The fourth session of the Technical Working Party on Testing Methods and Techniques (TWM) was held in Cambridge, United Kingdom, from June 2 to 5 2026, bringing together over 130 international experts in DUS testing, molecular techniques, statistics, and image analysis from UPOV members and observer organizations.
Building on the work of the previous session in Beijing, TWM/4 advanced a broad slate of technical developments aimed at making variety examination more efficient, accurate, and collaborative.
Participants reviewed progress on software and statistical analysis methods for DUS examination, with discussions covering statistical tools such as Combined-Over-Years Uniformity (COYU) and Combined-Over-Years Distinctness (COYD), new software developments, and innovations in image analysis and artificial intelligence for phenotyping and variety identification.
Significant attention was given to the integration of molecular techniques, including the possible harmonization of molecular marker sets across crops, alongside strengthened cooperation with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). Discussions also addressed data governance, database management, and the use of DNA-based information in both variety examination and enforcement.
The next session of the TWM will take place in Alexandria, United States of America, from May 10 to 13, 2027.
Read the full report.