Towards effective prevention and control of crop diseases in Taiwan, the Division has five laboratories to take on the national long-term crop disease survey, the identification of pathogens, the study on pathogen ecology and physiology, and the development of rapid pathogen detection techniques. In the recent years, these five labs utilize molecular techniques to identify plant pathogens, and develop non-chemical disease control measures that involve resistant varieties, sanitation, cultural practices, microorganisms, and natural plant formulations. The purpose of biological control-based integrated disease management is to develop safe, environmentally sound disease management technologies that are practical, effective, economical and which conserve non-renewable resources. Besides, the Division has one laboratory to conduct research and development of edible and medicinal mushrooms. The R&D activities on mushrooms include biological systematics, improvement of culture techniques, and development of novel products.
