In 2000, the Shanghai Municipality launched a major project to construct the Shanghai Agricultural Gene Bank, and in 2002, following its completion, the Shanghai Agricultural Bio-Genetic Center was established to manage and operate the gene bank. The center is primarily engaged in the collection, preservation, research, and utilization of agricultural biological genetic resources. It operates under the management of SAAS and the Shanghai Municipal Agriculture and Rural Affairs Commission.
The Germplasm Resource Bank of the Shanghai Agricultural Bio-Genetic Center serves as a comprehensive agricultural germplasm resource preservation center. It has developed a leading “one bank and three systems” approach for germplasm resource protection and utilization, achieving full informatization and traceability management. The center safely preserves more than 230,000 accessions from 360 species across 93 families and hosts the largest rice functional gene resource bank in China and the Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences. It also manages the largest lettuce germplasm resource bank in the country.
The center has advanced ultra-low-temperature preservation technology and applies it to conserve wild rice, medicinal plant resources, and flowers. It actively promotes scientific awareness of genetic resources through its “Gene Garden” science museum, hosting year-round open days, producing educational micro-videos, cartoons, books, and stage dramas to highlight the importance of genetic resources.
In 2019, the center established the Water-Saving and Drought-Resistant Identification Center, which received CMA qualification certification. This center focuses on developing water-saving and drought-resistant rice that combines high yield and quality with the resilience of dry rice. These varieties save over 50% water, reduce fertilizer application by more than 30%, cut surface pollution by over 70%, and lower carbon emissions by more than 90%, contributing to resource conservation, environmental protection, and increased farmer income. The center has developed 29 varieties of water-saving and drought-resistant rice, with 5 China-approved varieties and an annual promotion area exceeding 3 million mu. The varieties are widely planted across various regions, including the Yangtze River Delta and areas in Northeast and North China, and have been introduced to Belt and Road countries.
More information (in Chinese): http://www.sagc.org.cn/.
