1.     Research Fields

The team has carried out R&D of breeding, efficient cultivation and higher value application and integrated industrialization on Prunus (i.e. apricot, almond, and longstalk almond).

2.     Research Progresses

(1) Fundamental Research

The team organized and completed the whole genome sequencing of P. armeniaca, P. armeniaca×sibirica, and P. sibirica. The genomes were assembled into chromosome level with high-quality gene and repetitive sequence annotation. Candidate regions for controlling late flowering, fruit size, kernel size, and kernel bitterness were found by re-sequencing and whole-genome association analysis.

(2) Germplasm resource collection, genetic improvement and improved variety breeding

The team has collected more than 2,300 copies of Punus germplasm resources. These materials are preserved in the ex situ conservation gene bank owned by our institute, which is the largest both in home and abroad around the world at present. A breeding group was established consisting of more than 300 germplasms with outstanding agronomic traits and strong ability to resist (avoid) against early spring cold. Ten improved kernel-using apricot varieties and eight longstalk almond varieties showing high-yielding, early spring cold resistance, and suitable for mechanized plantation were approved by the government .

(3) Efficient cultivation techniques

A series of silvicultural modes and corresponding techniques have been established for Prunus cultivation, including apricot integrated cultivation system capable of resistance or avoidance of chilly early spring as well as its warning model. Apricot kernel yield exceeded 1350 kg/hm² by implementing standardized and intensive efficient cultivation, which is over 4-fold higher production than the control. In the meantime, the team conducted researches on the construction of scion-harvesting nursery for the improved varieties, afforestation of drought-resistant improved varieties and high yield plantation  technologies of longstalk almond. Longstalk almond kernel yield exceeded 450 kg/hm² using high-yielding cultivation techniques, which is over 6 times higher than the control.

(4) Comprehensive utilization research

Through systematic researches on the functional ingredients and their effects of apricot and almond kernel, a series of pure natural green functional products have been developed, including kernel-using apricot and Eucommia highly moisturizing cream, neck care lotion, massage oil, shower gel, shampoo, facial mask, high-quality formula edible oil, nutritious apricot kernel tofu, drinks of apricot kernel protein for beauty, vinegar, wine, vegetable protein drinks of longstalk almonds, cervical pillows of longstalk almonds. These efforts increase the value and comprehensive benefits of kernel apricots and almonds.

3.     Research achievements

The team was awarded 3 by national and provincial governments on science and technology progress awards, published more than 60 academic papers within recent 5 years and 1 academic monographs, achieved authorized 9 national invention patents and 1 software copyright, and formulated 3 forestry industry standards. The team owns the Kernel-using Apricot Engineering Research Center of State Forestry and Grassland.