The award-winning delegation from HZAU poses for a group photo. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]
Fourteen scientific achievements were recognized at the Hubei Science and Technology Innovation Conference on Jan 6, with Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) as the primary contributor, receiving the prestigious 2024 provincial award.
Among the recipients were professor Xing Yongzhong and professor Sun Ming from the College of Life Science and Technology and professor Hong Dengfeng from the College of Plant Science and Technology, who were honored with the first prize of the Hubei science and technology award.
Professor Xing Yongzhong led the award-winning project, titled "molecular mechanism of high yield and regional adaptability of rice". Over the course of 10 years, the project pinpointed the heading stage of rice as the pivotal factor influencing yield, unraveling the molecular underpinnings of rice's global expansion and regional adaptability. The project also put forth a strategy for enhancing yield through improvements in panicle traits.
Professor Sun Ming spearheaded the project titled "development of a novel Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strain for Meloidogyne spp. control". This groundbreaking initiative resulted in the creation and registration of the world's first commercialized Bt biopesticide for combating Meloidogyne spp. By establishing streamlined production processes and cutting-edge application technologies, the project significantly elevated China's biological control capabilities against these destructive pests, with widespread implementation across nine provinces, including Hubei.
Professor Hong Dengfeng led the project titled "analysis of the interaction mechanism of rapeseed dual-gene nuclear male sterility and breeding of strong hybrid varieties". This extensive research effort spanned over two decades and yielded significant advancements in 9012A-type nuclear male sterility regulation theory, male sterile line breeding techniques, the development of nuclear male sterile lines, and the creation of superior hybrid varieties.