The scientists from the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences at Yunnan Province in far southwest China feasted on barbecued kangaroo as well as touring the site and hearing presentations from DPI staff.

During the visit an agreement was made to develop a research project that involves the exchange and characterisation of pulse germplasm for a wide range of traits.

It will also involve the development of elite germplasm utilising the latest genetics and genomics techniques, including whole genome sequencing.

A major part of the collaboration will involve an exchange of scientists and scientific training.

Yunnan is located in the southwest corner of China and borders several countries including Vietnam, Laos and Burma.

Its climate can range from tropical to temperate allowing for a range of agricultural activities.

The Institute has breeding programs in maize, wheat, rice, beans and legumes.

Molecular plant breeding research leader Michael Materne from DPI Horsham told the visitors about DPI Horsham’s main breeding, germplasm enhancement and research activities.

The visitors also toured the Grains Innovation Park site and spoke to a number of staff.

Last year Dr Materne and DPI’s Dr Bob Redden spent eight days in China meeting with representatives from China’s Institute for Vegetables and Flowers in a bid to set up some long term scientific relationships in oilseeds.

“China is an emerging and exciting nation that respects the importance of agriculture. We look forward to developing strong relationships with China that can benefit both countries and agriculture globally," he said.

Associate Professor Li Lu said the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences had a long history of collaboration and saw many mutual benefits from working with other scientific institutions around the world.

She said the Academy had international co-operations with 16 other countries including those in Europe, Africa, America and Asia, “We have lots of foreign friends,” she said.