Liu observes an ongoing experiment, demonstrating the precision required in her research. [Photo/new.hzau.edu.cn]

With over a decade of experience in corn breeding, Liu Yuanfang, a PhD student enrolled in 2021 at the College of Plant Science and Technology at Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU), is focused on advancing agricultural methods and promoting food security. She is part of a new generation of young agricultural scientists who are making their mark in the field.

Growing up in Henan province, a central grain-producing region in China, Liu developed an early interest in seeds and crop yields. This curiosity led her to the field of plant science, and during her undergraduate years, she joined a corn research team. Under the mentorship of Professor Yan Jianbing, she realized that agricultural research must address practical needs.

This belief motivated her to investigate the issue of high moisture content in corn kernels, a problem that affects mechanical harvesting. Liu became part of a research project on rapid grain dehydration. Her team discovered a previously overlooked gene that encodes a small peptide and uncovered its role in regulating dehydration through ethylene signaling. The findings, offering crucial theoretical support for breeding corn varieties suitable for machine harvesting, were published in Cell in 2024, one of the leading scientific journals.

Liu and her team have filed several patents and collaborated with over a dozen companies to translate their research into practical applications, optimizing the technology for different varieties and growing conditions.

"Research should extend beyond the lab," Liu said. "Only by aligning with industry needs can innovation truly benefit agriculture." She plans to continue investigating advanced breeding technologies and help transition more high-quality crop varieties from the laboratory to the field.