In the vast expanse of agricultural fields, a dedicated group of individuals wields technology as their pen and sweat as their ink, scripting new chapters in agricultural modernization. Among them is Yao Tian, an agricultural researcher whose dedication and relentless efforts drive her pursuit of becoming an excellent plant breeder.

 

Yao Tian (first from the left) with her team members

Yao Tian serves as a breeder assistant at the Crop Genetics and Germplasm Innovation Platform of the Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences. She focuses on developing new melon varieties and establishing a cucumber EMS mutant library. Her experiences in breeding have cemented her belief that seeds are the “chips” of agriculture—essential for ensuring national food security. With unwavering passion and intellect, Yao works with her team to develop high-yielding, high-quality, and stress-resistant crop varieties, contributing to the sustainability of agriculture.

 

Yao Tian (right) working on melon evaluation

In her daily work, Yao exhibits remarkable professionalism and dedication. She spends countless hours in the fields, meticulously observing crop growth and collecting critical data. In the lab, she is tireless, engaging in gene mining, molecular marker development, and other breeding innovations. Her meticulous approach ensures every experiment is executed with precision, and every dataset is rigorously validated to guarantee reliability and accuracy.

 

Yao credits her aspiration to become an excellent breeder to her mentor, Dr. Xingping Zhang, and her collaborative team. “Go to the fields, go again, and keep going. Only through fieldwork and close observation can discoveries be made—otherwise, breeding remains purely theoretical,” she reflects. This hands-on philosophy has deeply shaped Yao’s perspective.

She shared, “In 2024, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, I joined the Sanya Winter Nursery Base to complete my first season of melon breeding. Now, I’m preparing for the second season. Tomorrow (January 21), I will head to KAUST University in Saudi Arabia to pursue my Ph.D. It’s critical to deepen my breeding knowledge systematically. Before leaving, I wanted to ensure the second crop of melon breeding was on track. I’ve left myself less than a day to prepare for departure.”

 

Yao Tian working in her office (January 20)

Yao understands that plant breeding is a long-term endeavor requiring patience, persistence, and continuous learning. She remains deeply committed to advancing her expertise, exploring cutting-edge breeding techniques, and contributing to her team’s success. “Our team has a fantastic learning atmosphere. We regularly exchange ideas, and everyone is deeply dedicated to the work. It’s a privilege to collaborate with such an outstanding group,” she says.

Looking ahead, Yao expresses her aspiration to follow in the footsteps of her mentor, Dr. Zhang. “I want to be a breeder who ensures every stage of the agricultural value chain delivers meaningful results, fostering a true win-win scenario for all stakeholders. This vision keeps me motivated every day,” Yao shares with determination.