Breeding chips play a vital role in germplasm genotyping for biological breeding, which is crucial for crop genetic enhancement and research.
China is a significant player in breeding chip development. The National Center for Citrus Variety Improvement Center in Chongqing's Western Science City has created "Citrus Core 1," the world's first citrus liquid breeding chip, to boost citrus breeding efficiency.
Associate Professor Li Qiang, a member of the citrus team at the Germplasm Creation Science Center, points out that traditional breeding methods are particularly challenging for citrus due to their perennial nature and long juvenile phase.
Professor Li elaborated that the genetic heterozygosity and interspecific incompatibility among certain varieties add complexity to the process, often extending the timeline to over 30 years to develop a superior variety.
Read more at ichongqing.info