Yichang enriches its germplasm resources

By Chen Si，Yichang International Communication Studio

In a forest, genetic diversity ensures that forest trees can survive, adapt and evolve under changing environmental conditions.

To protect this diversity, scientists collect and store the genes of forest species in germplasm banks. In Yichang, three of these banks – located in the Houhe National Nature Reserve, Yuquan Temple, and the Three Gorges Botanical Garden – have been added to the Hubei list of germplasm repositories.

Forest germplasm plays a crucial role in the selection, breeding and improvement of forest plants and species. In the repository environment of a forest germplasm bank, germplasm can be safely stored over the long term.

Germplasm materials are also used for R&D and for international exchanges between breeding research institutes.

Yichang takes its responsibility for protecting forest germplasm resources seriously. With nine municipal banks and four provincial forest germplasm banks, it continues to invest in the quality of its resources.