Headline
Leader of Workers Party of D.P.R. Korea Kim Jong-un Visits National Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Park of CAAS
Kim Jong-un, Leader of Workers Party of D.P.R. Korea visits National Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Park, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) on June 20th, 2018.
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Kyrgyz President Jeenbekov Visits CAAS
In the afternoon of June 8, Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov and his delegation visited the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) in the company of Xiao Qinghua, Ambassador of China to Kyrgyzstan. Qu Dongyu, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Dr. Tang Huajun, President of CAAS, and Mr. Chen Mengshan, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of CAAS, welcomed the president and his delegation.
Jeenbekov was first briefed with an introduction to the scientific research and international cooperation conducted by CAAS, and then visited sites that display such achievements as new crop variety, phytase, insect-resistant cotton, animal vaccine and bio-pesticide, critical project laboratory, and the National Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Park. During the visit, he admired China’s agricultural research achievements made during the past 40 years since the reform and opening up, and expressed his wish to strengthen Sino-Kyrgyz agricultural cooperation, especially agricultural science and technology cooperation.
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Research Update
Chinese Scientists Spot Selfish Genetic Element in Plants
After found in mice and nematodes, selfish genetic element is once again discovered in rice by Chinese scientists. This is the first time that selfish genetic element is found in plants, challenging the renowned Mendel’s Law of segregation. The article introducing such new findings has been published by the world’s top academic journals Science on June 8th, 2018. Dr. Yu Xiaowen and Prof. Zhao Zhigang from the College of Agriculture of Nanjing Agricultural University are the first authors of this article, and Dr. Wan Jianmin, an academician of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), also vice president of CAAS, is the corresponding author.
What about selfish genes? The core of Mendelian genetics is the concept that gametes are equally likely to carry either of the two parental copies of a gene. In fact, offspring traits might be more similar to those of its father or mother. The same also goes to the selfish genetic element in rice. Read more >>
What about selfish genes? The core of Mendelian genetics is the concept that gametes are equally likely to carry either of the two parental copies of a gene. In fact, offspring traits might be more similar to those of its father or mother. The same also goes to the selfish genetic element in rice. Read more >>
The Hangzhou Index of Chinese Tea Industry Launched at the Second China International Tea Expo
On May 18, 2018, the Tea Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) launched the first Hangzhou Index of Chinese Tea Industry on the side event of the opening ceremony of the Second China International Tea Expo, which was held in Hangzhou from May 18 to May 22, 2018. The index is designed to track the market performance and development trend of the tea industry in China.
A compilation of 4 indexes were released as a debut of the Hangzhou Index of Chinese Tea Industry: the index of fresh tea leaves price, the index of trade activeness of fresh tea leaves, the index of farm price of wholesale made tea, and the index of trade activeness of wholesale made tea, helping policy makers to make better decision and enabling industry players to understand the market. Read more >>
A compilation of 4 indexes were released as a debut of the Hangzhou Index of Chinese Tea Industry: the index of fresh tea leaves price, the index of trade activeness of fresh tea leaves, the index of farm price of wholesale made tea, and the index of trade activeness of wholesale made tea, helping policy makers to make better decision and enabling industry players to understand the market. Read more >>
CAAS Revealed the Role of RXFP2 in the Development of a Unique Horn Phenotype in Sheep as Response to Semi-feralization by Whole-genome Sequences
Recently, the mutton sheep and goat genetics and breeding team have reported their new progress on adaptive evolutions of domestic sheep. The present study revealed that horn-related gene RXFP2 showed signs of rapid evolution in the semi-feral sheep breeds specifically. The result of this study was published in GigaScience on March 7th, 2018.
Sheep is thought to be one of the first domesticated livestock species. Animal domestication has been widely investigated in order to better understand the phenotypic and genetic changes of animals caused by human activities. However the process where domestic animals become feral is still poorly understood. Read more >>
Sheep is thought to be one of the first domesticated livestock species. Animal domestication has been widely investigated in order to better understand the phenotypic and genetic changes of animals caused by human activities. However the process where domestic animals become feral is still poorly understood. Read more >>
Genomic Variation in 3,010 Diverse Accessions of Asian Cultivated Rice
Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) is grown worldwide as staple food of half of the world. By the year 2035, an additional 112 million metric tons of rice must be produced with less land and water under more fluctuating climates, requiring future rice cultivars with higher yielding and resilient to multiple abiotic and biotic stresses. The foundation to continuous improvement of rice is the rich genetic diversity within its population and wild relatives.
Recently, a research team led by Dr. Zhikang Li from Institute of Crop Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), has analyzed genetic variation, population structure and diversity among 3,010 diverse Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) genomes from the 3,000 Rice Genomes Project, which was participated by 16 universities and institutes from China and abroad as well. Read more >>
Recently, a research team led by Dr. Zhikang Li from Institute of Crop Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), has analyzed genetic variation, population structure and diversity among 3,010 diverse Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) genomes from the 3,000 Rice Genomes Project, which was participated by 16 universities and institutes from China and abroad as well. Read more >>
OsPK2 Encodes a Plastidic Pyruvate Kinase Involved in Rice Endosperm Starch Synthesis, Compound Granule Formation and Grain Filling
Recently, a research team led by Professor Hu Peisong from China Rice Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) has made a great progress on new regulatory mechanism of rice starch synthesis and grain development.
Starch is the essential carbohydrate storage material in plants. The genetic basis of starch synthesis and grain development was a complex regulatory network. Although several enzymes and regulators of starch biosynthesis have been defined, the complete molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. Therefore, identification and characterization of different rice endosperm defective mutants are necessary for further understanding this process in rice. Read more >>
Starch is the essential carbohydrate storage material in plants. The genetic basis of starch synthesis and grain development was a complex regulatory network. Although several enzymes and regulators of starch biosynthesis have been defined, the complete molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. Therefore, identification and characterization of different rice endosperm defective mutants are necessary for further understanding this process in rice. Read more >>
Genetic Mapping Reveals a Candidate Gene (ClFS1) for Fruit Shape in Watermelon
The polyploidy watermelon breeding group of Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) reveals a candidate gene for fruit shape in watermelon. The related paper was recently published on Theoretical and Applied Genetics.
As an important cucurbit crop throughout the world, watermelon presents different fruit shapes including elongate, oval and spherical. However, the genetic pattern and the developmental mechanisms of watermelon fruit shape are not justified yet.
In this study, Segregation analysis suggested that fruit shape of watermelon was controlled by a single locus and elongate fruit (OO) was incompletely dominant to spherical fruit (oo) with the heterozygote (Oo) being oval fruit. According to BSA-seq and GWAS, we demonstrated that Cla011257 gene was the candidate gene of watermelon fruit shape (ClFS1), The CDS of Cla011257 had a 159 bp deletion which resulted in the omission of 53 amino acids in elongate watermelon. Read more >>
As an important cucurbit crop throughout the world, watermelon presents different fruit shapes including elongate, oval and spherical. However, the genetic pattern and the developmental mechanisms of watermelon fruit shape are not justified yet.
In this study, Segregation analysis suggested that fruit shape of watermelon was controlled by a single locus and elongate fruit (OO) was incompletely dominant to spherical fruit (oo) with the heterozygote (Oo) being oval fruit. According to BSA-seq and GWAS, we demonstrated that Cla011257 gene was the candidate gene of watermelon fruit shape (ClFS1), The CDS of Cla011257 had a 159 bp deletion which resulted in the omission of 53 amino acids in elongate watermelon. Read more >>
International Cooperation Update
Optimize Layout of Regional Cooperation & Highlight Key Disciplines to Boost the Cooperation between CAAS-Ireland/Netherlands/South Korea in Agricultural Science and Technology
At the invitation of the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority and University College Dublin (UCD), Wageningen University, the Netherlands, and the Rural Development Administration (RDA), South Korea, A delegation led by Prof. Chen Mengshan, Secretary of Leading Party Group of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), have visited the above-mentioned three national agricultural research institutions from April 22nd to May 1st, 2018.
During the visit to Ireland, the delegation held talks with Mr. Andrew Doyle, Deputy Minister of Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and discussed the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in science and technology projects in dairy industry and the building of a joint platform. Read more >>
During the visit to Ireland, the delegation held talks with Mr. Andrew Doyle, Deputy Minister of Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and discussed the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in science and technology projects in dairy industry and the building of a joint platform. Read more >>
Vice President Li Jinxiang Meets with Zambian Agricultural Co-operative Alliance Delegation
On May 31, Mr. Li Jinxiang, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) met with Mr. James Chiva, General Manager of Zambian Agricultural Co-operative Alliance, and his delegation. The two sides held talks on veterinary biotechnology products and the establishment of collaborating centre between China and Zambia.
Mr. Li Jinxiang expressed that several CAAS affiliated institutes are engaged in the fields of research of prevention and control of animal epidemics, veterinary medicine and animal breeding, and CAAS itself boasts the state-of-the-art biosafety laboratories and research facilities. Read more >>
Mr. Li Jinxiang expressed that several CAAS affiliated institutes are engaged in the fields of research of prevention and control of animal epidemics, veterinary medicine and animal breeding, and CAAS itself boasts the state-of-the-art biosafety laboratories and research facilities. Read more >>
Vice President Wang Hanzhong Meets with Pro Vice Chancellor of Massey University
On May 3, Dr. Wang Hanzhong, Vice President of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), met with the visiting delegation led by Prof. Raymond Geor, Pro Vice Chancellor of the College of Sciences and Mr. Michael O’Shaughnessy, Director of International Relations Office at Massey University, New Zealand. It’s the reciprocal visit to the one made by CAAS delegation in November 2017.
Dr. Wang Hanzhong briefed New Zealand guests on the basics of CAAS. He expressed the willingness to advance bilateral research cooperation in key fields including soil and agricultural environment and food safety under the framework of MoU between CAAS and Massey University, promote the construction of China-New Zealand agricultural and rural environment joint research center, vigorously step up the co-training of young researchers to spur the rapid development of agricultural technology of both countries. Read more >>
Dr. Wang Hanzhong briefed New Zealand guests on the basics of CAAS. He expressed the willingness to advance bilateral research cooperation in key fields including soil and agricultural environment and food safety under the framework of MoU between CAAS and Massey University, promote the construction of China-New Zealand agricultural and rural environment joint research center, vigorously step up the co-training of young researchers to spur the rapid development of agricultural technology of both countries. Read more >>
Speaker of Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia Visits CAAS
On April 24, Dr. Wu Kongming, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), met with the delegation led by Mr. Wesley W. Simina, Speaker of Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia, which was accompanied by Mr. Ling Zhenguo, the member of Population, Resources and Environment Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and former Deputy Director General of Standing Committee. Both sides exchanged views on conducting collaboration on agricultural science and technology.
Dr. Wu Kongming welcomed the delegation. He briefed the guest with CAAS’ key role as a national research organization in rural revitalization strategy – its commitment to providing technical support for food abundance, food security and health of urban and rural residents. Read more >>
Dr. Wu Kongming welcomed the delegation. He briefed the guest with CAAS’ key role as a national research organization in rural revitalization strategy – its commitment to providing technical support for food abundance, food security and health of urban and rural residents. Read more >>
CAAS and Wageningen University and Research Centre of the Netherlands Write a New Chapter of Friendship and Collaboration
On April 12, a delegation headed by Mrs. Carola Schouten, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) and Arthur Moore, President of the Wageningen University and Research Centre(WUR), Kingdom of the Netherlands paid a visit to the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). Prof. Tang Huajun, Member of the Leading Party Group of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and President of CAAS hosted the Dutch guests. The two sides planted together an evergreen tree that symbolizes friendship and cooperation.
In his remarks, Prof. Tang Huajun congratulated the guests on the 100th anniversary of WUR. He said that the friendship between the two sides began in the 1990s and has developed a diversified, multi-level and multi-areas cooperation over the years. Read more >>
In his remarks, Prof. Tang Huajun congratulated the guests on the 100th anniversary of WUR. He said that the friendship between the two sides began in the 1990s and has developed a diversified, multi-level and multi-areas cooperation over the years. Read more >>
Events
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science Seeks to Deepen Agriculture Technology Cooperation with the “Belt and Road” Countries
On March 18 to 24, a delegation led by Dr. Wan Jianmin, the vice president of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), visited Bangladesh and Thailand. Consultations were held on strengthening scientific and technological cooperation, capacity building, and promoting the development of local agriculture during the visit in Bangladesh and Thailand, especially at the establishment of joint laboratory and capacity building.
During his visit in Bangladesh, Dr. Wan Jianmin held talks with the president of the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University and the deans of its affiliated colleges, as well as delegations from Bangladesh Agricultural Practitioners Association. Read more >>
During his visit in Bangladesh, Dr. Wan Jianmin held talks with the president of the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University and the deans of its affiliated colleges, as well as delegations from Bangladesh Agricultural Practitioners Association. Read more >>
Vice President Mei Xurong Attends the First Australia-China Sustainable Agricultural Technology Forum
From 30 April to 4 May 2018, Dr. Mei Xurong, Vice President of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) attended the First Australia-China Sustainable Agricultural Technology Forum in Australia.
The forum, co-hosted by CAAS, the University of Tasmania and NRM South, is a concrete manifestation of the results of CAAS President Tang Huajun’s visit to Australia on November 2017. CAAS attached great importance to this event. Never before in CAAS history had it ever organized and assigned a delegation of this size, led by a CAAS Vice President, composed of 20 delegates from three departments and seven institutes, to attend a professional meeting abroad. Read more >>
The forum, co-hosted by CAAS, the University of Tasmania and NRM South, is a concrete manifestation of the results of CAAS President Tang Huajun’s visit to Australia on November 2017. CAAS attached great importance to this event. Never before in CAAS history had it ever organized and assigned a delegation of this size, led by a CAAS Vice President, composed of 20 delegates from three departments and seven institutes, to attend a professional meeting abroad. Read more >>
Initiating Meeting of the EU “Horizon 2020” Project Convenes in Oslo, Norway
Recently, the initiating meeting of EU “Horizon 2020” project “Sino-European innovative green and smart cities (SiEUGreen)” was convened in Oslo, Norway. Almost 50 delegates from Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IVF-CAAS), Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), and a total of 19 academic institutions and companies from Norway, China, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Switherland, Turkey and Greece participated in this meeting. The delegates actively exchanged the common challenges faced by China-EU on urban development and had in-depth discussion in multilateral cooperation mechanisms, action and implementation plans in China and the EU. On the meeting, the Chinese director of this project, Prof. Jiang Weijie from IVF-CAAS, addressed a speech on behalf of six organizations from Chinese side.
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