According to Foodmate, at the 14th China Patent and Technology Exchange Conference (专交会), among 26 patent innovations presented, particular attention was given to the new Chinese intellectual-property blueberries developed by Dalian University. The university officially launched two new varieties – “Lianda Zhichun” (连大之春) and “Fengling” (风铃) – marking a symbolic milestone in building an autonomous blueberry genetics program in China.
Nine new varieties in one year
These two cultivars add to seven other varieties already introduced in recent months: “Lianda Chuxin”, “Lianda Youxuan”, “Lianda Zhihai”, “Xianv (The Fairy)”, “Qimingxing (Morning Star)”, “Yumeilan” and “Lieyan”. All of them are characterized by excellent organoleptic quality, strong shelf life and productivity, as well as remarkable adaptability to different soil and climate conditions.
According to researchers, these innovations represent a historic step for Dalian’s agriculture, which after cherries (for which it is one of the country’s main production areas) can now also showcase blueberries as the “new golden business card” of local agriculture.
Twenty years to create the Chinese “chip” of blueberries
The project has deep roots. Since 2003, the team led by Wang Hexin, Director of the Institute of Modern Agriculture at Dalian University, has collected over 80 international reference varieties and gradually built a national blueberry gene bank. The goal: to develop a fully Chinese genetics, overcoming reliance on imported varieties from the United States and Canada, which have dominated production for years.
“Seed is the chip of agriculture: without our own varieties, the future remains in the hands of others,” said Wang Hexin.
Today the group includes over 100 researchers, has filed more than 300 plant variety rights applications – accounting for 70% of the national total – and represents one of the most advanced breeding platforms in China.
Towards a new blueberry ecosystem
Dalian currently has over 32,000 mu (approx. 3,200 hectares) under blueberry cultivation and an annual output of over 16,000 tons, confirming its status as one of the country’s leading hubs.
The future outlook of the program rests on three strategic pillars:
Fresh consumption varieties, designed to compete with top global players thanks to distinctive sensory profiles and consistent quality.
Varieties for industrial processing, optimized for anthocyanin content and mechanical harvesting.
Ornamental and potted varieties, such as the innovative “pink popcorn blueberry,” aimed at the home garden market.
A “China Blueberry Chip Revolution”
With the advancement of this program, China aims to become not only a major producer but also a global supplier of original blueberry genetics.
The so-called “China Blueberry Chip Revolution” – as defined by researchers – is not only a scientific challenge, but also a step towards varietal independence and international competitiveness in a rapidly expanding sector.
Photo: Chinadaily
