Dr. Li Zhuang, Tree fruit physiologist, Visiting Scientist Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, January to November, 2018.

B.Sc. and M.Sc. Shenyang Agricultural University, Ph.D China Agricultural University.

Dr. Li Zhuag’s research focus on the tree fruit nutrition, high efficiency fertilization techniques, and orchard soil management methods, and irrigation. In addition, he is also engaged in investigating orchard management technologies, such as seedling management, orchard establishment, tree training and pruning.

While working at the Univ. of Guelph, Simcoe Research Station, Dr. Zhuang is planning to study i) irrigation and fertilization techniques to increase water use efficiency, reduce fertilizer rate, and improve fruit quality; 2) mechanisms of apple flower bud initiation and formation to advance our understanding of biennial bearing cultivars, such as ‘Honeycrisp’ and ‘Fuji’ apple, and; 3) nursery tree propagation techniques, such as precocity and performance of trees propagated by tissue culture, stool beds.

Dr. Zhuang also will collaborate on methods to delay fruit maturity and increase fruit quality of peaches and study apple cider brewing techniques.

Dr. Zhuang’s one-year visit to the University of Guelph will foster international research relations and lead to future collaborations and the sharing of research knowledge between Canada and China.