Feb 15th–17th, Aug 21st–12th, 2024
Pest activity has marked seasonal variations and the impact of pests varies from season to season. Research needs to observe and analyze the pattern of pest activities, reproduction and the extent of impact on crops in different seasons. For example, spring may be the peak season for certain pests to reproduce, while summer may be the high season for certain pests to damage crops. Understanding seasonal variations can help develop effective control timing and strategies to respond to pest threats in a timely manner and protect crop growth and development.
To comprehensively understand pest situation in different regions and seasons. HUBU-China team visited several rural areas in Hubei Province, including Shayang County, Jingmen City, Huangmei County, Huanggang City, Qianjiang City, and Jiangxia District, Wuhan City to investigate agricultural pests and carbon reduction.
(Upper) The HUBU-China team had an interview with local farmers in February in Huangmei County. (Lower) The HUBU-China interviewed local farmers in August in Jiangxia District.
Prof. Shengchun Li was invited to give a plant synthetic biology topic for biologist from Mozambique at Hubei vocational College of Bio-Technology. Prof. Li introduce recent advances in plastid genetic engineering for crop improvement, especially the plastid-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) for insect management. The different effectiveness of RNAi between Coleoptera and Lepidoptera was paid much attention.
Mozambique scientist also discussed about the potential and commercial application of transplstomic crops in Africa.
Mar 14th, 2024
Synthetic biology is an emerging cross-discipline, with huge application potential in the fields of medicine, fuels, and environmental protection. It involves the design and construction of novel artificial biological pathways, organisms and devices or the redesign of existing natural biological systems. To introduce the conception of synthetic biology for high school students, HUBU-China team visited and gave presentations in Shashi High School and Yiling High School of Hubei.
(Left) Prof. Shengchun Li, the supervisor of HUBU-China team, gave a presentation about plant synthetic biology in Shashi High School of Hubei. (Right) HUBU-China team shared pest control via plant-mediated RNAi technology Yiling High School of Hubei.
Jun 1st, 2024
On this children’s Day, three teams from Hubei University, namely HUBU-China WUHAN-HUBU-CHINA and HuBuLoong-CHN team, jointly held a biological art exhibition on the campus. Besides the introduction of research direction, PLASTID PESTICIDES™ also made insect and plant specimen with children.
HUBU-China team displayed plant-mediated RNAi for pest management and specimen making to children on Children’ Day.
Wuhan Seed Industry Exposition is one of the most influential seed industry exhibitions in China, featuring on-site displays of new seed varieties, business negotiations, academic exchanges, science education, technology promotion, and leisure tourism. On Jun 3rd, 2024, the open ceremony of Wuhan Seed Industry Exposition kicked off. More than 3,000 special and eye-catching farm products were displayed. Both HUBU-China and HUBU-Wuchang-China took their iGEM project to the exposition.
Partial members from HUBU-China and HUBU-Wuchang-China in Wuhan Seed Industry Exposition.
Jul 1st–7th, 2024
University education attaches much importance to combine theory and practice, and social practice is a vital approach for college students to understand society and exercise their abilities. As a special form of social practice, volunteer teaching activity is essential for improving the social responsibility and practical ability of college students. In this summer holiday, several HUBU-China members joined in a volunteer teaching group. They went to Chibi city of Hubei Province, and spent one week in helping primary school students study subjects, such as Mathematics and English.
Besides, PLASTID PESTICIDES™ volunteers also took care of students’ mental health, provided necessary psychological counseling and support, and helped students establish a positive attitude and the courage to face difficulties. Finally, children did some funny experiments with the volunteers’ help, such as simple battery making, egg in a bottle experiment, and boiling water in a paper cup. These experiments increased the attractiveness for children, cultivated their innovative thinking and teamwork abilities.
In summary, PLASTID PESTICIDES™ volunteer teaching activities bring valuable educational resources to children in rural or remote areas, helping them consolidate their basic knowledge, broaden their horizons, and stimulate their interest in learning.
(Upper) Subject guidance for primary school students. (Lower) Summer volunteer group of HUBU-China.