青稞为何要保留延续四千多个品种？解码“西藏粮仓”密码

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the world's largest barley germplasm resource base in Linzhou County, Lhasa, Tibet, is crucial for agricultural biodiversity and food security, particularly for the local population who rely heavily on barley as a staple food and currency [1][3][5]. Group 1: Importance of Barley - Barley, specifically Qiang barley, is essential for the Tibetan people, serving as both food and a medium of exchange for other goods like butter and meat [5]. - The genetic diversity of over 4,000 barley varieties is vital for resilience against potential agricultural crises, such as plant diseases [1][3]. Group 2: Research and Development - The germplasm resource base was developed under the leadership of Dawa Tonzhu, who emphasized the importance of maintaining diverse barley varieties for future breeding efforts [1][24]. - The yield of barley in Tibet has significantly improved, with production per mu increasing from less than 200 jin to 700-800 jin, and the coverage of improved varieties reaching 80%-90% [23]. Group 3: Personal Journey of Dawa Tonzhu - Dawa Tonzhu's journey from a student with financial difficulties to a leading researcher in barley cultivation highlights the importance of mentorship and support in agricultural science [9][11]. - His experiences in the field have shaped his understanding of agricultural challenges and the need for practical solutions that directly benefit local farmers [19][24]. Group 4: Legacy and Future Directions - The passing of his mentor, Nima Zhaxi, marked a significant moment, yet Dawa Tonzhu continues to advance barley research and development, ensuring the legacy of scientific inquiry and agricultural improvement in Tibet [21][24]. - The focus remains on utilizing the rich genetic resources available to develop new barley varieties that can meet the evolving needs of the agricultural sector [29][30].