Chrysanthenum, wild grape, perilla, leafy Chinese wolfberry ( Lycium chinense Miller) , and mesona are special crops of economic importance in Miaoli County. Cultivation practices such as pest management, fertilizer application, methods of pruning, trimming and harvesting are the major concern of the study for these special crops. Recently more emphasis is laid on the development of technologies of post-harvest treatment. These include studies on processing these special crops into new products of high commercial value.

Various medicinal plants and the special plants of potential use as 」 health crops 」 are collected and investigated. Current studies are focused on their agronomic traits, adaptability to different climatic conditions as well as their dietary value in terms of positive and negative effects on human body.

Germplasm of Elaeagnus, Morus plants are also collected and stored in our gene bank and are investigated for their utilization. Exploration and collection of germplasm of economic importance will be continued in the future.

For non-chemical control of insect pests, a mixture solution of cinnamon powder, and bodhi oil and diatomite was devised to control insect gall when it was sprayed onto the leafy Chinese wolfberry. The degree of damage by the harmful insect gall was greatly decreased. This leads a way to the possible commercial utilization of wolfberry ( Lycium ) plant as insecticide-free new healthy food.

wolfberry ( Lycium chinense Miller) plant

Gene bank garden of special crop