Pro | Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences | China
Dr. Weibing Zhuang, a leading researcher specializing in plant physiology and molecular plant science, is recognized for his extensive contributions to understanding plant growth regulation, stress tolerance, and metabolic pathways. His research focuses on physiological responses in medicinal and horticultural species, transcription factor functions, and adaptive mechanisms that enhance resilience under environmental stress. Emerging interests include melatonin-mediated growth modulation, anthocyanin biosynthesis, and spatiotemporal variations in bioactive compounds across diverse plant cultivars, supported by several recent publications in high-impact journals such as Industrial Crops and Products, Global Ecology and Conservation, PeerJ, and Microchemical Journal. Dr. Zhuang serves at the Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China, contributing significantly to collaborative and multidisciplinary plant science initiatives. With a distinguished record of 66 publications, 1,143 citations, and an h-index of 21, his professional experience encompasses critical roles in advancing applied plant biotechnology and ecological research. His key contributions include elucidating melatonin’s role in enhancing photosynthesis and physiological performance in Pseudostellaria heterophylla during late-stage growth, identifying transcription factors such as PtrMYB119 linked to drought tolerance in transgenic species, and establishing interactions between MYB1R1 and the LDOX promoter to regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis—discoveries that support future improvements in crop quality and biotic stress adaptation. Additionally, his work on spatial distribution patterns and negative density dependence in subtropical forest communities offers valuable insights into ecosystem stability and biodiversity conservation. Dr. Zhuang’s methodological innovations, including molecular screening strategies and comparative phytochemical analyses, contribute to improved breeding, cultivation, and conservation approaches for economically important plant species. His broader impact vision centers on strengthening sustainable agricultural systems, enhancing crop resilience through molecular and physiological innovations, and supplying science-based solutions to support ecological restoration and horticultural industries. Through his ongoing research, international collaborations, and publication leadership, Dr. Zhuang seeks to bridge fundamental plant science with applied biotechnology, ensuring that scientific advances translate into practical benefits for global agriculture, medicinal plant development, and environmental management.
Featured Publications
1. Zhuang, W., et al. (2025). Effects of melatonin on growth, photosynthesis, and physiological characteristics in Pseudostellaria heterophylla during the late growth stage. Industrial Crops and Products.
2. Zhuang, W., et al. (2025). Ectopic expression of a poplar gene PtrMYB119 confers enhanced tolerance to drought stress in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum*. Plants.
3. Zhuang, W., et al. (2025). Spatial distribution pattern and negative density dependence analysis of northern subtropical forest communities in Baohua Mountain. Global Ecology and Conservation.
4. Zhuang, W., et al. (2025). Screening of MYB1R1 interaction with LDOX promoter to regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in peaches. PeerJ.
5. Zhuang, W., et al. (2025). Identification and characterization of NAC transcription factor and their expression patterns under various treatments in Lycoris radiata. Scientia Horticulturae.
