The Institute of Cotton Research at Shanxi Agricultural University (SXAU) was originally founded in 1948 as Jinan Farm. The institute focuses on crop resource innovation and the breeding of new varieties for cotton, wheat, maize, oil sunflowers, rapeseed, sweet potato, edible fungi, fruit trees, vegetables, and Chinese medicinal herbs. It also conducts research on plant cultivation, plant protection, agricultural products processing, genetic engineering, plant detoxification, and rapid propagation technology. The institute is involved in the demonstration and popularization of new technologies and products, as well as their industrialization.
In addition to research, the Institute of Cotton Research is committed to the instruction and training of undergraduate and graduate students. It also offers social services, including technology consultation and services, and collaborates with other scientific research institutions.
Currently, the institute employs 229 staff members and operates five experimental bases: the Institute Farm, Yangbao Farm, Nanhua Farm, Shuitou Farm, and Yuzhuang Farm, covering a total area of 100 hectares (1,500 mu). The institute is focused on the development of modern experimental stations for cotton, sweet potato, and Chinese traditional medicine industries, including the comprehensive Yuncheng Mountain Yam Experimental Station.
The institute houses 15 scientific research departments, such as the Biotechnology Laboratory, Cotton Genetics and Breeding Division, Wheat Genetics and Breeding Division, and Maize Genetic Breeding Research Division.
More information: https://www.sxau.edu.cn/en/Institutes/Institute_of_Cotton.htm.
