China: China's southernmost city Sansha introduces breadfruit trees to enrich island ecology.

Storyline China's southernmost city Sansha introduces breadfruit trees to enrich island ecology Native to the tropical Pacific islands, the breadfruit tree produces starch-rich fruit that can serve as a staple food. It also features an elegant canopy, offering excellent shade and ornamental value. In August 2020, Sansha introduced 50 breadfruit trees and planted them on Yongxing Island, covering an area of 1,097 square meters. After six years of careful nurturing, the trees are now bearing abundant fruit. Li Kaihong, Property Project Manager, Yongxing Affairs Administration, Sansha City: "The survival rate of these introduced breadfruit trees is over 95 percent. On average, each tree bears about a dozen fruits, with an annual output of roughly 375 kg. We will continue to expand planting." In early June, Sansha launched a localized ecological breeding project for breadfruit. At the breeding base on Yongxing Island, more than 100 breadfruit saplings are thriving under the care of technical staff. Lei Naibo, Staff, Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences: "We are cultivating about 160 saplings in this batch. They have just reached one month of growth, and the overall germination rate is around 70 percent." The introduction and cultivation of breadfruit trees is one of Sansha’s key initiatives to advance ecological development on its islands and reefs. Moving forward, the program will be gradually extended to other islands and reefs, helping to build the city into a green, ecological, and livable homeland. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]