
Professor Charles Melnyk from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences delivers a speech at the event. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]
Over 100 scholars and students from seven countries, including Canada, the UK, Germany, Argentina, the US, Japan, and China, gathered at Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) from Oct 22 to 23 for the International Symposium of Horticultural Plant Biology 2025. The event fostered in-depth discussions on cutting-edge research and collaborative strategies for advancements in horticultural science.
HZAU Vice President Li Dapeng highlighted the university's commitment to horticulture, including achievements of the National Key Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops. He noted the university's comprehensive research teams spanning the horticulture value chain, leading to impactful advancements in germplasm conservation, gene discovery, and molecular breeding.
The two-day symposium featured keynote speeches, specialized sessions, and a dedicated youth forum. Fifteen scholars from institutions such as Ghent University, Durham University, Kyoto University, and China Agricultural University delivered keynote speeches. Professor Charles Melnyk from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences presented insights on the molecular mechanisms of plant grafting, elucidating the crucial role of carbohydrates in graft union formation.
Reinforcing its commitment to nurturing future talent, the symposium included a Young Scholars Forum where a postdoctoral researcher and three graduate students from HZAU presented their research, showcasing the innovation and dynamism of the next generation of horticultural scientists. The symposium served as a platform to deepen global cooperation and drive innovation in horticultural science.