Resource sharing as a driver for the revitalization of litchi industry: A case study of the National Litchi and Banana Germplasm Repository (Guangzhou)

Plant genetic resources are strategic assets for the revitalization of the national seed industry. Litchi is an important economic fruit tree in tropical and subtropical regions, and its production not only directly impacts the agricultural economy but also plays a significant role in the development of related industries, which in turn influences the income and living standards of local populations. With the advancement of agricultural modernization, the litchi industry continues to develop. In order to enhance the overall competitiveness of the litchi industry, promote the development and utilization of litchi genetic resources, and drive technological innovation and industrial progress, this paper systematically reviews the National Litchi and Banana Germplasm Repository (Guangzhou) (hereinafter referred to as NLBGR), through the examination of archives, literature, and news reports, focusing on its efforts in the collection, preservation, and sharing of litchi genetic resources. Since its establishment, the NLBGR has been dedicated to the long-term conservation and scientific research of litchi genetic resources. The site selection and planning of the nursery are based on the ecological, environmental, and industrial development needs, choosing climate conditions and soil types that are suitable for litchi cultivation. One of the core functions of the NLBGR is the collection and conservation of litchi resources, especially focusing on the genetic diversity of litchi. Comprehensive resource surveys and collection efforts have been conducted to ensure full coverage of representative varieties. By 2024, the total number of conserved germplasm resources at the NLBGR has surpassed 700 (with 433 cataloged), making it the largest and most diverse litchi germplasm repository in the world. Over 90% of the germplasm is in a wild or semi-wild state, with many resources in endangered conditions in their native habitats. This provides a valuable foundation for future variety improvement, resistance research, and cultivation technology innovations. With the rapid development of information technology, the NLBR has also gradually advanced the digitalization of resource information. In 2023, the NLBGR independently developed a litchi digital archive system, enabling the information management of phenotypic- genotypic databases and offering a free, nationwide one-stop resource access service for users. The protection of resources relies on the attention and support of all sectors of the society. Through a variety of popular science and outreach activities, the NLBGR has increased public awareness of the importance of litchi germplasm resource conservation and enhanced societal attention to the value of genetic resources. By organizing lectures, training sessions, harvest festivals, and other events, the NLBGR has raised farmers’and enterprises’awareness of the utilization of high-quality germplasm resources, thereby promoting the development of litchi branding and industry growth. Scientific research collaboration is the core driving force behind the advancement of industrial technologies. The NLBGR actively practices the concept of germplasm resource sharing, providing nearly 3000 precious germplasm resources to major universities and research institutions across the country, which has significantly supported the smooth progress of numerous research projects and contributed greatly to the development of the litchi industry and technological innovation. As the scientific research work of the nursery deepens, many key technological achievements have gradually been consolidated, covering various aspects such as germplasm resource identification and cultivation techniques. These include 15 monographs, 17 technical guidelines, and 109 journal articles, among others. These research outcomes not only lay the foundation for the development of the litchi industry but also facilitate the extension and value enhancement of the industry chain. The excellence of genetic resources is key to driving the development of the litchi industry. Through long-term variety selection and breeding efforts, the NLBGR has successfully cultivated a range of highquality new varieties. These new varieties not only meet market demands but also improve the economic benefits of litchi cultivation, facilitating the transformation of the litchi industry towards high-quality development. In terms of variety selection and promotion, the NLBGR has screened and bred several high- quality new varieties, including Xianjinfeng, Fengshanhongdenglong, Hongmeili, and Liniangxiang, which have shown outstanding performance with significant economic benefits and development potential. High- yield cultivation techniques are important means of enhancing the competitiveness of the litchi industry. The NLBGR has made remarkable achievements in the development of high- yield cultivation techniques, focusing on issues such as field management, pruning, pest and disease control, and more. Through technical promotion and demonstration, many litchi growers in various regions have mastered advanced cultivation techniques, significantly improving both yield and quality. The promotion of excellent new varieties is the core driving force for industry development. The NLBGR has successfully promoted the application of high-quality new varieties through collaboration with farmers and enterprises. By combining industry, academia, and research, excellent new varieties such as Xianjinfeng and Fengshanhongdenglong have rapidly expanded across large-scale planting areas, further promoting the scale and industrialization of the litchi industry. The biennial bearing phenomenon of litchi is a significant factor affecting its production stability. To address this issue, the NLBGR has conducted relevant technical research and proposed a series of scientifically effective solutions, such as adjusting flowering periods, managing water and fertilizer, and pest and disease control. The promotion of these techniques has effectively reduced fluctuations in litchi yields, ensuring production stability. The Technological Solutions to Overcome the Biennial Bearing of Late-Maturing Litchi Varieties won the first prize of the Guangdong Provincial Agricultural Technology Promotion Award in 2023. Litchi, as a fresh fruit, has a limited shelf life. Extending its industrial chain and increasing its added value are critical issues in the development of the litchi industry. The NLBGR has developed a semi-dried litchi processing technology system, providing technical support for industrial upgrading. This technology has been applied in the production of litchi dried products and other related items, enriching the litchi consumption market and reversing the long-standing losses faced by processing enterprises. The Integrated Technology and Application Promotion of Semi-Dried Litchi and Longan Processing won the second prize of the Guangdong Provincial Agricultural Technology Promotion Award in 2019 and has been continuously included in the key technologies promoted by Guangdong Province from 2017 to 2024. The development of the NLBGR in the future requires a coordinated effort in three areas: resource planning, variety protection, and public participation. In terms of resource management, the NLBGR needs to optimize the collection and conservation mechanisms for germplasm resources, expand the genetic background through international cooperation, and strengthen the cultivation of variety diversity and resilience. At the same time, it should address the issue of limited repository space by promoting mechanized management and improving the resource- sharing system, thus establishing an efficient and open utilization framework. Regarding variety breeding, there is an urgent need to simplify the variety approval process, establish a traceability system to prevent counterfeiting, and learn from international experiences to improve the variety protection system, combat infringement, and safeguard breeders' rights. In the realm of social participation, knowledge of resource conservation should be disseminated through new media platforms (such as WeChat and Douyin) and rural radio channels, coupled with material incentive mechanisms to motivate fruit farmers. This will help create a protection model led by the government and supported by society, achieving a win- win outcome for both industrial development and biodiversity conservation. As a core research platform, the NLBGR has promoted the optimization of litchi varieties, technological innovation, and industry benefits through the systematic conservation and innovative utilization of germplasm resources, providing critical support for scientific research and talent trainingn. In the future, it will deepen resource research, improve the sharing mechanism, strengthen variety breeding and protection, and enhance public awareness of resource conservation through popular science outreach, thus contributing to the high-quality development of the industry and the protection of biodiversity.