Development of research on crop germplasm resources in China

Abstract

During the past 40 years, increased attention has been given by Chinese scientists to their country’s rich plant germplasm resources. Research to collect, evaluate, preserve, and use plant germplasm is carried out at the national level by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Crop Germplasm Resources, and other crop-specific institutes within the Academy. Germplasm research is also conducted by the provincial agricultural academies. Germplasm collected in China now numbers about 300,000 accessions. During the 1980’s, modern facilities have been constructed in China for low temperature seed storage. Also, a systematic evaluation of the collected germplasm has begun. The international exchange of germplasm resources is recognized as having contributed significantly to the development of many crops in China and throughout the world. A catalog of Chinese plant germplasm available for exchange with foreign countries has been published. Sequels to the catalog are planned.