Study on the Statistical Assessment of Distinctness of Quantitative Characteristics in DUS Testing of the New Rice Varieties

Ten main quantitative characteristics of 3 candidate varieties and their similar ones were statistically analysed in 2 continuous years. If the quantitative characteristic of the candidate variety and its similar one is too close, there may actually be no distinctness on the quantitative characteristic, while the classifications of the characteristic of the two varieties are different in DUS test guideline. However, if the difference of the average value of the quantitative characteristic between the candidate variety and its similar one is comparatively big, there may be significant distinctness on the quantitative characteristic, while the classifications of the quantitative characteristics of the two varieties are the same in DUS test guideline. Besides the criteria of DUS test guideline, statistical analysis should be an important method to assess the distinctness of the quantitative characteristics of new rice varieties.