Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research Institute Develops New Grafted Cactus Varieties for Export

The Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services has newly developed three Bimoran varieties of grafted cacti for export—'Redcham', 'Yellowcham', and 'Orangecham'—as well as one Sanchooi variety, 'Goldcham'.

Grafted cacti are created by grafting a rootstock (columnar cactus) and a scion (colorful cactus).

Usually, a green triangular cactus is used as the rootstock, while Bimoran and Sanchooi are grafted as the scion. As of 2025, grafted cacti account for 44% of Korea's total flower exports, making them a major export item. Gyeonggi Province is responsible for 53% of the nation's production.

In particular, grafted cacti tend to lose commercial value over time due to factors such as color fading, viral infections, and shifts in market preferences. Therefore, continuous development of new varieties and the supply of high-quality seedlings are essential. Ongoing breeding of new varieties is considered a key factor in maintaining export competitiveness.

This year, three new Bimoran varieties have been developed: the red 'Redcham', the yellow 'Yellowcham', and the orange 'Orangecham'.

'Redcham' is a red, broadly oval-shaped variety with a fast growth rate and relatively large width and height. Notably, it produces up to 32 offsets (young shoots), making it the most productive variety developed so far.

Bimoran Redcham

'Yellowcham' is a yellow, broadly oval-shaped variety with firm tissue, making it suitable for long-distance transport. When used for seedling production, it can yield more than 20 offsets per year.

'Orangecham' is a deep orange, round-shaped variety that maintains its color regardless of cultivation environment. It produces 19 offsets, ensuring solid productivity.

All three Bimoran varieties have undergone virus testing, establishing a disease-free seedling production system. After variety registration, the plan is to distribute the seedlings so that export companies can propagate and sell them by paying a licensing fee.

Jo Jeongjoo, head of the Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services, said, "We expect that the development of new varieties will help enhance the competitiveness of export-oriented farms. This year, we will also strengthen promotion of the new Sanchooi variety and expand exports to markets such as Japan and the United States."

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