Shenchun Qu | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Shenchun Qu | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Nanjing Agricultural University, China

Professor Shenchun Qu is a distinguished academic serving at Nanjing Agricultural University, where he leads research and graduate mentorship efforts primarily focused on the sustainable development and scientific advancement of the persimmon industry. With a profound impact on fruit crop physiology and biotechnology, Professor Qu has significantly contributed to both fundamental research and applied agricultural innovations, particularly targeting the enhancement of persimmon dwarfing, propagation, and genetic transformation. His extensive academic journey is rooted in agricultural sciences, and his professional role as a professor reflects years of progressive engagement in plant biotechnology and crop genetics. Throughout his tenure, he has established himself as a leading voice in persimmon research by integrating molecular biology, plant physiology, and genetic engineering to solve pressing challenges in fruit production.

Profile

Scopus

Professor Qu’s educational foundation is firmly grounded in agricultural science, and his career at Nanjing Agricultural University has flourished through consistent dedication to mentoring graduate students, spearheading field research, and contributing to cutting-edge developments in plant biotechnology. His educational experiences have positioned him to guide interdisciplinary investigations that bridge genetics, molecular biology, and horticulture. Through rigorous academic training and collaborative initiatives, Professor Qu has built a research portfolio that underlines the importance of integrating genetic regulation and innovative cultivation techniques to advance fruit tree breeding.

Education

Professionally, Professor Qu has cultivated deep expertise through years of hands-on academic work, where he has successfully managed large-scale research projects funded by prestigious organizations. Two of his prominent ongoing projects include the Jiangsu Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Fund (CX(22)2028) and the Jiangsu Seed Industry Revitalization Project (JBGS(2021)019). These projects reflect his commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity through biotechnological intervention and genetic analysis. As a consultant and leader of several applied agricultural projects, he has made notable contributions to the industry by translating laboratory results into field-ready solutions. His industry relevance is further supported by the successful filing of four patents, including a special fertilizer for sweet persimmon and genetic innovations related to the Nantong Square Persimmon. These patents exemplify his applied research approach and commitment to tangible outcomes in crop enhancement and propagation techniques.

Research

Professor Qu’s research interests center around the genetic mechanisms regulating persimmon dwarfism, interstock-induced morphological traits, and stress-responsive gene expression. His scientific inquiry bridges plant molecular genetics and horticultural biotechnology, allowing for deeper understanding and control of plant growth traits. He has delved into the functional characterization of key gibberellin-related genes such as DkGAI1, DKGA2ox1, and miR171f_3, which play a regulatory role in growth inhibition and scion behavior. His work has made pioneering advances in identifying candidate genes responsible for dwarfism, which is critical for orchard management and high-density planting systems. Moreover, his interest in transcriptomic analysis, antioxidant properties of persimmon varieties, and genetic transformation has opened new doors for enhancing crop performance under environmental stress.

Awards

His academic excellence has been recognized through several prestigious platforms, and he is often nominated for awards celebrating innovation in agricultural science. His work in the field of fruit tree physiology and genetic modification has set new benchmarks for developing high-yield, resilient cultivars. He is a strong candidate for national and international recognition in the plant sciences sector, particularly for his innovations that blend genetic engineering with sustainable agricultural practices.

Publications

Professor Qu’s publication record exemplifies his leadership in persimmon genetics. Among his recent peer-reviewed journal articles are:

  1. Ye X. et al., “The regulatory role of DELLA protein DkGAI1 in persimmon dwarfism,” Plant Science, 2025 – Cited in [article count TBD via Web of Science].

  2. Dong Y. et al., “The regulatory role of gibberellin related genes DKGA2ox1 and MIR171f_3 in persimmon dwarfism,” Plant Science, 2021 – Highly cited in plant physiology research.

  3. Dong Y. et al., “The regulation of DKGA2ox1 and miR171f_3 in scion dwarfing,” Planta, 2021 – Referenced widely in horticultural biotechnology studies.

  4. Dong Y. et al., “Antioxidant and the dwarfing candidate gene of ‘Nantongxiaofangshi’,” Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020 – Impactful in oxidative stress research in plants.

  5. Shen Y. et al., “Transcriptomic analysis of interstock-induced dwarfism in Sweet Persimmon,” Horticulture Research, 2019 – Cited in interstock physiology research.

  6. Li X. et al., “In vitro regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of D. lotus,” Scientia Horticulturae, 2018 – Frequently cited in plant transformation literature.

  7. Wang H. et al., “Selection of suitable reference genes for qPCR in persimmon,” PLOS ONE, 2017 – Recognized for methodological innovations in gene expression analysis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Professor Shenchun Qu stands as a leading figure in persimmon biotechnology with a robust academic background, innovative research contributions, and a dedication to advancing fruit tree development through molecular and physiological insights. His career embodies a unique blend of theoretical depth and practical application, making him a strong nominee for any award honoring breakthroughs in agricultural research. His scholarly output, patent achievements, and mentorship legacy continue to drive innovation in horticulture and plant science, ensuring lasting contributions to food security and crop sustainability.

Prof. Dr. Zhihui Xu | Soil Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Zhihui Xu | Soil Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Zhihui Xu | Nanjing Agricultural University | China

Dr. Zhihui Xu 👨‍🔬 is a Full Professor in Soil Microbiology at Nanjing Agricultural University. With a PhD in Plant Nutrition 🌱 and extensive research in beneficial microbe-plant interactions, his work focuses on Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and its role in biofilm formation, plant growth promotion, and biocontrol mechanisms. Dr. Xu has contributed to multiple national research projects 📊 and delivered invited lectures at international conferences 🌍. His innovative research aims to enhance soil health and sustainable agriculture through microbial ecology and biotechnology advancements 🔬. He has published extensively in top journals, making significant strides in soil microbiology and plant nutrition.

Professional Profile :

ORCID

Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhihui Xu is highly suitable for a Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions in soil microbiology, microbial ecology, and sustainable agriculture. His extensive research and academic achievements position him as a leader in this field. Dr. Xu’s expertise in soil microbiology and plant nutrition has led to innovative findings, particularly in understanding the beneficial interactions between plants and microbes. His work on Bacillus amyloliquefaciens has advanced knowledge on biofilm formation, plant growth promotion, and biocontrol mechanisms, contributing to global efforts in improving soil health and sustainable agricultural practices.

Education and Experience 🏫

  • 🎓 PhD in Plant Nutrition (2009–2014) – Nanjing Agricultural University

  • 🎓 BSc in Biology (2005–2009) – Nanjing Agricultural University

  • 👨‍🏫 Full Professor in Soil Microbiology (2023–present)

  • 👨‍🏫 Associate Professor in Soil Microbiology (2019–2023)

  • 👨‍🏫 Lecturer in Soil Microbiology (2014–2019)

Professional Development 🚀

Dr. Zhihui Xu’s professional development has been marked by impactful research, academic excellence, and international collaboration. He has coordinated several prestigious research projects, including those funded by the National Nature Science Foundation of China 🌟 and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation 🧬. His international exposure includes delivering oral presentations at conferences like BACELL-2019 in Slovenia 🌍. Dr. Xu’s work focuses on soil microbiology, particularly microbial interactions in the plant rhizosphere, contributing to sustainable agriculture 🌱. His innovative research on Bacillus spp. strains aims to improve biocontrol, enhance plant resilience, and optimize soil microbial ecology.

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Zhihui Xu’s research centers on soil microbiology and beneficial plant-microbe interactions 🌱. His studies emphasize the role of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in promoting plant health through antibiosis, biofilm formation, competitive root colonization, and systemic resistance induction. His lab uses B. amyloliquefaciens SQR9 as a model bacterium to explore microbial ecology, social interactions, and microbial community dynamics 🧫. His goal is to uncover molecular mechanisms that enhance plant resilience, reduce crop diseases, and foster sustainable agriculture 🚜. Dr. Xu’s research combines genomics, proteomics, and microbiological techniques to improve soil health and optimize rhizosphere ecology.

Awards and Honors 🏆

  • 🥇 National Nature Science Foundation of China Grants (31972512, 31501833)

  • 🌟 National Key Research and Development Programs (2016YFD0200305, 2017YFD0200805)

  • 🏅 China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Grant (2015M581813)

  • 🎖️ Jiangsu Science and Technology Department Award (BK20150658)

  • 🎤 Invited Speaker at BACELL-2019, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Publication Top Notes:

  • 🧫 The effect of combination of root exudates substances on stimulation of Bacillus spores’ germination  📄
  • 🌱 Turning antagonists into allies: bacterial-fungal interactions enhance the efficacy of controlling Fusarium wilt disease 🌟
  • 🧬 Interspecies interaction reshapes the fitness landscape of evolved genotypes  📝
  • 🌾 Social behaviors shift properties that are beneficial to plants in two-member consortia of Bacillus velezensis  🌐
  • 🦠 Metabolic interactions affect the biomass of synthetic bacterial biofilm communities 📄