China’s ‘Tian Shu’ Crop-Decoding Initiative Enters Field Phase to Power Smart Breeding

China’s ambitious “Tian Shu” (Heavenly Book) initiative, launched in 2023 by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and tech giant Tencent, has shifted from laboratory sequencing to large-scale field data collection. Researchers in Hainan are accelerating the propagation of rice, wheat, corn, and soybean seeds, which will soon be sown at four trial sites across major grain-producing regions. The project aims to decode genetic information from over 10,000 core germplasm accessions, creating a standardized dataset that integrates genotype, phenotype, and environmental data. By utilizing high-depth whole-genome resequencing and advanced field monitoring technologies like drone imaging and soil sensors, the initiative seeks to overcome the underutilization of global crop germplasm resources. This comprehensive data will support AI-driven predictive models for precision breeding, helping developers identify optimal parent combinations and avoid past failures caused by environmental instability. The ultimate goal is to enhance crop yields, stress tolerance, and quality through intelligent, data-backed breeding strategies, marking a significant advancement in agricultural science and food security infrastructure.