Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Technology Institute Develops 4 New Grafted Cactus Varieties... Expected to Boost Exports

(Suwon=Yonhap News) Reporter Choi Hae-min = Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research Institute announced on the 15th that it has developed four new grafted cactus varieties: Red Win, Hot Red, Yellow Win, and Gold Win.

'Grafted cactus' refers to a cactus without chlorophyll grown by grafting onto a green cactus.

The agricultural research institute plans to distribute seedlings by providing a non-exclusive license for cultivation, seed production, and sales to agricultural organizations and individuals after applying for new variety registration with the National Seed Management Office.

According to aT Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation's agricultural and food export information, grafted cacti developed in Korea are being exported to over 20 countries including the United States and Japan, with export sales reaching $40 million over the past decade.

This accounts for 44% of the total flower export sales as of last year.

Institute Director Sung Je-hoon said, "Cactus is the main crop accounting for the largest proportion of domestic flower exports" and "We expect this new variety distribution will significantly contribute to expanding grafted cactus exports and increasing farm income."

goals@yna.co.kr