Turns out, he’s truly the father of Chinese citrus fruits!

The development of China's citrus industry would have been unthinkable without the remarkable contributions of a great horticulturist—Mr. Zhang Wencai. Revered as the "Father of Chinese Citrus" and affectionately known as "Ju Weng," he was a renowned fruit tree scientist, pioneering horticultural educator, and leading citrus expert, as well as one of the founding figures of China's citrus discipline. Mr. Zhang Wencai's groundbreaking work and achievements in citrus cultivation continue to inspire awe, ensuring that his name remains etched in the annals of Chinese horticultural history.

Release date:

2024-03-25


We were the first in China to conduct experiments on herbal preservation and the fresh-keeping of citrus fruits, pioneering a new approach to extend their shelf life. Drawing on international research, we developed a fruit-washing solution that combines "Carbendazim" with 2,4-D, allowing citrus fruits to stay fresh and marketable for up to four months under normal room-temperature storage conditions.

 


Mr. Zhang Wencai is currently conducting citrus research (file photo).

 

Mr. Zhang Wencai was born in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Since graduating from Jinling University in 1927, he has dedicated himself to horticultural research and education, holding teaching positions at institutions including Jinling University, Jimei College of Agriculture and Forestry, the College of Agriculture at Zhejiang University, Northwest Agricultural College, the College of Agriculture at Wuhan University, and Huazhong Agricultural University. No matter where he worked, Mr. Zhang consistently achieved remarkable accomplishments, nurturing generations of outstanding professionals in the field of fruit tree cultivation and playing a pivotal role in advancing China’s fruit-growing industry. Notably, he developed numerous high-quality citrus varieties, revitalizing China’s citrus sector and driving significant growth in the industry.

 

Mr. Zhang Wencai has achieved remarkable success in his research on citrus cultivation, proposing numerous theories and methods that have paved the way for the modernization of the citrus industry. His scientific approach to planting and meticulous management techniques have not only boosted citrus yields and quality but also fostered sustainable growth within China's citrus sector.

 

As the "Father of Chinese Citrus," Mr. Zhang Wencai not only achieved remarkable success in academic research but also stood out as a scholar deeply committed to social responsibility. He dedicated himself to advancing citrus cultivation techniques and nurturing generations of horticulture professionals, making an indelible contribution to the growth of China's citrus industry. His spirit and accomplishments continue to inspire future generations to embrace innovation, paving the way for even greater strides in the development of the citrus sector.


Mr. Zhang Wencai's Major Works

  • In 1935, he authored "Practical Citrus Cultivation," which became China's first specialized monograph on citrus cultivation.
  • In 1954, he authored "The Science of Packaging, Storage, and Marketing of Fresh Fruits";
  • In 1977, he served as the editor of "Citrus: Production Techniques and Scientific Experiments";
  • In 1979, he edited China's first "Methods of Fruit Tree Research," which was adopted as a nationwide standard textbook.
  • In 1983, co-authored "Research on Frost Damage to Citrus in China" with Jiang Ailiang;
  • In 1987, "Modern Fruit Tree Production Techniques" was written, introducing cutting-edge scientific and technological advancements both domestically and internationally.
  • In addition, he has authored more than 70 valuable academic papers.


Mr. Zhang Wencai's Outstanding Achievements

  • Large-scale selection and breeding of frost-resistant citrus varieties to address the issue of citrus freeze damage.
  • Selecting the best among the best, we are cultivating high-yielding, premium-quality, and locally adapted citrus varieties.
  • A new citrus breeding program featuring "selection in year one, propagation in year two, and evaluation & promotion in year three";
  • We were the first in China to conduct experiments on herbal preservation and保鲜 of citrus fruits, pioneering a new approach to extending their shelf life. Drawing on international research, we developed a fruit-washing solution combining "Carbendazim" with 2,4-D, enabling citrus fruits to remain fresh and marketable for up to four months under normal room-temperature storage conditions.
  • For the first time in China, virus-free superior seed propagation efforts have been launched, paving the way for breeding programs focused on cold resistance, disease resistance, and salt-alkali tolerance—and bringing China's citrus biotechnology research achievements to an internationally advanced level.
  • Making significant contributions to establishing a citrus commodity production base in China;
  • It has cultivated a large number of outstanding professionals in fruit tree cultivation, horticulture, and citrus expertise for China.

 

Honoring Mr. Zhang Wencai, the "Father of Chinese Citrus," whose remarkable contributions will forever be etched in the annals of China's citrus industry—and who continues to inspire colleagues to strive tirelessly for the thriving advancement of China's horticultural sector!

 


A bronze statue of Mr. Zhang Wencai, requested by the public (file photo)

The father of citrus in China, a man of literary talent and vision, dedicated his life to developing the nation's horticultural industry—specifically focusing on fruit tree cultivation.