The Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute (TCGRI) of CATAS – 热带作物品资源研究所 is a national research institution founded in 1958. The institute specializes in the protection and innovative utilization of tropical germplasm resources, the mining and utilization of important genes, research on variety standards and testing technologies, and the conservation and healthy breeding of livestock and poultry resources in tropical regions.
TCGRI employs 257 people, including 76 senior scientists, and consists of 13 scientific research departments. These include the Germplasm Resources Evaluation and Information Laboratory, Tropical Crop Cultivation Laboratory, Quality Standard and Testing Laboratory, Tropical Fruit Tree Research Center, Winter Melon and Vegetable Research Center, Cassava Research Center, Tropical Flower Research Center, Prataculturae Research Center, Medicinal Plant and Health Research Center, and the Animal Husbandry Research Center.
The institute operates 41 scientific research platforms, such as the Tropical Plant Germplasm Resource Repository, the National Germplasm Resources Tropical Crops Mid-Term Repository, and the National Tropical Forage Mid-term Backup Repository. It has preserved more than 32,000 germplasm resources of tropical crops, including cassava, tropical fruit trees, and tropical flowers. Additionally, TCGRI has cultivated 107 new varieties and developed advanced production technologies.
TCGRI has international collaborations with over 40 research institutions and organizations, such as the Alliance of Bioversity International, the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), as well as universities in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America.
More information (in Chinese): https://www.catastcgri.cn.
