Introduction

Development：The State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources stands as Guangxi’s first discipline-oriented national key laboratory based in the HEI. Originating from the groundwork laid by the “Guangxi Key Laboratory of Subtropical Bioresources Conservation and Utilization”, this laboratory was initiated in March 2011 through the integration of expertise from Guangxi University and South China Agricultural University. Following a Ministry of Science and Technology assessment in July 2014, the lab obtained national approval, securing a sound rating in the 2017 State Key Laboratory Evaluation. That same year, it attained recognition as an exemplary international scientific and technological cooperation base by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Focuses/Positioning: The laboratory focuses on addressing critical technological challenges in key subtropical crops such as sugarcane, high-quality southern rice, lychee, and mango. These crops suffer from underutilization of genetic resources, unclear genetic and molecular foundations affecting yield, quality, resistance, and adaptability to mechanical harvesting. This results in low breeding efficiency and a scarcity of groundbreaking varieties. To overcome these hurdles, the laboratory pioneers original advancements in fundamental theories and cutting-edge core technologies of biological breeding for sugarcane and high-quality southern rice. The goal is to develop superior germplasm with coordinated improvements across multiple traits, ultimately breeding significant, breakthrough varieties. This initiative aims to ensure China’s food security by addressing the supply of sugar, grains, and fruits.

Objectives: The laboratory aims to become a leading global hub for innovation in subtropical agricultural technology and a nucleus for attracting high-caliber talents. Its primary focus is to effectively support the development of distinctive subtropical agriculture and comprehensive rural revitalization. This includes ensuring the security of China’s sugar and grain supply, enhancing the quality of life for its citizens, safeguarding economic and social stability in the ethnic border areas of South China, and bolstering its ability to contribute to the development of the Greater Bay Area, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and ASEAN, and the “Belt and Road” initiative.

Research Directions:

1.Innovation and application of cutting-edge molecular breeding technologies.

2.Collection and precise evaluation of germplasm resources.

3.Uncovering the genetic regulatory mechanisms of crucial agronomic traits and exploring genes with significant breeding value.

4.Innovation in coordinated improvement of germplasm traits such as high yield, quality, resistance, and mechanical adaptability, leading to the cultivation of groundbreaking new varieties.

Faculty: Since its establishment, the laboratory has maintained a stable workforce of 169 individuals, comprising 153 researchers, 6 managers, and 10 technical experts dedicated to managing large-scale instrument platforms. Additionally, a mobile workforce of 100 individuals contributes to its operations. Remarkably, over 40% of the fixed research staff are under 40 years old, highlighting a dynamic and youthful workforce.

The laboratory boasts 22 individuals acknowledged as national-level talents, accumulating a total of 37 prestigious accolades. Notably, it has fostered a talent pool characterized by visionary scientific leadership, a well-balanced mix of ages and expertise, and a thriving culture of innovation.

Director of the Academic Commission: Academician Zhang Qifa

Director of the Laboratory: Professor Zhang Jisen

Chief Scientist and Deputy Director of the Laboratory: Academician Liu Yaoguang