BIOTECHNOLOGY

In cooperation with National Taiwan University, a DNA profile for domestic peanuts has been set up to detect smuggled peanuts. Molecular markers are applied to analyze the hereditary difference between 26 Taiwan garlic varieties. Taro was used in cloning of Cysteine protease inhibitors. Biotechnology methods were used to identify plant varieties, and 10 stable and reliable SSR molecular markers were developed to differentiate local vegetable and grain soybean varieties for export. Nine SSR molecular markers were used to verify the variety of Phalaenopsis.

Technology for Phalaenopsis tissue cultures have been developed and transferred to industry. The micro-tip propagation technique for healthy potato has also been established to ease the difficulties of seed tuber producers in Taiwan.

The Council of Agriculture has appointed this Station to monitor genetically modified crops of papaya, soybean and maize. GPS and GIS were also used to monitor if there have been any genetically modified cole, maize, soybean or papaya crops planted in Taiwan.