More than 200 undergraduate and postgraduate students from Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) are carrying out field research in Xingguang village, Shishou, Hubei province. Their focus is on greener approaches to rice production and integrated farming.
One research area is pest control in an integrated rice-duck-crayfish farming system. HZAU doctoral student Xie Meiqi found that higher water levels used for crayfish farming can help reduce some overwintering rice pests, while ducks can suppress leaf folders and planthoppers. Combined with other non-chemical measures, the system can reduce pesticide use.
Researchers are also testing a microbial plant vaccine treatment designed to strengthen crop resistance and improve yields. In one field trial, the treatment increased farmers' returns by more than 80 yuan per mu (0.06 hectare).
The village also grows HZAU-developed black rice and uses precision fertilizer and feed management. HZAU researchers have introduced a new crayfish variety with stronger disease resistance and faster growth cycle.
Over six years, work at the site has been featured in more than 20 academic papers and provided students with experience in field-based agricultural research.

Zhou Zhi examines the impact of a plant vaccine on rice growth in a field. [Photo/Hubei Daily]

Xie Meiqi checks rice plants for signs of pests in the field. [Photo/Hubei Daily]

Xie Meiqi and a colleague inspect the growth of rice plants in the field. [Photo/Hubei Daily]