Reknowned forest scientist Wang Mingxiu, 91, who was the former principal of Nanjing Forestry University, passed away in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, on Saturday.
As a trailblazer in the domain of forest genetics and tree breeding, Wang was recognized as the “Father of Chinese Black Poplar.” His introduction of American black poplar to the Huanghuai area and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River was a major contribution to the growth of China’s poplar industry.
In these areas, 14 new poplar types were developed and widely planted under Wang’s direction, boosting farmer earnings and fostering social and economic advancement in the area. Additionally, he was instrumental in the industrialization of the poplar industry.
Wang also has a deep commitment to education. Throughout his career, he taught innumerable students and worked as the chief editor of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, China’s first comprehensive textbook on genetic breeding in forestry. Both nationally and internationally, he is well-known and regarded for his contributions to the fields of forestry and genetic breeding.
A funeral for Wang will be held at Nanjing Funeral Parlor on Wednesday.