EEAPVPF

TG/ OIL PALM
ORIGINAL: English
DATE: 2013-07-03

EAST ASIA PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION FORUM

OIL PALM
Elaeis guineensis Jacq.

GUIDELINESFOR THE CONDUCT OF TESTSFOR DISTINCTNESS, UNIFORMITY AND STABILITY

Alternative Names:
Botanical nameElaeisguineensis Jacq.

EnglishOil Palm

Local Name
Kelapa sawit
Palm Nam Maan

The purpose of these guidelines (“Test Guidelines”) is to fulfill the activities under the EAPVPForum on harmonization of Test Guidelines.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0

SUBJECT OF THESE TEST GUIDELINES

2.0

MATERIAL REQUIRED

3.0

METHOD OF EXAMINATION

4.0

PAGE
1
1

3.1

Number of Growing Cycles

1

3.2

Testing Place1

3.3

Conditions for Conducting the Examination

1

3.4

Test Design2

3.5

Additional Tests

2

ASSESSMENT OF DISTINCTNESS, UNIFORMITY AND STABILITY
4.1

Distinctness

2

4.2.

Uniformity

4

4.3

Stability

4

5.0

GROUPING OF VARIETIES AND ORGANIZATION OF THE GROWING
TRIAL

6.0

INTRODUCTION TO THE TABLE OF CHARACTERISTICS

4

6.1

Categories of Characteristics

5

6.2

States of Expression and Corresponding Notes

5

6.3

Types of Expression

6

6.4

Example Varieties

6

6.5

Legend6

7.0

TABLE OF CHARACTERISTICS

7

8.0

EXPLANATIONS ON THE TABLE OF CHARACTERISTICS

12

9.0

LITERATURE

23

10.0

TECHNICAL QUESTIONNAIRE

24

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1.0

SUBJECT OF THESE TEST GUIDELINES
These Test Guidelines apply to all varieties of Elaeis guineensis Jacq.

2.0

MATERIAL REQUIRED

2.1.
The competent authority decides on the quantity and quality of theplant material required for testing the variety and when and where it is to bedelivered. Applicants submitting material from a State other than that in which thetesting takes place must ensure that all customs formalities and phytosanitaryrequirements are complied with.
2.2.

The material is to be supplied in the form of fruiting palms

2.3.
The minimum quantity of plant material, to be supplied by theapplicant, should be determined by the authority, being either
30 palms for seed propagated varieties
10 palms for vegetatively propagated varieties(Seed propagated varieties of pisifera fruit form are to be determined by theauthority)
2.4.
The plant material supplied should be visibly healthy, not lacking invigour, nor affected by any important pest or disease.
2.5.
The plant material should not have undergone any treatment, which
would affect the expression of the characteristics of the variety, unless thecompetent authorities allows or requests such treatment. If it has been treated, fulldetails of the treatment must be given.
3.0
3.1.

METHOD OF EXAMINATION
Number of Growing Cycles

The minimum duration of tests should normally be two growing cycles. The growing cycle isconsidered to be from female inflorescense anthesis to fruit ripening. The growing cycle will
be at least six months.
3.2

Testing Place

Tests are normally conducted at one place. In the case of tests conducted atmore than one place, guidance is provided in UPOV Document TGP/9 “Examining
Distinctness”.
3.3.

Conditions for Conducting the Examination

3.3.1 The tests should be carried out under conditions ensuring satisfactory growth
for the expression of the relevant characteristics of the variety and for the conduct of
the examination.

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3.3.2

Stage of development for the assessment

The optimum stage of development for the assessment of each characteristic is
indicated by a number in the second column of the Table of Characteristics. The stages ofdevelopment denoted by each number are described in Chapter 8.
3.3.3. Observation of colour by eye
Because daylight varies, color determinations made against a color chart should bemade either in a suitable cabinet providing artificial daylight or in the middle of the day in aroom without direct sunlight. The spectral distribution of the illuminant for artificial daylightshould conform with the CIE Standard of Preferred Daylight D 6500 and should fall within
the tolerances set out in the British Standard 950, Part 1. These determinations should bemade with the plant part placed against a white background.
3.4.

Test Design

Each test should be designed to result in total of at least:30 palms for seed propagated varieties
10 palms for vegetatively propagated varieties
Seed propagated varieties of pisifera are to be determined by the authority
The design of the tests should be such that plants or parts of plants may be removed
for measurement or counting without prejudice to the observations which must be
made up to the end of the growing cycle.
3.5.

Additional Tests

Additional test, for examining relevant characteristics, may be established.
4.0.

ASSESSMENT OF DISTINCTNESS, UNIFORMITY AND STABILITY

4.1.

Distinctness

4.1.1

General Recommendations

It is of particular importance for users of these Test Guidelines to consult the General
Introduction prior to making decisions regarding distinctness. However, the following points
are provided for elaboration or emphasis in these Test Guidelines.
4.1.2. Consistent Differences
The differences observed between varieties may be so clear that more than one
growing cycle is not necessary. In addition, in some circumstances, the influence of theenvironment is not such that more than a single growing cycle is required to provide
assurance that the differences observed between varieties are sufficiently consistent. One
means of ensuring that a difference in a characteristic, observed in a growing trial, issufficiently consistent is to examine the characteristic in at least two independent growing
cycles.

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4.1.3. Clear Differences
Determining whether a difference between two varieties is clear depends on manyfactors, and should consider, in particular, the type of expression of the characteristic being
examined, i.e. whether it is expressed in a qualitative, quantitative, or pseudo-qualitative
manner. Therefore, it is important that users of these Test Guidelines are familiar with therecommendations contained in the General Introduction prior to making decisions regarding
distinctness.
4.1.4. Number of Plants/Parts of Plants to be Examined
For seed propagated varieties
Unless otherwise indicated, for the purposes of distinctness, all observations should be madeon 30 plants or parts taken from each of 30 plants. In the case of parts of plants, the number
to be taken from each of the plants should be one.
For vegetative propagated varieties
Unless otherwise indicated, for the purposes of distinctness, all observations should be madeon 9 plants or parts taken from each of 9 plants, disregarding any off-types plant. In the caseof parts of plants, the number to be taken from each of the plants should be one.
4.1.5. Method of Observation
The recommended method of observing the characteristic FOR the purposes of
distincttness is indicated by the following key in the second column of the Table ofCharacteristics (see document TGP/9)” Examining distinctness”, Section 4 “Observation ofcharacteristics”):
MG:
MS:
VG:
VS:

single measurement of a group of plants or parts of plants
measurement of a number of individual plants or parts of plants
visual assessment by a single observation of a group of plants or parts of plants
visual assessment by observation of individual plants or parts of plants

Type of observation: visual (V) or measurement (M)“Visual” observation (V) is an observation made on the basis of the expert’s judgement. For
the purposes of this document, “visual” observation refers to the sensory observations of theexperts and, therefore, also includes, smell, taste and touch. Visual observation includes
observation where the expert uses reference points (e.g. diagrams, example varieties, side-byside comparison) or non-linear charts (e.g. color charts). Measurement (M) is an objective
observation against a calibrated, linear scale e.g. using ruler, weighing scales, colorimeter,
dates, counts, etc.
Type of records: for a group of plants (G) or for single, individual plants (S)For the purposes of distinctness, observations may be recorded as a single record for a groupof plants or parts of plants (G), or may be recorded as records for a number of single,
individual plants or parts of plants (S). In most cases, “G” provides a single record per variety
and it is not possible or necessary to apply statistical methods in a plant-by-plant analysis forthe assessment of distinctness.

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In cases where more than one method of observing the characteristic is indicated in the Tableof Characteristic (e.g. VG/MG), guidance on selecting an appropriate method is provided in
document TGP/9, Section 4.2.
4.2

Uniformity

4.2.1. It is of particular importance for users of these Test Guidelines to consult the General
Introduction prior to making decisions regarding uniformity. However, the following points
are provided for elaboration or emphasis in these Test Guidelines:
4.2.2. For the assessment of uniformity, for vegetative propagated varieties, a population
standard of 1% and acceptance probability of at least 95% should be applied. In the case of asample size of 10 plants, one off-type are allowed.
4.2.3. For assessment of uniformity, for cross pollinated varieties, including mainly crosspollinated and syntehetic varieties, generally exhibit wider variations within the variety thanvegetatively propagated or self-pollinated varities and inbred lines of hybrid varieties, and it
is more difficult to determine off-types. Therefore, relative tolerance limits, for the range ofvariation, set by comparison with comparable varieties, or types already known. This meansthat the candidate variety should not be significantly less uniform than the comparable
varieties. For more detailed information and guidance on setting standard for new types andspecies see document TGP/10, “Examining Uniformity” and TGP/13, “Guidance for New
Types and Species”
4.3

Stability

4.3.1 In practice, it is not usual to perform tests of stability that produce results as certain as
those of the testing of distinctness and uniformity. However, experience has demonstrated that,for many types of variety, when a variety has been shown to be uniform, it can also be
considered to be stable.
4.3.2. Where appropriate, or in cases of doubt, stability may be further examine by testing a
new seed or a new plant stock it exhibits the same characteristics as those shown by the
initial material supplied.
4.3.3. Where appropriate, or in cases of doubt, stability of a hybrid variety may, in addition toan examination of the hybrid variety itself, also be assessed by examinination of the uniformity
and stability of its parental lines.
5.0

GROUPING OF VARIETIES AND ORGANIZATION OF THE GROWING
TRIAL

5.1
The selection of varieties of common knowledge to be grown in the trial withthe candidate varieties and the way in which these varieties are divided into groups to facilitate
the assessment of distinctness are aided by the use of grouping characteristics.
5.2
Grouping characteristics are those in which the documented states of expression,even where produced at different locations, can be used, either individually or in combination
with other such characteristics.(a) to select varieties of common knowledge that can be
excluded from the growing trial used for examination of distinctness; and (b)to organize thegrowing trial so that similar varieties are grouped together.

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5.3

The following have been agreed as useful grouping characteristics:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)(ix)

Palm: canopy (Char. 1)
Palm: height increment (cm/year) (Char. 3)
Rachis: length (RL) (Char. 6)
Petiole: colour (Char. 10)
Bunch: shape (Char. 18)
Fruit: form (Char. 21)
Fruit: colour (Char. 24)
Fruit: weight (Char.26 )Mesocarp: colour (Char.29)

5.4
Guidance for the use of grouping characteristics, in the process of examining
distinctness, is provided through the General Introduction and document TGP/9: “Examining
distinctness”.
6.0

INTRODUCTION TO THE TABLE OF CHARACTERISTICS

6.1

Categories of Characteristics

6.1.1

Standard Test Guidelines Characteristics

Standard Test Guidelines Characteristics are those which are approved by UPOV for
examination of DUS and from which members of the Union can select those suitable for their
particular circumstances.
6.1.2

Asterisked Characteristics (*)

Asterisked characteristics (denoted by *) are those included in the Test Guidelines
which are important for the international harmonization of variety descriptions and should
always be examined for DUS and included in the variety description by all members of theUnion, except when the state of expression of a preceding characteristic or regional
environmental conditions render this inappropriate.
6.2.

States of Expression and Corresponding Notes

6.2.1.
States of expression are given for each characteristic to define the characteristic
and to harmonize descriptions. Each state of expression is allocated a corresponding numericalnote for ease of recording of data and for the production and exchange of the description.
6.2.2
In the case qualitative and pseudo-qualitative characteristics (see Chapter 6.3),
or relevant states of expression are presented in the characteristic. However, in the case ofcharacteristic with 5 or more states and abbreviated scale may be used to minimize the size ofTable of Characteristics. For example, in the case of quantitative characteristics with 9 states,
the presentation of states of expression in the test guidelines may be abbreviated as follows:
State
Small
Medium
large

Note
3
5
7

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However, each should be noted that all of the following 9 states of expression exist to
describe varieties and should be used as appropriate:
State
Very small
Very small to small
Small
Small to medium
MediumMedium to large
Large
Large to very large
Very large

Note
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

6.2.3. Further explanation of the presentation of states of expression and notes is provided in
document TGP/7 “Development of Test Guidelines”.
6.3.

Types of Expression

An explanation of the types of expression of characteristics (qualitative, quantitativeand pseudo-qualitative) is provided in the General Introduction.
6.4

Example Varieties

Where appropriate, example varieties are provided to clarify the states of expressionof each characteristic.
6.5

Legend(*)

Asterisked characteristic – see Chapter 6 (Section 6.1.2)

QL
QN
PQ

Qualitative characteristic – see Chapter 6 (Section 6.3)
Quantitative characteristic – see Chapter 6 (Section 6.3)
Pseudo-Qualitative characteristic – see Chapter 6 (Section 6.3)

MG, MS,VG,VS- see Chapter 4.1.5(a) – { x } See Explanations on the Table of Characteristics in Chapter 8.1.
(+)

See Explanations on the Table of Characteristics in Chapter 8.0.

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7.0

TABLE OF CHARACTERISTICS
Char.
No
1.
(*)
(+)

Characteristics
VG
(a)

MS
(a)

3.
(*)
(+)

MS
(a)

MS
(a)

VG

6.

LaMé
Avros
Dumpy, Yangambi

357Dura Dumpy
Others

1
9

LaMé
Avros
Dumpy

3
5
7

Rachis: length (RL)
shortmedium
long

(*)
(+)

3
5
7

Frond: Presence of leaflet atthe tip
AbsentPresentMS(a)

Dumpy, LaMé
Kamerun, Yangambi
Avros

Palm: trunk diameter

(a)

QL

3
5
7

Palm: height increment(cm/year)smallmedium
large

QN
5.
(*)
(+)

Palm: heightlowmedium
high

QN

4.
(*)
(+)

1
2
3

short
medium
tall

QN

Note

Palm: canopy
upright
spreadingdrooping

QN
2.
(+)

Example Varieties

QN
7.
(*)
(+)
QN

MG
(a)

Petiole : width
narrow
medium
broad

3
5
7

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Char.
No
8.
(*)
(+)

Characteristics
MG
(a)

9.

VG/
MS

(+)
(a)
QN
10.
(*)
(+)

VG
(a)

Note

Petiole : depth
shallow
mediumdeep

QN

Example Varieties

3
57Petiole : density of spikesparsemedium
dense

3
5
7

Petiole: colour
Brown
Greenish brown
Brownish green
green

1
2
3
4

MG/ Leaflet: lengthMS(a) shortmedium
long

3
5
7

QN

MG/ Leaflet: widthMS(a) narrowmedium
broad

3
5
7

13.
(*)

MG
(a)

PQ

11.
(*)
(+)
QN
12.
(*)
(+)

Leaflet: number
few
medium
many

QN

VG

Leaflet : midrib color

(a)
PQ

green
yellow

15.
(+)

Male inflorescence : length ofstalk of the male inflorescence

QN

Short
Medium
Long

14.
(+)

3
5
7

1
2

3
5
7

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Char.
Characteristics
No
MG/ Bunch : weight
16.
MS
(*)
low
(a) medium
QN
high
17.
(*)
QN
18.
(*)
(+)

VS
(b)

VG
(b)

PQ

3
5
7

1
2
3

Bunch: density of spines
sparsemediumdense

VG

Bunch: spine length

(b)

short

VS
(c)

mediumlong
Fruit: form
dura
tenerapisifera

QL

22.
(+)

3
5
7

Bunch: shape

QN

21.
(*)
(+)

La Me
Avros
Yangambi 718

ovate
cordiform
circular

QN

20.
(+)

Note

MG/ Bunch : length of stalkMSshort(b) medium
long

PQ
19.
(+)

Example Varieties

VG
(c)

3
5
7

Dumpy, Topaz 2,
Topaz 3
Avros
La Mé

3
5
7

1
2
3

Fruit: shapecircularoblongobovate1
2
3

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Char.
No
23.
(*)
(+)

Characteristics
VG(c)Example Varieties

Note

Fruit: mantled
absentpresent

1
9

QL
24.
(*)
(+)

VG
(c)

albescensvirescensnigrescens

QL
25.

VG
(c)

MG
(c)

27.
(*)

MG
(c)

28.
(*)

MG
(c)

29.
(*)
PQ

VG
(c)

3
5
7

Fruit: mesocarp to fruit
ratio(% by weight)
lowmedium
high

QN

3
5
7

Fruit: shell to fruit ratio (%by weight)
lowmedium
high

QN

1
9

Fruit: weightlowmedium
high

QN

1
2
3

Fruit: abscission
absentpresent

QL

26.
(*)

Fruit: colour

3
5
7

Mesocarp: colour
light yellow
yelloworangedark orange

1
2
3
4

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Char.
No
30.
(+)

Characteristics
MG

Example Varieties

Note

Fruit: number of kernel per
fruit

(c)
one
more than one

QN

31.
(*)
(+)
PQ
32.
(*)

VG
(c)

MG
(c)

34.
(+)
QN

3
5
7

Nut: length
Short
Medium
long

QN

1
2

Nut: weight
Low
Medium
high

QN
33
(+)

Nut: shapecircularobovate

MG
(c)

1
2

MG

Nut: width

(c)

small
medium
large

3
5
7

3
5
7

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8.0

EXPLANATIONS ON THE TABLE OF CHARACTERISTICS

8.1.

Explanations covering several characteristics

Characteristics containing the following key in the second column of the Table ofCharacteristics should be examined as indicated below:(a) Palm and frond: All measurements and observation on the tree and the frond should
be made on at least 7 year old plants after field planting.
(b) Bunch: All measurements and observation on the bunch should be made on the ripe
fruit bunches at the same time as the measurement of the palm and the frond.
Inspection shall be made at least twice over a period of one year. The duration
between inspections shall be at least 3 months.
(c) Fruit: All measurements and observation on the fruit should be made on the samples
which are taken from five (5) newly harvested ripe bunches from five different palms.
Ten (10) ripe outer fruits are taken from the top region of each bunch.
8.2. Explanation for individual characteristic
Ad. 1. Palm: canopy

12

upright

spreading3
drooping

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Ad. 2: Palm: height
Palm height is measured from ground level to the base of frond 41 (1st frond on 6thparastichy).

Height of palm

Palm height taken from theground to the base of frond 41

Ad. 3. Palm: height increment
Palm height increment is measured by dividing palm height (Ht) with palm age (t) after field
planting minus 2 as follows:
Palm height increment= Ht (cm)t–2

Ad. 4: Palm: trunk diameter
Trunk diameter is measured at 1 meter above the ground leve

Measure the trunk 1 m fromground level1 m from ground levelTG/ Oil Palm
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Ad. 5. Frond: presence of leaflet at the tip

9present1
absentabsentpresent

Ad 6 : Rachis: length
Length of rachis

Ad 7: Petiole : width
Ad 8 : Petiol : depth

PCS = Petiole diameter width (w)x Petiole diameter depth (d)

w

d

width

depth

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Ad. 9: Petiole: density of spike
Assesstment of spike density is to be taken at the region of 30cm after the lowest rudimentary
leaflet of frond 17.

3sparse5medium7
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Ad. 10. Petiole: colour

1

2

3

4

brown

greenishbrown

brownish
green

green

Ad. 11: Leaflet: length
Leaflet length is measured from the base to the tip of the leaflet. Three leaflets from each side of
the rachis closest to the frond ligules are to be sampled from frond 17 during inspection.
Ad. 12: Leaflet: width
From Char. 9 samples, leaflet width is measured at the point where the leaflet is folded at equal
lengthwidth

Length
Ad. 14. Leaflet: midrib colour

1
green

2
yellow

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Ad. 15. Male inflorescence : length of the male inflorescence

3
short

5
medium7
longExplaination : Short = less than 30 cm.
Medium = 30 – 50 cm.
Long = more than 50 cm.

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Ad. 18. Bunch: shape

1

2

3

ovate

cordiform

circular

3

5

7

sparsemediumdense

Ad. 19. Bunch: density of spines

3

5

7

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Ad. 20. Bunch: spine length

3
Short

5
Medium7
Long

2
Tenera3
Pisifera

Ad. 21. Fruit: form

1
Dura

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Ad. 22. Fruit: shape
Random sample of ten ripe outer fruits are taken from each newly harvested ripe bunch as per
Section 2.5.

1circular2
oblong3
obovateAd. 23. Fruit: mantled1absent9present

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Ad. 24. Fruit: colour

12

nigrescens

virescens

Ad. 30. Fruit: number of kernel per fruit

1
one

2
more than one

1
circular2
obovateAd. 31. Nut: shapeTG/ Oil Palm
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Ad. 33. Nut: length
Ad. 34. Nut: width

Length of nut

Width of nut

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9.0

Literature

C.W.S. Hartley (1967). Tropical Agriculture Series. The Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.).
London: Longman and Green. 806p.
R. H. V. Corley and P.H.B. Tinker (2003). The Oil Palm (4th Edition). Blackwell
Publishing, Incorporated. 592p.
T. H. Fairhurst and Rolf Härdter (2003). Oil Palm: Management for Large andSustainableYields. Potash & Phospahte Institute and International Potash Institute. First
Edition 2003, pp. 13-26.

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10.

Technical Questionnaire

TECHNICAL QUESTIONNAIRE

Page {x} of {y}Reference Number:
Application date:(not to be filled in by theapplicant)

TECHNICAL QUESTIONNAIRE
to be completed in connection with an application for plant breeders’ rights
In the case of hybrid varieties which are the subject of an application forplant breeders’ rights, and where the parent lines are to be submitted as a part of theexamination of the hybrid variety, this Technical Questionnaire should be completed foreach of the parent lines, in addition to being completed for the hybrid variety.

1.

2.

Subject of the Technical Questionnaire
1.1

Latin nameElaeis guineensis Jacq

1.2

Common nameOIL PALM

ApplicantName
Address

Telephone No.
Fax No.
E-mail address
Breeder (if different from applicant)3.

Proposed denomination and breeder’s reference
Proposed denomination(if available)
Breeder’s referenceTG/ Oil Palm
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Page {x} of {y}Reference Number:

4 .Information on the breeding scheme and propagation of the variety
4.1 Breeding scheme
Variety resulting from:
4.1.1

Crossing(a) controlled cross(please state parent varieties)[ ](…………………………….) x (…………………………….)
female parent
male parent(b)partially known cross(please state known parent variety(ies))[ ](…………………………….) x (…………………………….)
female parent
male parent
(c)
4.1.2

totally unknown cross[ ]Mutation(please state parent variety)[ ]……………………………………………………………….
4.1.3

Discovery and development(please state where when and how developed)[]……………………………………………………………….
4.1.4

Other
(please provide details)[ ]……………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………….
4.2

Method of propagating the variety

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4.2.1 Seed-propagated varieties(a)Self-pollination

[

]

(b)

Cross-pollination[](i) population[](ii) synthetic variety[]

Hybrid[](c)

In the case of hybrid varieties the production scheme for the hybrid should
be provided on a seperate sheet. This should providedetails of all the parent
lines required for propagating the hybrid e.g.
Single Hybrid(…………………………….) x (…………………………….)
female parent
male parent

Three-Way Hybrid(…………………………….) x (…………………………….)
female parent
male parent(……………………….…………….) x(……………………………….)
single hybrid used as female parent

male parent

and should identify in particular:
(a)
(b)
(d)

any male sterile lines
maintenance system of male sterile lines

Other

[

]

(Please provide detail)# Authority may allow certain of this information to be provided in a confidential section of theTechnical Questionnaire.

TG/ Oil Palm
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Page {x} of {y}Reference Number:

5. Characteristics of the variety to be indicated (the number in brackets refers to thecorresponding characteristic in Test Guidelines; please mark the note which best
corresponds)
Characteristics

ExampleVarieties

5.1 Palm: canopy(1)
upright
spreadingdrooping
5.2 Palm: height increment (cm/year)(3)
low
mediumhigh
5.3 Rachis: length (RL)
(6)
short
medium
long

Note

1[ ]
2[ ]
3[ ]

Dumpy, LaMé
Kamerun, Yangambi
Avros

3[ ]
5[ ]
7[ ]

LaMé
Avros
Dumpy

3[ ]
5[ ]
7[ ]

5.4 Petiole: colour
(10)
Brown
Greenish brown
Brownish green
green

1[
2[
3[
4[

5.5 Bunch: shape
(18)
ovate
cordiform
circular

1[ ]
2[ ]
3[ ]

5.6 Fruit: form
(21)
dura
tenerapisifera

1[ ]
2[ ]
3[ ]

]
]
]
]

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2013-07-03- 30 -

Characteristics

ExampleVarieties

Note

5.7 Fruit: colour(24)albescensvirescensnigrescens

1[ ]
2[ ]
3[ ]

5.8 Fruit: weight(26)
low
medium
high

3[ ]
5[ ]
7[ ]

5.9 Mesocarp: colour(29)
light yellow
yelloworangedark orange

1[
2[
3[
4[

]
]
]
]

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6.

Page {x} of {y}Reference Number:

Similar varieties and differences from these varieties

Please use the table, and space provided for comments, below to provide information on how
your candidate variety differs from the variety (or varieties) which, to the best of yourknowledge, is (or are) most similar. This information may help the examination authority to
conduct its examination of distinctness in a more efficient way.
Denomination(s) of
Characteristic(s) in
Describe the expression Describe the expression
variety(ies) similar towhich your candidateof the characteristic(s)of the characteristic(s)your candidate variety variety differs from thefor the similar
for your candidate
similar variety(ies)variety(ies)variety
ExampleComments:

Bunch: shapeovate

cordiform

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2013-07-03- 32 -TECHNICAL QUESTIONNAIRE
7.

Page {x} of {y}Reference Number:

Additional information which may help in the examination of the variety

7.1 In additional to the information provided in Section 5 and 6, are there any additional
characteristics which may help to distinguish the variety?
Yes [ ]No[ ](If yes, please provide details)
7.2

Special conditions for the examination of the variety
7.2.1 Are there any special conditions for growing the variety or conducting theexamination?
Yes

[ ]

No

[ ]

7.2.2 If yes, please provide details

7.3

Other information

A representative color photograph of the variety should accompany theTechnical Questionnaire.

8.

Authorization for release(a)
Does the variety require prior authorization for release under legislation concerning
the protection of the environment, human and animal health?
Yes
(b)

[ ]

No

[ ]

Has such authorization been obtained?
Yes

[ ]

No

[ ]

If the answer to (b) is yes, please attach a copy of the authorization.

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2013-07-03- 33 -TECHNICAL QUESTIONNAIRE

9.

Page {x} of {y}Reference Number:Information on plant material to be examined.

9.1 The expression of a characteristic or several characteristics of a variety may be affectedby factors, such as pests and disease, chemical treatment (e.g. growth retardants or pesticides),effects of tissue culture, different rootstocks, scions taken from different growth phases of atree, etc.
9.2 The plant material should not have undergone any treatment which would affect theexpression of the characteristics of the variety, unless the competent authorities allow orrequest such treatment. If the plant material has undergone such treatment, full details of thetreatment must be given. In this respect, please indicate below, to the best of your knowledge,
if the plant material to be examined has been subjected to:(a)

Microorganisms (e.g. virus, bacteria, phytoplasma)

Yes [ ]No [ ](b)

Chemical treatment (e.g. growth retardant, pesticide)

Yes [ ]No [ ](c)Tissue culture

Yes [ ]No [ ](d)

Other factors

Yes [ ]No [ ]

Please provide details for where you have indicated “yes”.
……………………………………………………………

10. I hereby declare that, to the best of my knowledge, the information provided in thisform is correct:
Applicant’s nameSignature

Date[End of document]