As spring brings forth its enchanting beauty, the 10th International Strawberry Symposium opened on March 17 in Yandu District, Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, China. The event attracted over 800 experts, scholars, and guests from 26 countries and regions across six continents, all united by their shared passion for strawberries and their potential to foster industrial and cultural exchanges between China and the global community.
Centered around the theme "One Strawberry, One World," the symposium highlighted innovations in technology, sustainable development, and market opportunities in the strawberry industry. It aims to promote the progress and prosperity of the global strawberry industry through in-depth exchanges and discussions. During the opening ceremony, 12 new strawberry varieties were unveiled, and the International Strawberry Advanced Technology Application and Promotion Center was inaugurated.
"Since hosting the 7th International Strawberry Symposium in Beijing in 2012, we are once again gathering in China to further advance knowledge exchange in strawberry research -- this time in the beautiful city of Yancheng," said Peter Vanderborght, Executive Director of the International Society for Horticultural Science, during the opening ceremony. "Global scientific experts have come together in Yancheng to deepen our understanding and appreciation of strawberries, one of nature's most wonderful gifts."
Strawberry Promotion Event of the 10th International Strawberry Symposium in Yandu, China.
Over five years, researchers from Yandu and the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences meticulously selected parent strains from nearly 1,000 resources in the national strawberry germplasm resource pool. Through trait comparison, phenotypic statistics, and data analysis, they proudly introduced the new variety "Yanmei-1." This variety matures 20 days earlier than traditional ones, yields 3,000 kg per mu (45,000 kg per hectare), and has a 60% improvement in disease resistance. With its unique taste -- sweet yet crisp and richly aromatic -- it has quickly become a market favorite.
"Last year experienced generally higher temperatures, and while other strawberry varieties faced challenges during greenhouse seedling cultivation, 'Yanmei-1' triumphed in both seedling propagation and growth," said Cai Weijian, a researcher from the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences. "This variety can be cultivated in diverse terrains and possesses significant economic value."
For more information:
International Strawberry Symposium
www.iss2025.org.cn/