Turkish Agriculture Flourishes with 42 New Plant Varieties: A Promising Future

According to the ministry's statement, the key factor that results in the production of new plant seeds is research and development (R&D) initiatives on effective seeds.

Officials have also stated that it is critical that domestic plant studies and development continue to expand in order to develop domestic seed production.

TAGEM uses marker technology in cultivation studies across Turkey as part of its R&D efforts, with the goal of swiftly and reliably identifying eligible plants. This technology aids in the prevention of illnesses that cause yield losses, thereby increasing crop quality and production.

In field crops, 289 varieties have been registered in the last five years, bringing the total to more than 900. These research institute-developed varieties are transferred to private-sector enterprises and distributed to farmers. TAGEM-affiliated research institutes have generated field crop types that account for 40% of the country's certified seed production, according to the report.

TAGEM previously registered and listed on the national variety list hundreds of plant varieties, including hemp, einkorn wheat, black rice with a high antioxidant rate, and hull-less barley. Similarly, in recent years, 12 domestic potato varieties have been produced, and 28 therapeutic aromatic plant varieties have been integrated in production to help the country's economy.

A new variety is recorded in domestic plant development research after an average of 10-15 years of work. There are 21 types of industrial plants, 13 cool-climate cereal varieties, five meadow crops, two fragrant plants, and one edible legume among the 42 newest plant varieties with names like 'Pink Pearl,' 'Mete,' and 'Sultan.'