- Some breeding methods were also a source of concern because they were considered to lead to “plagiarism”. In particular, this related to selection of mutants or use of repeated backcrosses to result in differences in characteristics of minor importance for the value of the variety. In the case of mutations, this concern was increasingly sensitive in the ornamental sector. The introduction of minor changes by backcrossing was also observed in Maize. These new varieties were distinct according to the UPOV principles in force but again the quality of the protection was decreasing. In addition, as indicated above, the development of genetic engineering offered new tools with the possibility to transfer a single gene to an existing variety and to get new varieties very close to the initial one in a very short time. This issue was discussed in relation to the nature of the characteristics used to established distinctness. Some arguments were made to establish Test Guidelines with characteristics linked to the value of the varieties; so called “important characteristics”, in order to limit the risk of plagiarism. The discussions showed that this proposal was not really suitable knowing that the importance of the characteristics can be variable in relation to the use of a variety and can change over time.