New DNA-based Analysis Technology to Help Combat Unauthorized Culture of Famous Taiwanese Orchids.

The International Symposium on Molecular Techniques for Orchid Variety Verification was held at National University of Kaohsiung on 20 November 2009. Local officials and scholars joined scholars and experts from France, Japan, the Netherlands sharing their research on new DNA-based molecular marker techniques to promote the molecular variety verification marker system to prevent unauthorized culture of valuable orchid varieties.

DNA-based techniques have been widely applied in various fields.  In addition to (among others) crime investigation, confirmation of biological parent-child relationship, DNA-based techniques also helps complete orchid variety verification effectively and efficiently.

The Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan commissions the Department of Life Science, National University of Kaohsiung to invite foreign experts to introduce their most recent research on the application of molecular verification marker techniques to the variety verification of rice, tulips, and potatoes with a view to building a platform for international cooperation in the field of verification of properties of plant variety.

Taiwan is famous for its culture of Phalaenopsis the export of which brings in handsome income each year.  However, fame and well-performing profitability inevitably attract pirates.  In Taiwan and many other countries, plaint variety are protected under special laws or patent law.  In terms of time efficiency, however, the process of determining the existence of the alleged infringement must begin with planting the seed of the orchid variety to the blossom up through the completion of the checking of more than 20 properties of the blossom, including its shape, color and scent and normally, this lengthy process will take at least three years to come to a conclusion.

With the AFLOP molecular marker technique applied, the infringement analysis may be completed with a conclusion in two weeks by a complete comparison of the DNA extracted from the petal or leaf of the alleged infringing orchid variety.  The SSR molecular marker technique can do so within three days by bar codifying and comparing the DNA fragment taken for sample.

Molecular variety verification marker system has been widely applied to variety analyses of high-value agricultural products, with Taiwan taking the lead in the verification of Phalaenopsis varieties; Japan heading that of pears, roses and carnations varieties; and the EU mastering the variety verification of potato, camellias.

Taiwan has adopted the standards and procedure for variety analysis and verification in line with those established by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) even though it is not a UPOV member state.  Taiwan’s Phalaenopsis variety verification technique, in particular, is highly regarded by the EU with possible exchanges expected. (2009.11)
/EMA