Progress of collection, conservation and innovative utilization of jujube resources in the National Jujube and Grape Germplasm Repository (Taigu)

Chinese jujube is a characteristic fruit originating in China, with rich germplasm resources and a long cultivation history. It is a pillar industry for rural revitalization and ecological reconstruction. Germplasm resources are the material basis of scientific research, seed industry innovation and highquality industrial development, and play a vital role in promoting agricultural modernization. In this pa-per, the main progress and important scientific research achievements of the National Jujube and Grape Germplasm Repository (NJGGR) are systematically described, and the future development trend is analyzed and prospected, in order to provide reference for the efficient utilization of jujube germplasm resources. NJGGR, founded in 1960s, is a modern national jujube germplasm resource repository with the largest number of accessions preserved, the richest genetic diversity and complete infrastructure conditions, and has become a base for scientific research, scientific and technological cooperation and academic exchange, as well as for scientific and technological achievements demonstration, talent training and popular science education. By the end of 2024, a total of 1100 accessions of germplasm resources of jujube had been collected and preserved, and 852 of them catalogued. Technical standards for phenotypic identification and evaluation of jujube germplasm resources have been formulated; a phenotypic identification database including fruit functional nutrients has been established; and 128 excellent and special materials have been screened. The whole genome sequencing and molecular identification of all the catalogued resources have been completed, and the genotype identification database has been established. With the advantage of germplasm resources, NJGGR has made remarkable achievements in the research on the origin and evolution of jujube, the mining and utilization of superior and allogeneic genes, biological characteristics, and breeding techniques, and the breeding of new varieties. The germplasm creation through embryo culture of jujube was innovated, and large population materials of variation were cultivated through line selection, practical sowing, artificial assisted hybridization and embryo culture, and excellent fresh varieties such as Zaocuimi, Zaohongmi, Yingqiuhong, Lengbaiyu, Wancuimi, Longpandongzao, and Lindong 2, and multipurposed varieties such as Jingudazao, Linhuang 1. Jinchang 1 and Jinzandazao were selected. NJGGR provides an important scientific and technological support and is playing a leading role in promoting the western development, poverty alleviation and rural revitalization. NJGGR still faces several challenges, such as a scarcity specific breeding materials, lack of diversified preservation methods, delayed accurate identification and evaluation of germplasm resources, insufficient depth of functional gene mining, low efficiency of germplasm creation and utilization, ineffective sharing mechanisms, and insufficient team building. To address these, countermeasures are proposed such as enhancing the targeted collection of germplasm resources with important utilization value, developing advanced safe preservation technologies, and improving the accurate identification of key traits. Additionally, promoting digital and automated management systems, along with strengthening the personnel team, is essential. This review provides a reference for further improving the technological innovation related to research and utilization of jujube germplasm resources.