The KSVS, led by Director Kim Ki-hoon, has been at the forefront of ensuring high-quality seed distribution across the country. The latest improvement in their rapid genetic analysis kit, designed for wheat variety identification, is a major step forward. Starting from September 2024, the kit will include the ability to identify the ‘Hwanggeumal’ variety, alongside three other government-distributed varieties: Geumgang, Baekgang, and Saegeumgang.
‘Hwanggeumal’ is a newly developed bread wheat variety created by the National Institute of Crop Science. It was introduced as a replacement for the ‘Jokyung’ variety, which was susceptible to lodging and pre-harvest sprouting—issues that significantly impact yield and grain quality. Registered as a new variety with KSVS in 2022, ‘Hwanggeumal’ is now included in the government’s official seed distribution program for the first time this year.
However, the initial genetic analysis kits could not identify ‘Hwanggeumal,’ presenting a challenge for seed purity analysis. In response, KSVS conducted extensive tests on various molecular markers and successfully identified markers that can distinguish ‘Hwanggeumal’ from other varieties. These markers have now been incorporated into the existing kit, enabling accurate identification and ensuring seed purity.
Expanding the Scope of Genetic Testing
In addition to ‘Hwanggeumal,’ the upgraded kit can now also identify other newly registered wheat varieties such as ‘Neulchan,’ ‘Uju,’ and ‘Arijinheuk.’ These varieties had previously been difficult to distinguish using the older kits. With these additions, the kit’s capacity has expanded from identifying 35 wheat varieties to 45, providing a more comprehensive tool for seed verification.
Shin Hyun-joo, Director of the Seed Inspection Research Center at KSVS, emphasized the importance of this advancement. “Continuous technological development is essential for providing high-quality seeds that farmers can trust. Our goal is to ensure that the seeds we supply contribute to producing high-quality food for the public,” Shin said.
The Importance of Genetic Analysis in Modern Agriculture
The ability to accurately identify and verify wheat varieties is critical for maintaining the purity and quality of seeds distributed to farmers. Genetic analysis tools like the ones developed by KSVS play a key role in this process, helping prevent the mixing of different varieties, which can lead to inconsistent crop performance and lower yields. As the global demand for high-quality wheat continues to rise, ensuring the purity of wheat seeds is more important than ever.
The enhancement of KSVS’s genetic analysis kit marks a significant milestone in South Korea’s agricultural sector. By improving the ability to identify and verify wheat varieties, the upgraded kit not only supports farmers in their efforts to produce high-quality crops but also strengthens the overall food security of the nation. As the technology continues to evolve, South Korean farmers can look forward to greater confidence in their seed supplies and better outcomes in their wheat production.
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