On Dec. 28, 2013, the Sweetpotato Frontier Science Workshop (2013), jointly organized by Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou Sweetpotato Research Center, and Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, SIBS, was successfully held in Jiangsu Normal University. The workshop provided a platform for exchange of ideas and cutting-edge knowledge of sweetpotato biology, genetic breeding, biotechnology and product development. Professor Conghua Xie, the invited keynote speaker from Huazhong Agricultural University, gave an oral presentation on ‘Recent Progress and Perspective of Potato Genetic Improvement’. His work provides an excellent reference for the molecular breeding of sweetpotato. The experts attending the workshop made valuable suggestions, comments and guidance for how to intensify sweetpotato R&D. Fifteen delegates from different institutions working on sweetpotato were participated in the important event.

The workshop will promote the integration and reinforcement of sweetpotato research teams in relevant subjects.