The Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services has developed four new varieties of 'grafted cactus': Redwin, Hotred, Yellowwin, and Goldwin.
Grafted cacti are colorful, chlorophyll-free cacti that are cultivated by grafting onto green cacti.
The research institute plans to apply for new variety registration with the Korea Seed & Variety Service and then distribute the seeds by granting non-exclusive licenses to farmers' organizations or individuals, authorizing them to cultivate, produce, and sell the seeds.
According to agro-food export information from aT Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, grafted cacti developed in Korea are exported to more than 20 countries, including the United States and Japan. Over the past 10 years, export sales have reached $40 million. As of last year, this accounted for 44% of Korea's total flower export value.
Sung Jehun, head of the Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services, stated, "Cacti are the most important crop in Korea's flower exports," and added, "We expect that the distribution of these new varieties will make a significant contribution to expanding grafted cactus exports and increasing farm income."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
