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 - Nanjing Agricultural University is leveraging genetic engineering and gene editing technologies to develop new chrysanthemum varieties, including potential "blue chrysanthemums" and "fluorescent chrysanthemums" that can glow in the dark [1][7][8] Group 1: New Varieties - The newly developed chrysanthemum varieties include "Nannong Danxin," "Nannong Fenying," and "Nannong Hongrui," which have unique flower shapes and colors, with some individual varieties achieving annual sales of millions of stems [3][5] - "Nannong Danxin" features a peach-pink flower color, while "Nannong Hongrui" has pink petals with a deep pink center, both noted for their excellent ornamental qualities [5][7] Group 2: Research and Development - The research team at Nanjing Agricultural University is addressing key issues in chrysanthemum cultivation, such as unclear mechanisms of important traits, limited commercial varieties, and poor resistance [7] - The team has made breakthroughs in gene editing and whole-genome selection, focusing on creating new varieties that are resistant, have longer blooming periods, and feature unique colors and shapes [7][8] Group 3: Genetic Resources - The Lake Shushu Chrysanthemum Base at Nanjing Agricultural University is home to the largest collection of chrysanthemum genetic resources globally, preserving over 5,300 resources, including wild species and various cultivated types [8] - This extensive genetic resource collection supports the breeding of new chrysanthemum varieties and innovation across the entire industry chain, reinforcing the foundation for a robust chrysanthemum industry in China [8]