The Leisure Agriculture Research Institute organized a research team to tackle the domestic problems of Rhododendron low breeding level, limited varieties of domestic independent breeding, difficulty in breeding rare seedlings, low standardization of production and cultivation, and monotonous application of Rhododendron gardens. The institute carried out integrated R&D and extension of key technologies for variety breeding and high-efficient production.

523 pieces of Rhododendron germplasm resources were collected and introduced. The established Rhododendron germplasm resource conservation nursery was enlisted in the first batch of national flower germplasm resources and admitted into Jiangsu Forest Germplasm Resources Library. The ornamental and stress resistance evaluation system based on morphological and physiological indexes was established. The Rhododendron germplasm genetic diversity and consanguinity analytical technology system was established based on ISSR and SRAP molecular markers, providing rich germplasm reserves and theoretical basis for the popularization and application of Rhododendron and the breeding of new varieties. A number of excellent Rhododendron germplasm were screened out to cultivate more than 100 excellent Rhododendron cultivars and bred 14 new Rhododendron varieties with independent intellectual property rights, improving the research and development ability and level of new Rhododendron varieties. Key production technologies such as industrial rapid propagation of rhododendron seedlings (culturing, cutting, grafting), target flowering phase promotion and control and environment-friendly cultivation substrate were developed to realize large-scale production of rhododendron and promote the improvement of rhododendron production technology. The concerned research content won 1 first prize of Ministry of Education Scientific and Technological Progress Award, 1 second prize of State Forestry Administration Liang Xi Forestry Science and Technology Award, and 1 first prize of National Commercial Science and Technology Progress Award. Through promotion and application by many enterprises and institutions from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Hunan and other places, a total of 12,240 mu of azalea seedlings, nursery-grown plant and potted flowers have been developed and produced, adding an outp value of RMB 233.7 million. The economic and social benefits are remarkable. It has effectively promoted the sustainable development of azalea industry in China.