Aug 21 — The “2025 Cassava Breeding Innovation and Whole-Industry-Chain Synergistic Development Summit”, convened by the Chinese Cassava Agro-technology Research System (CCARS) and co-organised by the Genetics and Improvement Laboratory and the CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, wrapped up in Shanghai after three intensive days.

More than 100 leading scientists, station directors, industry partners and invited experts reviewed achievements under China’s 14th Five-Year Plan and sketched priorities for the 15th. Plenary and parallel sessions showcased breakthroughs in germplasm innovation, quality enhancement, stress-resistance mechanisms and green cultivation for cassava, moringa and coffee. High-profile keynotes by former chief scientist Li Kaimian, sweetpotato chief scientist Li Qiang and economist Tan Yanwen analysed sector trends, global trade impacts and technology roadmaps.

A dedicated Young-Investigator Forum featured ten early-career researchers; ten awards recognised emerging talent and underscored the system’s commitment to the next R&D generation. Field visits to phytotron facilities and the Insect Museum, together with a special session on the Sri Lanka cassava mosaic disease contingency plan, strengthened academia–industry links.

Summit chair Zhang Zhenwen hailed the meeting as a strategic platform that crystallised consensus on coordinated innovation and high-quality development for the coming five-year cycle, injecting fresh momentum into the sustainable growth of China’s cassava sector.