The 5th International Congress on Plant Cryopreservation Held in Beijing

The 5th International Congress on Plant Cryopreservation was held in Beijing, organized by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) and the Chinese Society for Horticultural Science, and undertaken by the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing University of Agriculture, and Beijing Shuhui Science and Technology Co., Ltd. The congress brought together over 130 experts and delegates from 14 countries.

During the symposium, three keynote presentations were delivered by Professor Wang Qiaochun from Northwest A&F University (China), Professor Hugh Pritchard (former Head of Seed Conservation at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK), and Professor Surendra Kumar Malik from the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (India). The congress was structured around six thematic sessions: plant germplasm diversity, construction of plant cryopreservation facilities, development of cryopreservation techniques, cryopreservation and utilization of rare and endangered germplasm resources, and molecular mechanisms underlying cryopreservation processes. A total of 27 experts from both domestic and international institutions gave specialized presentations, and 13 additional delegates presented their related research through poster displays.

During the meeting, participants visited the experimental farm of the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers (CAAS), the vegetable and flower germplasm display greenhouses, the National Medium‑term Genebank for Vegetable Germplasm, and the National Crop Germplasm Repository. These visits provided further insight into China's current status and practices in crop germplasm conservation and utilization.

This congress served as a premier international platform for exchange in the field of plant cryopreservation. Top experts and scholars from around the world gathered to share the most cutting‑edge research findings, innovative technologies, and practical experiences. In‑depth and productive discussions were held on topics ranging from the fundamental principles of cryopreservation techniques and practical applications in germplasm conservation to future challenges facing the field.

The successful convening of this congress is of great significance for strengthening the development and international exchange of plant cryopreservation technologies, promoting their application in conserving the genetic diversity of horticultural and forest tree germplasm, and advancing the high‑quality development of the vegetable seed industry.