Jiangxi Provincial Engineering Research Centre for Seed-Breeding and Utilization of Camphor Trees

A brief introduction to the platform of Jiangxi Provincial Engineering Research Center for Seed-breeding and Utilization of Camphor Trees

The Jiangxi Provincial Engineering Research Center for Seed-breeding and Utilization of Camphor Trees was officially established in December 2017 by the Jiangxi Provincial Development and Reform Commission ( Ganfa Gaigao Technology [ 2017 ] No.1396 ), with the Nanchang Institute of Technology appointed to oversee its construction. The engineering center integrates multiple disciplines including botany, chemistry, ecology, agricultural machinery, and equipment from the Nanchang Institute of Technology, encompassing a variety of specialized laboratories including those for plant tissue culture, biochemistry, botany, dendrology, natural product chemistry, ecology, soil science, mechanical design and manufacturing.

Currently, the Engineering Center employs 22 professional and technical staff members, with two holding senior professional titles, seven with associate senior professional titles, and 15 with doctoral degrees, comprising 68% of the team.. Appointments include a governmental science and technology consultant in Jiangxi province, a vice president within the Jiangxi Provincial Forest Flavor and Fragrance Industry Association, and a chairman of the national first-level society. A dedicated contingent of 15 individuals, including 13 with PhD degree, have been concentrating on camphor tree research,providing robust support and assurance for research center’s endeavors.

Over the last three years, the center has undertaken 36 scientific research projects, obtaining over 60 million yuan in funding. A total of 55 papers were published, including 22 indexed in SCI , with five in top-tier journals, along with 4 EI-indexed papers and 14 in prominent academic journals. Innovations have led to 25 authorized patents, including 3 international invention patents, 7 domestic invention patents and 13 utility model patents. The center’s work has garnered four provincial science and technology awards, which include two second-place Liangxi Forestry Science and Technology Award, a first-place Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award, and a top award for an outstanding scientific publication from the 35th East China Science and Technology Publishing House. The center has successfully conducted two conversion projects, totaling contracts worth 11.35 million yuan. Eight provincial-level improved varieties were approved and six books were published.

With a primary focus on Camphor tree research, the Engineering Center dedicates itself to pioneering innovation in camphor tree research, diversifying product varieties in the spice industry. It proactively aligns with the national "Belt and Road" development strategy, seeks to elevate Jiangxi Province’s influence in the international Camphor tree spice industry, and promotes the development of the regional flavor and fragrance economy.