Abstract: We reviewed the distribution and classification of lotus，discussed the division of ecotypes of wild lotus and cultivars，summarized the research on genetic diversity of wild and cultivated lotus；Weintroduced alsolotus breeding，germplasm collectionand conservation；combeded the research progress of lotus in multi-omics,genetic map construction and gene mining. We suggested to strengthen research on the collection，protection and utilization of lotus genetic resources，proposedthat the future goalsof lotus breeding will be athigh quality，diversifiedand specialized utilization.