XIV International Vaccinium (Blueberry) SymposiumMarch 20th to 25th, 2028 | Nanjing, China
Innovating Vaccinium Science, Creating a Better Berry Future.
About IVS2028
Dear colleagues and friends,
We are pleased to invite you to the XIV International Vaccinium (Blueberry) Symposium (IVS 2028), to be held in Nanjing, China on March 20th to 25th, 2028. Under the auspices of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), IVS 2028 will be hosted by the Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen) (NBG·JIB).
The International Vaccinium Symposium is one of the most influential international conferences in the field of Vaccinium science and industry. It provides a unique platform for researchers, breeders, industry professionals, and young scientists from around the world to exchange the latest scientific advances, share innovative technologies, and foster international collaboration.
IVS 2028 will focus on key topics including vaccinium germplasm resources, genetic improvement, genomics, biotechnology, cultivation management, fruit quality, postharvest technology, and sustainable industry development. The symposium will bring together global expertise, showcase cutting-edge research, and explore new opportunities and challenges for advancing Vaccinium science and the berry industry.
Nanjing - one of China’s most historic and culturally vibrant cities - is also a major center for education, scientific research, and agricultural innovation. We warmly invite you to join us in Nanjing, where you will enjoy inspiring scientific discussions while experiencing the unique charm of this renowned historical city. Together, we look forward to advancing global Vaccinium research and promoting sustainable development of the industry.
Innovating Vaccinium Science, Creating a Better Berry Future.
Local organizers
Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen)
The Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen, NBG·JIB), established in 1929, is one of China’s oldest comprehensive institutions for plant science research and a key member of China’s National Botanical Garden System. Leveraging its strong research platforms and extensive plant genetic resources, the Blueberry Industry Innovation Research Team is among the earliest teams in China to conduct systematic studies on Vaccinium species.
Since 1986, the team has been dedicated to blueberry germplasm introduction and innovation, genetic improvement, cultivation technology development, and industrial applications. In 2001, the team published Blueberry and Cranberry (Gu Yin and He Shan’an), the first professional book on Vaccinium research in China, which laid an important foundation for the development of Vaccinium research in the country.
In recent years, the team’s research achievements have been widely applied across 11 provinces (autonomous regions, and municipalities) in China, covering more than 300,000 mu (approximately 20,000 hectares) of blueberry cultivation area. These efforts have made significant contributions to the high-quality development of China’s blueberry industry.
Organized by
Under the aegis of
Convener
Prof. Qilong Zeng
Co-Convener
Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen)
zengqilong@jib.ac.cn
Symposium Topics
Germplasm Resources, Genetics and Breeding
- Germplasm resources, genetic diversity and evolution
- Breeding strategies and cultivar development
- Molecular breeding and genomic selection
- Genetic improvement for fruit quality, stress tolerance and disease resistance
Genomics, Functional Genomics and Biotechnology
- Comparative genomics and evolutionary biology
- Functional genomics and multi-omics approaches
- Gene regulation and molecular mechanisms
- Gene editing and biotechnological applications
Plant Physiology, Cultivation Management and Sustainable Production
- Plant growth, development and reproductive physiology
- Resource-efficient management and cultivation technologies
- Precision horticulture and smart production systems
- Climate resilience and sustainable production
Fruit Quality, Postharvest Biology and Utilization
- Fruit quality formation and nutritional composition
- Anthocyanins, bioactive compounds and health benefits
- Postharvest physiology and storage technologies
- Processing and value-added product development
Program of Events
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Important Dates
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Global experts gather together
From academic breakthrough to industrial implementation, IVS 2028 integrates the entire blueberry industry chain.
Research and Teaching Staff
Focus on the forefront of molecular breeding and sustainable cultivation, sharing the latest research breakthroughs and technological advances.
Growers and Regional Representatives
Visit the National Agricultural High-tech Zone Germplasm Resource Garden to co-develop regional high-yield cultivation solutions.
Market and Trade Professionals
Gain insights into global supply-demand shifts and explore breakthrough growth paths for brands across both fresh food and processing sectors.
Industry Suppliers / Technology Promotion
Showcase smart agricultural machinery, new substrates, and post-harvest processing equipment to precisely connect technology with demand.
On-site visit
Visit the National Agricultural High-tech Industrial Demonstration Zone
Keynotes
Deep insights from world-renowned researchers
Meet in Nanjing
We look forward to welcoming you to Nanjing, where scientific exchanges inspire new ideas, the city’s landscapes and cultural heritage reveal its unique charm, and together we advance the sustainable development of the global Vaccinium industry.
A Connected Hub
Located in the heart of the Yangtze River Delta, Nanjing enjoys convenient transportation links, with high-speed rail access to Shanghai in approximately 1.5 hours and Nanjing Lukou International Airport connecting the city with global destinations.
A Cradle of Research
Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, serves as one of the pioneering centers for Vaccinium (blueberry) research in China, with a strong academic foundation and long-standing contributions to blueberry germplasm evaluation, breeding, and cultivation research.
A Window to Industry
Baima Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Zone in Lishui District hosts important Vaccinium germplasm resources and demonstration platforms, showcasing advanced cultivars and cultivation systems for broader agricultural applications.
A Cultural Capital
As an ancient capital with a rich historical legacy, Nanjing invites you to explore its historic landmarks and experience the harmonious integration of cultural heritage and natural landscapes.
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Contact Us
For inquiries regarding sponsorship or academic partnerships, please contact the organizing committee.
ivs2028@jib.ac.cn