for DUS test, as corroboration forresponding to official objections, and so on.

-3-2. Basic items for taking photographs(1) Types of digital cameras
There are basically two types of digital cameras that can take sharp pictures: digital single-lens reflex
cameras, and easy-to-use compact cameras. The biggest difference between the two is whether or not the lens
needs to be changed to match the purpose of the photo. There are also differences in the performance of thelenses, image sensors, and aspect ratio of the images. In DUS tests, the most suitable camera is selectedbased on the conditions of the photographic environment.
1) Single-lens reflex camera
The lens can be changed to match the photographic conditions, and detailed settings can be made to takesharper pictures. However, the camera is relatively large and is not as portable as a compact camera.
2) Compact cameras
Although it is not possible to change lenses or make detailed settings, compact cameras are very portable.
Compared with single lens reflex cameras, the CCDD, CMOS, etc., are small so the images are not as clear,but recently somewhat larger models, and high-performance models which can make detailed settings, havecome onto the market.
Photographs that are attached to DUS test reports should not be trimmed or have an altered aspect ratio.
(2) Camera functions, basic operation, and photographic techniques
The photographer must have an understanding of the functions and operation of the camera, make themost optimal settings for the photographic environment, and take photos that are appropriate for a DUS test
report.
1) Number of pixels and compression ratio
The number of pixels and compression ratio must be determined based on the method(s) of using thephotographic data (printouts, entering into databases, viewing on personal computers, etc.), but these
conditions are determined by the testing authorities. In Japan, the number of pixels is usually about
1600×1200, and the compression ratio is set at “Fine.” These criteria have been determined based on
considerations such as printing the output to a report, checking the images on a personal computer, anduploading the images into a database, among other things.
2) ISO speed
High ISO speed has the advantage of enabling photographs to be taken in dark places, but it also
produces a lot of “noise.” Therefore, the minimum setting for ISO speed is usually used for DUS
photography. However, if sufficient shutter speed cannot be obtained for dark places, then the ISO speed
should be raised to a point where the photo can be taken without noise being generated.
3) Photo mode
The photo mode for pictures that are taken for DUS tests should not be set on AUTO. Instead, it should-4-either be set to P (program) mode (which enables detailed settings such as white balance to be made), or A
(aperture priority) mode.
P mode: Photos are taken with a suitable shutter speed and aperture that are automatically determined basedon lighting (brightness).
A mode: Photos are taken with a fixed aperture and a shutter speed that is determined based on lighting(brightness).
- Taking photographs with A (aperture priority) mode
Taking photographs by setting a smaller aperture size in A mode (increasing the F number) can result in a
deeper depth of field, and the range of field also deepens, but because the lighting is insufficient, the shutter
speed is slow, and there is a risk of blurring a picture with hand movements. When using a smaller aperturesize, the camera is mounted on a tripod or stand, but if it is a high-performance camera, the ISO speed andthe shutter speed can be increased while keeping noise to a minimum. It should be noted that the maximum
and minimum values of aperture depend on the camera’s lens.

F: 8.0 Visually focused from theflowers to the backgroundF: 2.0 Visually focused on the flowers-5-4) Macro mode
In DUS tests, there are many times to photograph small objects such as the part of flowers. Macro modeis used to photograph small objects. While the photographic distance of Macro mode depends on the type(lens) of camera, a general rule of thumb is to use Macro mode to photograph objects when the distance
between the object and camera is less than 50 cm.

・Distortion
When you approach an object by the wide angle side of a camera, the peripheral areas of the photo will
become distorted. To prevent such distortion, you should take photos by a telephoto side.

・The ruler appears bent because the photo was taken by a wide angle side
too close to the object.

・By a telephoto side, the ruler appears straight.

-6-5) Zoom
Only use optical zoom. Digital zoom acts by using software to stretch the original image, which ruins the
picture quality, so you should not use digital zoom.
6) Type of light meter and exposure compensation
With nearly all digital cameras, if you press the shutter halfway, you will get a condition of AF/AE (autofocus/auto exposure) lock. In the original settings of nearly all digital cameras, the exposure is fixed based on
the average amount of light in the entire screen. In DUS tests, flowers are photographed from above, so if the
focus is on the flower, the amount of light will differ depending on the flower color, which can cause
discrepancies in the exposure. For example, the overall picture might be too dark (underexposure), or too
bright (overexposure). In such cases, you should change the type of light meter for each photographed object,
use a more suitable amount of light, and adjust the exposure so that it is more appropriate. Please note thatthe smaller the lens brightness (F number) of your camera is, the greater the range of applications will be.
7) White balance
When taking photos for DUS tests, it is especially important to adjust the white balance. If you set tomatch the color temperature of the light source when you are shooting, you probably will not be able toreproduce the color of your object. Therefore, in DUS tests, every time that the color temperature of the lightsources in the photograph location changes (outdoors in sunlight, outdoors in cloudy weather, in the shade,indoors, under fluorescent lighting, etc.), you should adjust the white balance accordingly. White balance isadjusted with either a special 18% gray card or pure white paper. If you use commercially-sold pure white
paper to adjust the white balance, you should use the same type of paper.
If the white balance is not properly adjusted, it could adversely affect the colors of your entire
photograph.

Suitable

Not suitable8) Using a flash
It is better to take photos in an environment where you don’t need to use a flash. But if you have to use aflash, pay attention to shadows and reflections. In DUS test reports, you must clearly note, where applicable,that a flash was used to take a photo.

-7-

(3) Basic photography methods
1) Preventing shaking
In order to prevent your hands from shaking, mount the camera on a tripod or copy stand wheneverpossible. If no tripod or copy stand is available, keep your upper arms tight so that your hands do not shake.
It is effective to lean against a building, etc., for added support. If the shutter speed is slower than 1/100, fix
the camera in place to take photos.
2) Photographic objects
The objects you photograph should be healthy examples of the variety in question that exhibit typicalcharacteristics. Basically, when you photograph a candidate object, there is little risk of contradiction
between the photo and the test results. However, because it is difficult to take photos while conducting a test,
it is normal to select new individual objects to photograph. Even if they are of the same variety, individuals
will display a range of characteristics, so you should avoid individuals on the extreme ends and choose
individuals that well exhibit the characteristics of the candidate variety.
3) Composition
A. Consistency of composition
By maintaining consistency of composition, photos used in DUS tests can be easily used to variety
comparisons well into the future. For that reason, a composition of each plant variety should be decided
when necessary. Consideration should be made so that changes in composition will not make comparisonsdifficult.
B. Captions
You must attach a caption to all photos used in DUS test reports. Please note that the terminology ofplants used in the captions should be taken from the names of the characteristics used in test guidelines.
C. Date of photos
When attaching photos to a DUS test report, always note the dates (day, month, year) that they weretaken. If the date is shown in the photo, you should be aware of the location of the printing when designing alayout.
D. Labeling variety names
A label showing variety name should be incorporated into the photo. The size of the name label should
be in balance with the size of the photographed object.
E. Balance of photographed objects
The height and width of photos should be decided after considering the shape and size of thephotographed object. It is best to make the object as large as possible without cutting off parts of it in thephoto.

-8-

F. Scale
When changing the length of the scale, you should consider the balance with the size of the photographed
object. If there is no scale, use a tape measure.
G. Using the CASMATCH color adjustment chart
If you can obtain a CASMATCH color adjustment chart, we recommend that you use it in your photos.
In Japan, CASMATCH is incorporated into a composition that includes characteristics related to color. By
incorporating CASMATCH, it is possible to adjust the color to a constant level with software, even fordifferent photographed objects and lighting conditions. In regular DUS tests, the suitability of the color
quality of photo is judged based on the CASMATCH. It should be noted that CASMATCH is used mainly inthe medical profession to observe changes in the condition of diseased areas and the progress of treatment,with software that corrects the color to a constant level.
H. BackgroundThe background should be plain, preferably a light blue or light gray in color, either paper or cloth. If
there is no background for photographic use, you can use the wall of a building or concrete surface if they
are plain. If you take photos with the same composition, the background color should conform with it.
I. Miscellaneous
In order to photograph unstable objects in a still condition, you should prepare pushpins, clips, tweezers,etc., beforehand.

4) Photographic environment
It would be best to prepare a constant photographic environment. For example, if there are dedicatedphotographic facilities, you can use a copy stand that has special fluorescent lighting for taking photos.
Because the facility has a camera, lighting equipment, etc., it would be easier and more consistent to use
heavier equipment. Lighting is by photographic fluorescent light. If you always have such a copy standprepared, then you will be able to take photos in a constant environment.
A. Points to bear in mind when taking photos indoors- The position and angle of the lighting should be adjusted, and pay attention to shadows and reflected light.
It is a good idea to lay some non-reflective paper on the background.

-9-B. Points to bear in mind when taking photos outdoors- When taking photos outdoors, you should avoid direct sunlight, pay attention to shadows and reflected
light, and develop a technique such as selecting bright shade and timing of thin cloud cover.
- Even if you use a tripod, you should be aware that the object you are photographing can move in the wind.

・ Direct sunlight・ Bright shade- 10 -

3. Photographic techniques (practical guide)(1) Photographs that explain about characteristics and growth conditions
Photographs should be taken of each variety in order explain about characteristics and growth conditions.
It is desirable for the photos to cover as many characteristics as possible, but if there are too many photos
with various compositions, it will require a corresponding amount of labor to take the photos and manage thedata afterward. Therefore, you must use fewer photos and take photos that will explain as many
characteristics as possible.
Example of a carnation

Test plot
・ Growing conditions

Leaf
・ Leaf length, width, shape,
color, and wax

Plant growth habit
・ Plant height, number of lateralbranches, and degree of leaf rolling

Flower・ Flower color, diameter, type,side view

Flower parts
・ Flower petal color, pattern,
petal length, petal width, buds,
calyces, ovaries, pistils(2) Photos to explain about DUS
In order to explain about DUS, when necessary you should photograph candidate and comparing varieties
and candidate types and off types together.

- 11 -

1) Distinctness
If there is distinctness, when necessary you should take photos to show characteristics for which
distinctness is recognizable.

CandidateComparing V.

CandidateComparing V.

・ Case in which the flowers of the candidate and comparing varieties are nearly identical,
but distinctness is seen in the color of the pistil.
2) No distinctness
If there is no distinctness, then the application for plant variety protection is generally rejected, so you
will need photos that explain that the characteristics of the candidate and comparing variety are no
distinctness. In the case of an item that will be rejected, you will have to have photographic proof that can beused to respond to a formal objection, complaint, etc.

1

Candidate

CandidateComparing V.

Comparing V.

CandidateComparing V.

CandidateComparing V.

・ Case in which the characteristics of the candidate variety and comparing variety
are no distinctness.
1

Comparing V.; Comparing Variety- 12 -

3) If there is no uniformity
If there is no uniformity, then the application for plant variety protection is usually rejected, so you will
have to have photos that identify conditions for the occurrence of off types, as well as of the off types
themselves. To identify off types, you will need photos of them lined up with candidate type and off type. In
the case of an item that will be rejected, you will have to have photographic proof that can be used to respondto a formal objection, complaint, etc.

・ Photos taken to confirm the occurrence of off types in a test plot

L: Candidate type
R: Off type

Top: Candidate type;
Bottom: Off type

Top: Candidate type;
Bottom: Off type・ Photos taken of candidate types and off types together- 13 -

(3) Important points in taking photographs
1) Characteristics expressed in the photos must be matched with characteristics described in the Variety
Description.
One type of problem that occurs with photos in DUS test reports is discrepancies between characteristics
described in the Variety Description, and those expressed in the photos. For example, characteristic No. 1,“Plant height,” is noted as 80 cm in the Variety Description on the left side, but it exceeds 100 cm in thephoto. In this case, there is some question about whether there was a problem with selecting thephotographed object, or a problem with the measurement values. The photos must not contradict thedescribed characteristics.

- 14 -

2) Camera characteristics
Even if the white balance is appropriate, it does not mean that the original flower color can be expressed
properly. Since color expression can differ depending on the camera type, you must be aware of the camera’s
ability to express color when selecting a camera type. You must check photos immediately after they aretaken, and if they do not express the original color, then you must take corrective action such as readjusting
the white balance, etc.

Camera 1: Not the original colors

Camera 2: Original colors(too much redness)(an orange hue)・ Example of white balance being appropriate but color expression by different cameras differs.

- 15 -

4. List of compositions by species(1) Typical compositions
Strawberry (the dates refers to the dates the photos were taken)

Denominatio

Denominatio

Test plot

Growth habit

Denomination

Denominatio

Leaf

FlowerDenomination

Denomination

First fruit

Second fruit- 16 -

Denomination

Cross sections of fruit

Potato (the dates refer to the dates the photos were taken)

Denomination

Denomination

萌芽時の状態

Test plot

Growth habit

Denomination

Denomination

FlowerLeaf- 17 -

Denomination

Denomination

Tubers

Cross section of tube

Sweet potato (the dates refer to the dates the photos were taken)

Denomination

Denomination

Denomination

Denomination
Test plot

Leaf

Denomination
Denomination

Shape and color of tubers

Condition of tubers- 18 -

Denomination

Color of steamed potato

Soybean (the dates refer to the dates the photos were taken)

Denomination

Growth habit (harvesting of young pod)

Denomination

Test plot (harvesting of young pod)

Denomination

Denomination

Leaf

Flower- 19 -

Denomination

Denomination

Harvested stem (young pod)

Pod (harvesting of young pod)

Denomination

Denomination

Harvested stem (harvesting time of seed)

Test plot (harvesting time of seed)

Denomination

Denomination

Seed

State of pod (harvesting time of seed)- 20 -

Denomination
Seed (enlarged)

Lettuce (the dates refer to the dates the photos were taken)

Denominatio

Denomination

Growth habit (side view)Growth habit (upper view)

Denomination

Denomination

State of globular lettuce

Leaf- 21 -

Denominatio

Seed

Chrysanthemum (the dates refer to the dates the photos were taken)

Denominatio

Denominatio

Test plot

Growth habit

Denominatio
Denominatio

Leaf

Flower- 22 -

Denomination

Flower petal

Rose (the dates refer to the dates the photos were taken)

Denominatio

Denomination

Test plot

Shoot

Denomination

Denomination

Stem (central part)Leaf- 23 -

Denomination

Denomination

FlowerFlowering stem

Denomination

Flower petal- 24 -

(2) Compositions showing the distinctness
Capsicum (the dates refer to the dates the photos were taken)

A

A

C

B

Comparison of bearing

Comparison of growth habits

A

B

B

A

C

Comparison of leaves

B

C

Comparison of fruits

Rice plant (the dates refer to the dates the photos were taken)

A
A
B
B
C
C

D
D

Comparison of growth habitsComparison of panicles- 25 -

A

B

A

Comparison of grain

B

Comparison of decorticated grain

Plum (the dates refer to the dates the photos were taken)

A

A

B

Comparison of inflorescence

A
B

C

C

Comparison of branches

A

B

B

C

Comparison of flower petals

Comparison of flowers- 26 -

C

生産局 知的財産課 種苗審査室〒100−8950 東京都千代田区霞が関 1−2−1

Plant Variety Protection Office, Intellectual Property Division,
Agricultural Production Bureau
1-2-1,Kasumigaseki,Chiyoda-ku,Tokyo 100−8950,JapanC 2011 Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries