Jeonnam Forest Research Institute Develops New Native Darae Varieties

On-site Discussion Held to Foster Tarae Growers
Exploring Technology Dissemination, Variety Promotion, and Industrialization Strategies

The Jeollanamdo Forest Research Institute recently held a field discussion meeting to share various information about the Actinidia arguta project, which is gaining attention as a new variety. Provided by Jeonnam Province

The Jeollanam-do Forest Research Institute recently held an on-site discussion meeting on the characteristics of native Tarae (Actinidia arguta) varieties and cultivation management methods, aiming to promote the excellence of Tarae, which is gaining attention as a new forest income crop, and to foster Tarae growers.

Recently, difficulties in forest product production have been increasing due to changes in cultivation environments such as abnormal climate events and labor shortages. As a result, there is growing interest in new tree species that require less labor and offer high productivity.

Tarae (Actinidia arguta) is a deciduous climbing plant belonging to the Actinidiaceae family, native to valleys at altitudes below 1,600 meters in Korea. Its white flowers, which bloom in May, are beautiful and fragrant, giving it high ornamental value, and its abundant nectar makes it valuable as a honey plant as well.

As a clean forest product, Tarae has a high sugar content and, unlike kiwifruit, can be eaten with the skin. Its young shoots are rich in saponins and dietary fiber, making them suitable for consumption as greens. The sap collected in early spring contains 87% minerals such as calcium and potassium, making it a premium sap resource similar to gorosoe, and it is expected to be developed into various processed foods.

The seminar was held to promote Tarae cultivation technology and varieties and to explore industrialization strategies. The event included expert presentations on: ▲Current status of Tarae varieties developed in Korea and cultivation management (Researcher Kim Cheolwoo) ▲Characteristics and control techniques of major Tarae pests and diseases (Researcher Jeong Chungnyeol) ▲Post-harvest management of Tarae (Dr. Kim Yonghyun) ▲Current status of Tarae processed products and manufacturing methods (Researcher Yang Chuneun) ▲Tarae metabolite characteristics and applications (Researcher Lee Kyungtae). This was followed by a Q&A and discussion session with participants. In addition, various processed products such as Tarae wine, beverages, jelly, and pudding were introduced to expand the distribution of Tarae in the Jeonnam region.

Oh Deuksil, Director of the Jeonnam Forest Research Institute, said, "Due to abnormal climate events, the main forest fruit production areas in Jeonnam are changing, and yields are decreasing, so alternative crops are needed to secure stable income sources for forestry workers. We will strive to develop new varieties suitable for Jeonnam's climate and expand the Tarae market as a new high value-added income item."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.