In Kunming, Yunnan, within the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China has established its own "Plant Ark"—the Southwest China Wild Biological Germplasm Resource Bank (referred to as the Germplasm Bank). Completed and put into use in 2009, this national-level germplasm resource bank, spanning 83.95 mu, is one of Asia's largest wild biological germplasm banks. It houses over ten thousand species of wild plants and a rich variety of animal germplasm resources. It not only provides a safe preservation environment for rare and endangered species but also offers valuable research materials for scientists, advancing biological sciences. As a national strategic resource treasure trove, the Southwest China Wild Biological Germplasm Resource Bank plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and promoting sustainable development, becoming a green engine for high-quality development and contributing Chinese wisdom and strength to global ecological protection.

On August 20, the "High-Quality Development Research Tour" Yunnan-themed interview team visited this largest wild biological germplasm bank in Asia to explore the story behind "a single seed."

Photo shows the display of the seed museum. (Provided by Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Combining Environmental Protection with Strategic Resources

Director Yi Tingshuang from the Southwest China Wild Biological Germplasm Resource Bank introduced the development history of the Germplasm bank over the past decade. The Germplasm Bank has not only effectively preserved various types of wild plant seeds but has also included plant tissue materials, DNA, large fungi, microbial germplasm resources, and animal germplasm resources, with preservation capabilities at an internationally leading level.

Germplasm resources, as an important component of national strategic resources, are crucial for the protection of biological diversity. As a country with exceptionally rich biological diversity, China faces severe protection challenges. The establishment and operation of the Germplasm Bank are proactive responses to these challenges.

Photo shows the display of the seed museum. (Provided by Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Yunnan was chosen for the Germplasm Bank due to its extremely rich biological diversity. It accounts for approximately 50.3% of the country's higher plant species and 49.5% of vertebrate species, earning it the title of "Kingdom of Animals," "Kingdom of Plants," "World Garden," and "Species Gene Bank."

Strict Selection and Technological Innovation

The Southwest China Wild Biological Germplasm Resource Bank has collected and preserved over 20,000 species and more than 300,000 samples of wild biological germplasm resources, including over 11,000 species of wild plant seeds and around 100,000 samples, ranking first in Asia in terms of preservation volume. The seed selection process follows strict standards, known as the "3E" criteria—Endangered, Endemic, and Economically Important species—to ensure the high quality and value of the germplasm resources.

Photo shows seeds stored in cold storage.  (Provided by Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Director Yi also mentioned that the Germplasm Bank continuously explores technological innovations, such as the domestication of wild morel mushrooms, developing new cultivars for artificial cultivation, and making morel mushrooms a common delicacy on people's tables.

Photo shows the display of wild plant fruits and seeds. (Yin Xiaoxia/ China.org.cn)

International Cooperation and Future Prospects

Protecting germplasm resources is not only China's responsibility but also a global task. Yi Tingshuang stated that Chinese researchers will enhance cooperation with international researchers and institutions, preserving not only Chinese but also global germplasm resources, and continue to contribute China's efforts to the protection of global biodiversity.

Aerial photo of the Southwest China Wild Biological Germplasm Resource Bank. (Provided by Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

In the future, the Germplasm Bank will continue to play a vital role in germplasm resource preservation and related fields, contributing to the protection of biological diversity and the construction of an ecological future. This "seed bank" is not only a guardian of germplasm resources but also a disseminator of biodiversity protection concepts. Its construction and development witness China's steadfast steps toward sustainable development.

Aerial photo of the Southwest China Wild Biological Germplasm Resource Bank. (Provided by Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

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(Editors: Ines, Amy)