Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zongying Zhang | Agricultural Technology | Applied Science Scholar Award

Associate Professor From Shandong Agricultural University, China

Zongying Zhang is an accomplished associate professor at the College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, with a strong academic background in pomology. His expertise spans fruit breeding, quality regulation mechanisms, and the exploration of germplasm resources, with a particular focus on pears and apples. With over a decade of experience in both research and academia, Zhang has made significant contributions to the field of horticultural science. His scholarly work is widely recognized, featuring numerous publications in high-impact journals. Zhang’s role extends beyond research, as he actively participates in academic editorial boards and serves as a reviewer for several prestigious journals. His dedication to advancing horticultural science has earned him multiple awards, including the Second Prize for National Technology Invention in 2020 and the Provincial Science and Technology Agriculture Development Award in 2024. Through his scientific endeavors, Zhang continues to influence the agricultural sector by enhancing fruit breeding techniques and postharvest storage practices. His commitment to both research excellence and academic leadership highlights his prominent role in the horticultural science community.

Professional Profiles

• Scopus Profile

Education

Zongying Zhang has a robust academic foundation, specializing in horticulture and pomology. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from Shandong Agricultural University between 2007 and 2011. During this period, he gained foundational knowledge in plant sciences, agricultural practices, and fruit production. Driven by his passion for fruit breeding and crop improvement, he pursued a Doctorate in Pomology at the same institution from 2011 to 2016. His doctoral research involved in-depth studies on fruit quality regulation mechanisms, postharvest physiology, and genetic analysis of fruit ripening and softening. Zhang’s academic journey equipped him with advanced skills in molecular biology, plant physiology, and biochemistry, which form the basis of his scientific expertise. His education laid the groundwork for his subsequent contributions to fruit breeding and storage optimization. With his solid educational background, Zhang has become a leading researcher in horticultural sciences, particularly in the areas of apple and pear breeding.

Professional Experience

Zongying Zhang’s professional career reflects steady academic progression and impactful contributions to horticultural science. Following the completion of his doctorate, he joined Shandong Agricultural University in 2016 as a lecturer. In this role, he was actively involved in teaching and conducting research on fruit breeding, quality regulation, and postharvest storage techniques. Over the next seven years, Zhang expanded his expertise through collaborative projects and prolific publications. His dedication and scientific achievements earned him a promotion to associate professor in 2024. As an associate professor, Zhang leads research teams, supervises graduate students, and collaborates with industry partners to enhance fruit breeding methodologies. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he plays a key role in academic publishing as a reviewer for renowned journals, including Plant Journal, Horticulture, and Food Chemistry. Zhang’s continuous engagement in both teaching and research reflects his commitment to advancing horticultural science and mentoring the next generation of researchers.

Research Interests

Zongying Zhang’s primary research interests lie in fruit breeding, quality regulation mechanisms, and the study of germplasm resources, with a focus on apples and pears. His work explores the genetic and biochemical factors influencing fruit ripening, softening, and postharvest quality. Zhang is particularly interested in identifying key transcription factors and metabolic pathways involved in ethylene synthesis, aroma volatiles accumulation, and anthocyanin biosynthesis. His research also investigates enzymatic activity and phenolic compounds associated with fruit browning, aiming to develop strategies for extending fruit shelf life and enhancing quality. Additionally, Zhang studies the molecular mechanisms regulating lignin biosynthesis in pear stone cells, contributing to improved fruit texture and storage traits. His expertise in transcriptome analysis and metabolomics enables him to identify genes and metabolites that influence fruit quality, thereby facilitating the development of superior apple and pear cultivars. Zhang’s research ultimately aims to address key challenges in fruit production, quality enhancement, and postharvest preservation.

Research Skills

Zongying Zhang possesses a diverse set of research skills that reflect his expertise in horticultural science and molecular biology. His proficiency in fruit breeding techniques includes hybridization, selection, and characterization of new apple and pear cultivars. Zhang is skilled in transcriptome analysis, gene expression profiling, and bioinformatics, enabling him to investigate gene regulatory networks involved in fruit ripening, ethylene synthesis, and anthocyanin biosynthesis. He is adept at molecular cloning, CRISPR-based gene editing, and metabolomics, which are essential for identifying and manipulating genes associated with fruit quality traits. Zhang also has expertise in postharvest physiology, including the biochemical analysis of fruit metabolites and the evaluation of enzymatic browning mechanisms. His ability to apply advanced statistical and computational tools for gene expression and metabolite data analysis strengthens the reliability of his findings. Furthermore, his editorial and peer-review experience showcases his critical evaluation skills and knowledge of scientific publishing standards.

Awards and Honors

Zongying Zhang’s contributions to horticultural science have earned him several prestigious awards and honors. In 2020, he received the Second Prize for National Technology Invention, recognizing his innovative work in fruit breeding and postharvest quality improvement. His groundbreaking research on pear and apple quality regulation mechanisms significantly contributed to this achievement. In 2024, Zhang was honored with the Provincial Science and Technology Agriculture Development Award Advanced Individual, highlighting his impactful contributions to agricultural advancements in Shandong province. His scholarly excellence is further evidenced by his extensive publication record in high-impact journals such as Plant Journal, Horticulture Research, and Food Chemistry. Additionally, Zhang serves as a reviewer for top-tier scientific journals, including Plant Journal and Food Chemistry, demonstrating his influence in the scientific community. He is also a guest editor for Moleculars and Horticulturae and a young editorial board member for Agriculture Communications and Fruit Research. His active involvement in academic societies, including serving as the Director of the Pear Branch of the Chinese Horticultural Society, reflects his leadership and dedication to advancing horticultural research.

Conclusion

Zongying Zhang is a distinguished researcher and associate professor whose contributions to horticultural science have significantly advanced fruit breeding and postharvest quality regulation. His expertise in pomology, combined with his proficiency in molecular biology and transcriptome analysis, has led to the development of innovative strategies for improving fruit quality and extending shelf life. Zhang’s prolific publication record, editorial roles, and active participation in scientific societies underscore his influence in the field. His numerous awards and honors reflect his exceptional contributions to agricultural research and technology. Moving forward, Zhang aims to continue his pioneering work in fruit breeding, focusing on enhancing the genetic traits of apple and pear cultivars. His commitment to scientific excellence and agricultural innovation makes him a key figure in the field of horticultural science, driving advancements that benefit both the scientific community and the agricultural industry.

Publications Top Notes

1. Physiological response and transcriptomic analysis of red-fleshed apple seedlings to low temperature stress

   • Authors: Lingyu Meng, Rui Zhang, Yanping Wei, Xuesen Chen, Wenjun Liu

   • Year: 2025

2. The regulatory module MdCPCL-MdILR3L mediates the synthesis of ascorbic acid and anthocyanin in apple

   • Authors: Qi Zou, Tiantian Bao, Lei Yu, Nan Wang, Xuesen Chen

   • Year: 2025

3. ABIOTIC STRESS GENE 1 mediates aroma volatiles accumulation by activating MdLOX1a in apple

   • Authors: Jing Zhang, Yongxu Wang, Susu Zhang, Zongying Zhang, Xuesen Chen

   • Year: 2024

   • Citations: 1

4. Auxin responsive factor MdARF17 promotes ethylene synthesis in apple fruits by activating MdERF003 expression

   • Authors: Tong Wang, Jing Zhang, Shuhui Zhang, Zongying Zhang, Xuesen Chen

   • Year: 2024

5. Transcription factor MdbZIP44 targets the promoter of MdPPO2 to regulate browning in Malus domestica Borkh.

   • Authors: Jianwen Zhao, Qi Zou, Tiantian Bao, Zongying Zhang, Xuesen Chen

   • Year: 2024

   • Citations: 3

6. A Functional InDel in the WRKY10 Promoter Controls the Degree of Flesh Red Pigmentation in Apple

   • Authors: Nan Wang, Wenjun Liu, Zhuoxin Mei, Lailiang Cheng, Xuesen Chen

   • Year: 2024

   • Citations: 6

7. Advances in Quality and Maturity Breeding of Important Deciduous Fruit Trees in China

   • Authors: Xuesen Chen, Nan Wang, Futian Peng, Yuxin Yao, Zongying Zhang

   • Year: 2024

   • Citations: 10

8. The regulatory role of MdNAC14-Like in anthocyanin synthesis and proanthocyanidin accumulation in red-fleshed apples

   • Authors: Tongyao Xu, Lei Yu, Ningwang Huang, Nan Wang, Xuesen Chen

   • Year: 2023

   • Citations: 6