DFNet

March 31, 2025 | Taipei Times |

The Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute’s Chiayi Agricultural Experiment Branch has enhanced a flower induction technique using potassium chlorate to improve longan production amid increasingly warm winters. Longan is a key Taiwanese fruit crop, cultivated on over 10,000 hectares with 2023 yields reaching 70,384 tons. However, climate change has reduced flowering and harvests, affecting both fruit and honey production. Originally developed in 1998 by researcher Yan Chang-jui, the potassium chlorate method activates flowering, mimicking cold-weather effects. While early applications were limited due to poor root absorption and the chemical's classification as a controlled substance, the institute has refined the process by reducing the dosage and applying it directly to the leaves. This new method boosts flower formation by 68–80% and allows earlier harvests, helping farmers avoid market oversupply and increase profits. Additionally, improved flowering supports the beekeeping industry, as longan blossoms are a major spring nectar source. With further use, the technique offers a promising solution for maintaining stable longan yields and adapting Taiwanese agriculture to global warming.

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