The collected 5 of the original species of Fagaceae plants. Species are Quercus glauca、Lithocarpus konishii、Lithocarpus corneus、Quercus variabilis、Quercus dentata Thunb, Plants growth habits and traits were investigated after being growing well. Three growing media were tested for Quercus glauca to investigate growing condition of several stages of seedlings. The performance of Quercus glauca seedlings was better when growing in the media composed of mushroom waste (sawdust) than in soil、 peat moss or peat poss-perlite-vermiculite(1:1:1) mix. Further investigation will continue to screen for an optimum container seedling producing model for landscaping.

Taiwan boasts a wealth of indigenous aromatic and medicinal plant resources. Leveraging the existing foundation of agricultural technology, preserving germplasm of these plants, cultivating economically valuable native species, and developing the use of plant seeds and seedlings are all pivotal for ecological conservation. In this year (2024), the project successfully established and preserved 145 seed propagation records of aromatic and medicinal plant resources. Growth models and cultivation schedules for Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) and Leonurus japonicus (red-flowered motherwort) were also developed.Research findings revealed that Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng), Fortunella japonica (kumquat), Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Buddha’s hand), and Tetradenia riparia (Iboza) exhibit anti-inflammatory effects on liver cells. Additionally, red grapes (Vitis vinifera) and black tea (Camellia sinensis) demonstrated potential for inhibiting inflammation in interleukin-6 (IL-6) cells. Moreover, Fortunella japonica (kumquat) and Salvia coccinea (scarlet sage) were found to enhance immune responses.

The other purpose of this project is development of DUS testing and management techniques, the draft characteristics tables and DUS testing methods for saintpaulia and stapelia have been completed. The initial drafts of the characteristic survey forms include 41 and 25 characteristics, respectively. Continuous observation is also being conducted on 30 varieties of saintpaulia and stapelia. A total of 108 traits have been designed for DUS testing of phalaenopsis, among which characteristics, namely shape of leaf and shape of dorsal sepal, have been finalized. Preliminary progress has also been made in establishing an automated measurement procedure to assist with testing operations. We have accepted 100 cases of phalaenopsis, 8 cases of oncidium, 13 cases of rose, 2 cases of caladium and 1 case of vanda to execute DUS tests for protecting the breeder’s rights this year. There are 30 cases of phalaenopsis, 9 cases of rose, 2 cases of caladium and 1 case of rhynchostylis and cymbidium have been granted PBR.

To enhance the expertise of testing personnel, two "2024 DUS Testing of PBR Technical Workshops" were held on August 15 and 22, with approximately 80 participants. The workshops focused on the preparation of plant variety rights application documents and DUS testing techniques to address testing-related issues and provide clarification. By reinforcing awareness of plant variety rights, the workshops aimed to ensure the protection of breeders' rights and the effectiveness of variety protection mechanisms. This initiative not only safeguards breeders' intellectual property but also contributes to increasing the agricultural sector's overall value.

▲Fig 1. Seed Germination of Quercus glauca under Pre-treatment Conditions.		▲Fig 2.Growth and Development Patterns of German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Its Cultivation Calendar.
▲Fig 3. Completion of DUS testing for Euphorbia milii Des Moul ' Huai-Yu'.