In order to implement the consensus reached by the 14th session of China-France Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation and the video meeting between Chinese and French Ministers of Science and Technology, the Seminar on Agricultural Science and Technology Cooperation between China and France was held in the form of online video conference on June 1, 2021. Director Liu Kui of the Department of International Cooperation of CATAS, Prof. Yang Yaodong of Coconut Research Institute of CATAS, and Prof. Cheng Han of Rubber Research Institute of CATAS attended the seminar.

This seminar focused on the agricultural science and technology issues of common concern, reviewed the main modes and achievements of China-France agricultural science and technology cooperation, and explored ways and channels for further deepening cooperation in the future. Prof. Yang Yaodong, on behalf of CATAS, presented<< Genomic and Genetic of Tropical Crops >>at the meeting and introduced the cooperation by Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) and the International Cooperation Center for Agricultural Research(CIRAD) in France on coconut genome assembly and annotation, the reference genome and features of coconut, antiporter and ion channel genes families expansion in coconut genome, assembly of reference genome of rubber tree, tissue expression profile of rubber biosynthesis genes and ethylene signaling in laticifers, rubber tree tissue culture and transgene technology. Through bilateral cooperative research, Coconut Research Institute has published two high-profile SCI papers and obtained the first draft of the whole genome of coconut in the world, which has laid a solid foundation for the breeding of fine new varieties of coconut. In the next step, CATAS will continue to collaborate with CIRAD on genetic diversity of pan-tropical populations of coconut based on pan-genomic analysis and the development of genomic selection techniques to assist in rubber tree breeding.

The Sino-French Seminar on Agricultural Science and Technology Cooperation promotes exchanges between researchers of both sides, enriches bilateral scientific research and personnel training projects, and contributes strongly to the development of bilateral scientific research activities and the joint publication of papers.