The international invention patent "Prunus mume pendulous trait SNP molecular markers and use thereof" applied by Professor Zhang Qixiang of the College of Landscape Architecture of Beijing Forestry University(Patent No. EP3789506), has been granted in the European Union on October 18, 2023. This patent represents the first international invention patent to be obtained by the College of Landscape Architecture, signifying a significant advancement in scientific and technological innovation as well as the international independent intellectual property rights of BFU.

A prunus mume pendulous trait SNP molecular marker and the use thereof, including molecular markers Marker 301243 and/or Marker 311414, the nucleotide sequences thereof being respectively as shown in SEQ ID NO. 1 and SEQ ID NO. 2. Two prunus mume pendulous trait SNP molecular markers, i.e. Marker 301243 and Marker 311414, are developed using SLAF-seq technology, and a sequence amplification primer and an allelic specific PCR primer thereof are also provided. The molecular markers Marker 301243 and/or Marker 311414 and the primer thereof can be used to identify prunus mume varieties and used in molecular-assisted selective breeding.

It has been reported that this study represents another significant accomplishment of Professor Zhang Qixiang and his team, following their completion of the whole genome sequencing of Prunus mume II in 2012, the resequencing of Prunus mume in 2018, and the genome sequencing of Prunus mume var. tortuosa III in 2022. These efforts have further supplemented and enhanced the theoretical framework for functional genomics research on prunus mume. In practical terms, this study provides a crucial tool for the exploration of excellent germplasm gene resources, such as plum blossom plant type, and the targeted genetic improvement of specific traits. This research holds immense significance for promoting the molecular breeding revolution in plum blossom cultivation.

In recent years, the College of Landscape Architecture at Beijing Forestry University has achieved significant accomplishments related to prunus mume. These include two second prizes in the National Science and Technology Progress Awards and one second prize in the Science and Technology Progress Awards of the Ministry of Education. Additionally, there have been three approved national improved forest varieties, 16 national invention patents, 15 new plant variety rights, and 12 international registrations. Furthermore, the college has published over 60 high-level papers in reputable journals such as Nature Communications and New Phytologist.