Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant advancements in the chrysanthemum industry in China, driven by the efforts of researchers at Nanjing Agricultural University to develop indigenous varieties and enhance the overall industry through innovation and collaboration [1][2][4]. Group 1: Industry Development - The chrysanthemum industry in China has historically faced challenges, with over 95% of commercial varieties relying on imports, leading to a lack of diversity and resilience in the market [1]. - The research team at Nanjing Agricultural University has successfully developed over 400 new varieties of chrysanthemums, including cut flowers and potted plants, providing a strong foundation for the domestic flower market [2]. - By 2025, the team aims for their developed varieties to account for 30% of the cut flower market and 60% of the garden chrysanthemum market in China, effectively breaking the foreign monopoly [2]. Group 2: Research and Innovation - The research team has been systematically collecting and evaluating wild chrysanthemum resources since the 1990s, focusing on breeding resilient and high-quality indigenous varieties [1][4]. - The introduction of domestic varieties, such as 'Nannong Xiaojinxing', has allowed China to transition from being a follower to a competitor in the global chrysanthemum market, with increasing exports to countries like Japan and South Korea [4]. - The collaboration between academia and leading enterprises has led to the establishment of demonstration bases, facilitating the transition from research to market [4][6]. Group 3: Economic Impact - The development of new chrysanthemum varieties has not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the industry but has also contributed to the economic well-being of enterprises and flower farmers [6]. - The focus on the entire industry chain aims to transform the chrysanthemum sector into a "happy industry" that benefits the community [6].

Core Viewpoint - The flower industry in Henan province, particularly in cities like Nanyang, Luoyang, and Kaifeng, is experiencing growth but faces challenges in production levels, transaction models, and the need for value-added products [1][4][15]. Group 1: Industry Development - Nanyang is recognized as the largest base for rose seedling cultivation in China, with 155,000 acres of flower fields producing 1.6 billion seedlings annually, employing 150,000 people [2]. - The city has transformed its rose industry by creating a "Rose Big Market" that showcases various rose varieties and offers comprehensive solutions beyond just seedling sales [2][4]. - The market for roses is expanding, with 88 cities in China designating roses as their city flower, leading to a surge in themed parks [4]. Group 2: Challenges and Opportunities - Despite holding 60% of the national market share for rose seedlings, Nanyang faces challenges in product development, brand building, and secondary processing capabilities [4]. - The flower industry in Henan is primarily focused on the first industry (seedling production), with limited development in secondary (processing) and tertiary (services) industries [4][15]. - There is a call for deeper exploration of the multi-functional value of roses, including medicinal, culinary, and industrial applications [4]. Group 3: Innovations and Trends - The flower industry is shifting from traditional sales methods to e-commerce and live streaming, with online sales currently accounting for less than 20% of transactions [10][12]. - Companies are encouraged to adopt digital technologies to enhance the efficiency of flower production and sales, aiming for a transformation from "product sales" to "horticultural lifestyle services" [14]. - The introduction of new technologies and equipment is improving production processes, such as the drying of peony flowers, which has doubled efficiency [7][8]. Group 4: Future Directions - The Henan province aims to increase its flower cultivation area to 1.363 million acres by the end of 2024, with 551,000 people employed in the industry [15]. - There is a focus on enhancing the quality of flower products and developing unique varieties with intellectual property rights [15][16]. - The province plans to establish a comprehensive flower trading platform that integrates trading, warehousing, and tourism, positioning itself as a national and global flower distribution center [13][14].