52 GERMINATION.CA NOVEMBER 2017 from the database can be used to select the genetically closest varieties of common knowledge. These close varieties can be included in the grow- ing trial to see if they are morpho- logically clearly distinct or not. In the growing trial, a full descrip- tion of the candidate variety is made. It is already possible to apply a molecular test to replace a bio test. For a final check, this description is compared with the descriptions of the varieties of the variety collec- tion in the member state concerned. If still one or more close varieties are found, these can be grown in a second growing cycle. If not, PBR can be granted. Recruiting Services Career Coaching Online Job Board www.agstep.com Take the next step in your Agriculture career Further Use of Molecular Techniques It can be expected that at a given moment, the present system of application with a Technical Questionnaire, completed by the applicant, will be improved by adding DNA information or even replaced by DNA information. Finally, it can be expected that molecular informa- tion as such will become part of the DUS process. The genetic distance of a candidate variety with a number of agreed standard varieties may well be useful as additional DUS characteris- tic. This could be a good tool to be able to distinguish varieties that have improved VCU or consumer value, which at the moment cannot be dis- tinguished using the existing UPOV guidelines and principles. Editor Note: Kees van Ettekoven was head of the variety testing department at Naktuinbouw (the Netherlands Inspection Service for Horticulture) for 41 years. He was appointed as Senior PVP Policy Advisor at Naktuinbouw on Jan.1, 2017.