Recently, fifty-second session of Technical Working Party for Agricultural Crops (TWA) of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) was held via electronic means. The session was opened by Ms. Renée Cloutier (Canada), Chairperson of the TWA. There are 144 participants from 48 UPOV members, observers and other international organizations attended the meeting, including Mr. Leontino TAVEIRA as head of technical affairs and regional development (Latin America, Caribbean), Mr. Manabu SUZUKI as technical/regional officer (Asia), Mr. Kees VAN ETTEKOVEN as technical expert attended the meeting. Mr. Kun Yang as associated researcher of Institute of Vegetables and Flowers of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences attended the meeting.

Figure 1 TWA52 group photo of electronic meeting

Participants of TWA listened to and discussed on topics and reports related to development of UPOV, new technology in DUS examination (statistical analysis, image analysis, molecular techniques), revision of test guidelines drafter, revision of denomination classes, confidentiality of molecular information. Participants focused on revising the testing guidelines for agricultural crops such as Fodder Beet, Hemp, Oilseed Rape, Safflower, Sugarcane, Zoysia grasses, Barley, Maize.

Figure 2 TWA52 meeting agenda

Invited by the meeting, Mr. Kun Yang, associate researcher, made two English reports on “Development of Statistical Analysis Software: DUSCEL4.5” and “Image analysis for Maize Ear and Grain” respectively, introducing main functions of DUSCEL4.5, correction of color characteristics by DUSCEL4.5, the application of image analysis technology in Maize ear and grain. Reports are successful. The officer from UPOV gave a suggestion that they would publish training video and English manual in UPOV official website if these materials are ready in future.

Figure 3 Mr. Kun Yang, Associate researcher, gave a report

Figure 4 Mr. Kun Yang, Associate researcher, introduced image analysis technology

The meeting achieved a complete success. As no invitations for the venue of its fifty-third session had been received, The TWA agreed that its fifty-third session should be held via electronic means, from May 27 to 31, 2024. Three new crops will be put in revision, including Common Millet, Turnip Rape and White Mustard.

The new variety testing team will learn from the successful experiences of other UPOV member countries, accelerate the research and development of new DUS testing technologies, and continuously improve the quality and efficiency of DUS testing for new plant varieties in China.

(Ren Jun, Promotional information officer)