Syngenta Scientist Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award

Xingping Zhang, science fellow at Syngenta Biotechnology China, was awarded the Cucurbitaceae Lifetime Achievement Award at the Cucurbitaceae 2018 Conference. The award recognizes outstanding leadership, achievement and contributions to cucurbit science. Held every four years, the conference gives the award to two individuals—one from private industry and one from academia—who have contributed to innovations in cucurbit science and technology.

Zhang has contributed many technological breakthroughs in the watermelon-breeding program during his time at Syngenta and has played an integral role in the development of a number of large-sized seedless, personal-sized seedless, Super Pollenizer^™ and seeded watermelon varieties. He is known throughout the industry for his expertise in plant genetics, breeding and teaching.

“We are so proud of Xingping and this recognition that he has earned after a lifetime of contributing to watermelon breeding. The industry and consumers alike can literally enjoy the fruits of his labor every day.”

Crisp Delight, a standout variety Zhang helped develop recently, is a firm-fleshed watermelon variety bred specifically for processing into individually packaged slices that offer excellent eating quality. In response to the market’s demand for smaller portions of watermelon, Syngenta designed the variety to hold up to the rigors of packing and shipping after slicing. Fascination, another variety developed by Zhang, quickly became a top Syngenta seller and set a new standard for seedless watermelon varieties worldwide.

“We are so proud of Xingping and this recognition that he has earned after a lifetime of contributing to watermelon breeding,” says Dean Liere, regional portfolio manager, watermelon. “The industry and consumers alike can literally enjoy the fruits of his labor every day.”