Recently, one good news was announced that the research under the leadership of Professor Weimin Wang from Fisheries College, "Development of Fish Germplasm Resources & Construction and Application of Molecular Assisted Breeding Technology System of Megalobrama amblycephala", has been awarded “an outstanding technology in fishery science” for the National 13th Five-Year Plan.

Megalobrama amblycephala (Wuchang bream) is an important economic aquaculture fish species in China, which is the cultural symbol of Hubei Province. The research group of Prof. Wang comprehensively investigated the distribution of the germplasm resources of Megalobrama amblycephala in China and mapped its whole genome sequence.A new variety of Megalobrama amblycephala "named No. 1 Huahai " was bred using the technology developed by Prof. Wang’s group. This new variety has stable heredity, about 30% faster growth rate and higher survival rate than the traditional varieties.

The breeding system of Megalobrama amblycephala was established, which realized the integration of the breeding system construction and its application inMegalobrama amblycephala seed industry. The system will also promote the development of Megalobrama amblycephala aquaculture industry with significant economic and social benefits.

This technology also won the first prize in the scientific research category of 2018-2019 Shennong China Agricultural Science and Technology Award–announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China.

Translator:Yulin Wang

Reviewer:Chunfang Wang