Concentrate on scientific research and protect the blooming flowers
When discussing the unique offerings from Yunnan, fresh flowers undoubtedly take center stage. This colorful province is blanketed in blossoms, with their delightful fragrances wafting through the air. In 2023, Yunnan’s cut flower production skyrocketed to an impressive 18.97 billion stems, representing nearly a third of the global market for commercial ornamental flowers. With nearly three decades of experience in floriculture, I feel privileged to have witnessed the evolution of “Yunhua” (Yunnan flowers) and to have played an active role in the industry’s growth.
My journey began in 1995 when I joined the floral research team at the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The reality of our work starkly contrasted with the glamorous image I had envisioned; it wasn’t just about cultivating flowers, but also selling them. We often found ourselves on the streets, promoting our flowers and gauging customer preferences. While I found it easy to grow flowers, marketing them posed its own challenges. Standing in a marketplace with a bouquet felt intimidating at times. Thankfully, as we introduced and refined new varieties, our efforts started gaining recognition in the market. It was immensely satisfying to see our research positively impact local farmers, boost their incomes, and spread joy among consumers. I believe that research should yield tangible benefits for the community—it needs to be rooted in the local context. Only through active engagement can we ignite passion, foster progress, and advance our scientific pursuits.
Research requires a strong sense of mission. When I first entered the “Yunhua” industry, it was still budding. We were heavily dependent on imported bulbs and seedlings, and the skills of local farmers were inconsistent. The variety of flowers was limited, and diseases were widespread. At that time, many of the flowers we cultivated struggled to compete against foreign imports once they entered the market. I often felt overwhelmed and questioned my capabilities. Every stem sold by farmers entailed a patent fee, and the realization that we needed to enhance our research and compete effectively to move beyond our reliance on outdated imports spurred us to prioritize innovation.
The challenge was clear: how do we make Yunnan’s flowers truly stand out? The solution lay in emphasizing our uniqueness and creating a strong impression in the marketplace. We leveraged our abundant local floral resources, employing hybridization and harnessing wildflowers to develop a diverse array of distinctive varieties. Roses play a pivotal role in Yunnan’s cut flower market, and we pioneered new varieties like “Jade” and “Pure Heart,” which quickly gained popularity. Additionally, we utilized high-altitude rhododendrons to establish new varieties and year-round cultivation methods, introducing unique flowers like “Red Makeup” that brought the “High Mountain Flowers” into homes across the region. By combining our local strengths with technological advancements, we aimed to differentiate “Yunhua” in the competitive market.
We recognized that innovative research cannot occur in a vacuum. The true impact of our floral research can only be validated through market acceptance. To enhance the conversion of our research outcomes into real-world applications, we established a market-driven innovation framework within the industry. This system encourages flower companies to engage in the early stages of breeding goal-setting, while our research institute provides essential technical support and builds collaborative platforms. This partnership ensures that companies have clear expectations and feel invested in developing new varieties, akin to nurturing a child. In turn, research institutions gain motivation and direction, increasing the chances that their innovations will succeed in the market. This deep integration of industry and academia propels “Yunhua” forward, keeping us attuned to market trends.
As of 2023, Yunnan has emerged as a global leader in both the area and production of cut flowers. Today, I take immense joy in my work with flowers. As we look to the future, my team and I remain committed to diving deeper into our endeavors and fostering innovation, ensuring that “Yunhua” continues to thrive in both beauty and vibrancy!
(Wang Jihua is the Director of the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and this interview was arranged by reporter Zhang Chi.)
