After years of selective breeding, Taiwan's indigenous communities have developed taro varieties well-adapted to local environments and meeting their needs. However, due to changes in cash crops, dietary habits, population outflow, and the decline of traditional culture, taro genetic resources have rapidly dwindled. This has led to reduced genetic diversity in the existing taro germplasm of these communities. To prevent further loss, the conservation of indigenous taro varieties has become an urgent priority.

This study successfully collected 23 taro germplasm samples across nine regions, including Taitung and Pingtung Counties, achieving an initial culture rate of 66.6% for 22 tissue-cultured varieties. Among the collected germplasm, four viruses were identified: ZaMMV, DsMV, and ZaMV-DSMZ. In 2023, out of 35 collected germplasm samples, 19 tested positive for viruses, accounting for a virus incidence rate of 54.3%. DsMV was the most prevalent virus, with an occurrence rate of 51.4%, making it the primary virus affecting indigenous taro.

This year, initial cultures and mother bottle preservation were completed for 14 germplasm samples. After subculturing, the germplasm was cultivated and transitioned to the first-generation propagation (G1) phase in 2024. After eight months of growth, virus testing was conducted to determine G1 propagation rates. Subsequently, second-generation (G2) propagation systems will be evaluated in the following year, with corms used to enhance propagation rates. The goal is to expedite the return of healthy taro corms to indigenous communities, supporting germplasm preservation and sustainable utilization.

Additionally, the study organized two events to promote taro culture and conservation: the "Indigenous Taro Germplasm Preservation Observation and Sharing Session" on April 23 in Jialan Village, Jinfeng Township, Taitung, and the "Indigenous Crop Germplasm Preservation Workshop" on May 22 in Xinmei Village, Alishan Township. These efforts aim to revive the taro culture of indigenous communities and ensure its long-term preservation.

Figure 1. Completion of the first-generation (G1) propagation phase for 14 germplasm samples through tissue culture.