In response to the rapid spread of Sri Lankan cassava mosaic disease (SLCMD) in Tieshangang District, Beihai City, Guangxi, and in line with the strategic deployment of the Chinese Cassava Agro-Technology Research System to strengthen scientific support and emergency response, Prof. Zhang Peng, expert for the “Breeding Technologies and Methods” post, led his team member Dr. Ma Qiuxiang to join a joint expert group organized by Chief Scientist Zhang Zhenwen. On June 25, 2025, the group conducted an on-site investigation and provided technical guidance in the core epidemic areas, advancing disease resistance breeding and control planning.

The team visited Baitong Village in Yingpan Town, one of the hardest-hit areas, to conduct a field survey. Findings revealed disease incidence rates exceeding 80% in some fields, indicating a highly severe situation. Researcher Zhang Peng focused on the core task of resistance breeding, guiding local technicians on identifying infected plants, conducting preliminary resistance screening, and evaluating germplasm materials. He carried out an in-depth analysis of the ongoing resistance screening trials led by the joint effort between his group and the Beihai Experimental station and emphasized that selection should be based on field resistance performance, integrated with key traits such as yield and starch quality, to facilitate the systematic breeding of high-performing resistant varieties.

During the expert seminar held after the fieldwork, Zhang Peng highlighted three strategic priorities: accelerating the propagation of healthy stem cuttings, enhancing the reserve of resistant germplasm, and establishing demonstration sites in epidemic areas. He proposed building a technical collaboration framework centered on "green control + germplasm innovation" and recommended expediting the construction of resistant parental lines and applying rapid breeding strategies to enable the early demonstration and large-scale adoption of resistant varieties. Team member Ma Qiuxiang actively participated in disease data collection and resistance evaluation training, demonstrating strong professionalism and practical capabilities as a young researcher on the front lines.

This field investigation marked a crucial early stage in the national "Joint Campaign Against Sri Lankan Cassava Mosaic Disease" initiative, showcasing the system’s rapid response and coordinated scientific support. The Breeding Technologies and Methods post will continue to leverage its platform within the cassava industry technology system, strengthening collaboration with experimental stations nationwide to promote integrated progress in resistance breeding, healthy stem propagation, and technology transfer. These efforts aim to secure a decisive victory in the scientific battle against cassava mosaic disease and safeguard the sustainable and high-quality development of China's cassava industry.