Progress of collection, conservation and innovative utilization of cold-region fruit trees resources in the National Field Genebank for Germplasm Resources of Fruit Trees in Cold Region (Gongzhuling)

Cold-region fruit trees encompass arbors and sub-arbors cultivated under open-field conditions in cold regions, as well as shrubs and vines that are capable of thriving, flowering, and fruiting normally with minimal winter protection measures. The cold region represents the northernmost area for fruit cultivation in China, distinguished by harsh climatic conditions. The annual average temperature ranges from 3.2 to 7.8 ℃, with summer (July) averages 22.9 ℃. In winter (January), temperatures plummet to -22.7 ℃, and extreme minimum temperatures can reach as low as -45 ℃. The frost-free period typically extends for 110 to 150 days. This region includes several northern provinces of China, covering approximately one-eighth of the country’s total land area. The region spans Heilongjiang, Jilin, the northern area of Liaoning, the eastern four leagues of Inner Mongolia, the Bashang area of Hebei, the northern area of Ningxia, the northwestern of Gansu, and the northern area of Xinjiang. Cold-region fruit tree resources exhibit remarkable cold resistance, forming a critical material foundation for the development of novel cold- resistant fruit tree varieties. The National Field Genebank for Germplasm Resources of Fruit Trees in Cold Region (Gongzhuling) serves as the most comprehensive regional repository in China for preserving cold-resistant fruit tree germplasm resources, with the widest spe-cies and largest quantity. By December 2024, the genebank had collected a total of 1609 accessions of cold- resistant fruit tree resources, encompassing 14 families, 25 genera, and 95 species, including apples, pears, plums, apricots, hawthorns, cranberries, raspberries, gooseberries, seabuckthorns, kiwifruit, and others. As a key national platform, the National Field Genebank for Germplasm Resources of Fruit Trees in Cold Region (Gongzhuling) has provided substantial support to domestic institutions in scientific research projects, application of achievements, variety breeding, academic publications, standard formulation, and fruit production, playing a pivotal role in variety optimization and industrial upgrading. It has also contributed significantly to rural poverty alleviation and industrial revitalization. Over the past two decades, the National Field Genebank for Germplasm Resources of Fruit Trees in Cold Region (Gongzhuling) has offered resource sharing and data services to 182 users nationwide, including universities, research institutes, government agencies, enterprises, and farmers. It has cumulatively provided 4651 and 6865 instances of resource and information sharing services, respectively. These resources have primarily been utilized for foundational research, variety breeding, industrial development, rural revitalization, and science communication. The National Field Genebank for Germplasm Resources of Fruit Trees in Cold Region (Gongzhuling) has supported more than 270 research projects, developed 49 novel fruit tree varieties, established 21 industry and local standards, obtained 5 national invention patents, published over 150 academic papers, and released 39 books. Additionally, it has received 22 provincial and ministerial-level scientific and technological awards. Furthermore, the National Field Genebank for Germplasm Resources of Fruit Trees in Cold Region (Gongzhuling) has provided 12 specialized technical services, conducted 40 science communication activities involving 2181 participants, organized 52 technical training sessions for 3422 participants, and hosted 2195 visits and exchanges. The cumulative economic benefits generated exceed 130 billion CNY, significantly promoting technological progress and economic development in the cold- region fruit tree industry. This article presents a systematic review of the establishment and development history of the National Field Genebank for Germplasm Resources of Fruit Trees in Cold Region (Gongzhuling), summarizes the current status of collection and conservation of cold-region fruit tree germplasm resources as well as achievements in innovative utilization over the past two decades, and outlines future research directions. It seeks to provide scientific references and guidance for the efficient utilization of cold-region fruit tree germplasm resources and the sustainable development of the industry in China.