From October 14th to 18th, the V International Symposium on Plant Cryopreservation was convened in Beijing, China. Hosted by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) and the Chinese Society for Horticultural Sciences (CSHS), the event was organized by the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IVF-CAAS), Beijing University of Agriculture (BUA), and Beijing Shuhui Technology Co., Ltd. Over 130 experts and representatives from 14 countries participated in the grand academic gathering, including Prof. Kanchit Thammasiri (Representative of ISHS), Prof. Manuela Nagel (Chair of ISHS Working Group Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources and Genebank Management), Prof. Yanning Zhai (Deputy Director of IVF-CAAS and Representative of CSHS), Prof. Lei Li (Director of the Scientific Research Department of IVF-CAAS), and Prof. Haiping Wang (Chief Scientist of the Vegetable Germplasm Resource Innovation Team and Convener of this Symposium).

the on-site venue

The opening ceremony was chaired by Prof. Lei Li. On behalf of the hosts and organizers, Prof. Yanning Zhai delivered a welcome address, extending a warm welcome to all participants gathering in Beijing, China. She emphasized the significant role of cryopreservation technology in biodiversity conservation and the safe preservation of germplasm resources, noting that germplasm resources constitute a core strategic asset for every country. The IVF-CAAS has attached great importance to the development of germplasm resource disciplines, establishing the National Mid-term Genebank for Vegetable Germplasm Resources and the National Germplasm Repository for Perennial and Asexually Propagated Vegetables, which provide crucial foundational material support for the development of the vegetable seed sector in China and the world. Prof. Kanchit Thammasiri introduced ISHS's organizational framework and the basic procedures for hosting academic conferences on behalf of ISHS. He also presented a trophy and certificate to Prof. Haiping Wang, the convener of the symposium, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the organization of the event and his services to ISHS. Prof. Manuela Nagel elaborated on the responsibilities of the ISHS Working Group Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources and Genebank Management as well as the history of previous International Symposia on Plant Cryopreservation. Prof. Haiping Wang provided a detailed overview of the symposium's preparation process and agenda.

Prof. Lei Li, Director of the Scientific Research Department of IVF-CAAS, chaired the opening ceremony

Prof. Yanning Zhai, Deputy Director of IVF-CAAS, delivered an address

Prof. Kanchit Thammasiri, Representative of ISHS, delivered an address

Prof. Manuela Nagel,Chair of ISHS Working Group Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources and Genebank Management, delivered an address

Prof. Haiping Wang, the convener of the Symposium, chaired the conference

During the conference, key invited talks were delivered by Prof. Qiaochun Wang from Northwest A&F University, Prof. Hugh Pritchard (Former Head of Germplasm Conservation at the Royal Botanic Gardens), and Prof. Surendra Kumar Malik from the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, India. The symposium focused on six thematic areas: plant biodiversity and plant genetic resources, cryo genebanks of germplasm, cryopreservation techniques and protocols, cryopreservation of rare and endangered species, and molecular mechanisms of cryopreservation. A total of 27 experts from domestic and abroad gave thematic presentations, while another 13 representatives showcased their research through poster sessions.

Presentation of Prof. Qiaochun Wang,Northwest A&F University

Presentation of Prof. Hugh Pritchard, UK

Presentation of Prof. Surendra Kumar Malik, India

During the symposium, participants visited the Experimental Farm of IVF-CAAS, the Exhibition Greenhouse of the Vegetable and Flower Germplasm Resource, the National Mid-term Genebank for Vegetable Germplasm Resources, and the National Crop Genebank. These visits provided them with an in-depth understanding of China's progress in the preservation and utilization of crop germplasm resources.

Visit to the National Crop Genebank

Visit to the National Mid-term Genebank for Vegetable Germplasm Resources

Visit to the Vegetable Herbarium

Visit to the Exhibition Greenhouse for New Vegetable Varieties

Visit to the Flower Resource Exhibition Greenhouse

This symposium established a world-class platform for academic exchange in the field of plant cryopreservation. Top experts and scholars from around the globe gathered to share cutting-edge research findings, innovative technologies, and practical experiences. In-depth and fruitful discussions were conducted on various topics, including the theoretical principles of cryopreservation technology, its practical applications in germplasm resource preservation, and the challenges ahead.

The successful hosting of this event holds profound significance for advancing the development, application, and international exchange of plant cryopreservation technology. It will also promote the application of cryopreservation technology in the conservation of horticultural and forestry plant germplasm resource diversity and drive the high-quality development of the vegetable seed sector.