South Korea Bolsters Plant Virus Research with Expanded Genetic Resource Access
The Rural Development Governance (RDA) is increasing the availability of plant virus genetic resources to support research and industry needs amid rising concerns over plant virus diseases linked to climate change and increased trade. As of October, the RDA has registered 1,114 points representing 196 species of plant viruses as national resources, building on the 971 points of 175 species registered in 2022.
Details on 719 of these resources (161 species) is now publicly accessible through the RDA’s seed bank (genebank.rda.go.kr). To date, 477 resources spanning 78 species have been distributed to research institutes, industries, and universities. Usage breakdown shows 42% are utilized for precise diagnosis, 26% for developing resistant varieties, 15% for diagnostic tool creation, and 13% for control agent development. National agencies and local governments have received the largest share, at 188 points.
The RDA plans to further expand online accessibility and resource selection to meet field demands. “We will continue to strengthen standard strain selection, long-term preservation, and online distribution systems to stably provide plant virus genetic resources to the field,” stated Lee Se-won, head of the plant Disease Control Department at the RDA. “These efforts will contribute to preventing damage to farms, strengthening the agricultural research base, and further improving the competitiveness of the agricultural industry, including the development of resistant varieties, diagnostic tools, and pest control agents.”
The move reflects growing recognition of the importance of securing and managing viral genetic resources, particularly as climate change drives increased incidence of viral diseases in key crops like watermelon and pepper, and as challenges emerge from mutant strains overcoming existing resistance – such as those neutralizing Tomato Spotted Wig Virus (TSWV)-resistant varieties.