by LOURDES MEDEROS, UF/IFAS
Xingbo Wu is a rising star in the field of horticulture sciences, as recognized by the highly acclaimed American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS), a leading organization with over a century of advancing horticultural research and education.
The assistant professor of plant breeding and genetics at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is one of four national recipients of the ASHS 2025 Professional Early Career Award for Research, Innovation and Creativity. As one of the society’s highest honors for young professionals, the national award recognizes young scientists making exceptional strides within seven years of completing their final degree.
Wu has quickly built an internationally respected research program focused on improving specialty crops vital to Florida’s economy that include tropical hibiscus, vanilla and hydrangea. From his lab at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center (UF/IFAS TREC) in Homestead, Wu’s research combines cutting-edge genetic tools with an eye toward real-world impact, designed to improve crops for growers, gardeners and consumers.
“Dr. Wu’s genetic and genomic resources for underrepresented crops is having a significant global impact on horticultural research,” said Edward “Gilly” Evans, director of UF/IFAS TREC. “His contributions to horticultural science, plant breeding and genomics continue to shape the future of specialty crop research, strengthening both academic and industry advancements.”
Since joining UF/IFAS in 2020, Wu has established a tropical hibiscus breeding program to strengthen Florida’s $20 billion ornamental plant industry. He’s developing more resilient, colorful cultivars of hibiscus to serve as nursery staples.
His most notable work recognized among stakeholders including growers, investors and the public has been with vanilla and hydrangea. Wu’s vanilla research has drawn national attention as he works to make vanilla a viable crop in Florida, where climate and soil conditions are ideal, but commercial production is still in its infancy. He has extended the world’s largest collection of vanilla plants, which is fueling the development of new, climate-resilient varieties.
In hydrangea, Wu’s genetics research has helped decode the flower’s DNA, enabling faster and more targeted breeding. His scientific publications have twice received top honors from ASHS, in 2019 and 2023.
By identifying key genes and developing new DNA tools, Wu has made it easier for plant breeders worldwide to produce better flowers, faster.
“Breeding new varieties that can be used for commercial production is a process that needs constant effort, great dedication and, honestly, some luck,” said Wu. “It is amazing and exciting to see how genetics works to help people, and, quite honestly, the pride I feel when that moment happens.”
In just a few short years, Wu has secured more than $2.3 million in funding from sources including U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and industry partners including the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association Endowment Fund, industry partners. He also works closely with commercial producers to ensure his research reflects real-world needs.
His team includes doctoral and master’s students as well as postdoctoral researchers. Together, they are working to unlock the genetic potential of underused but promising crops, turning natural traits into commercial strengths.
Wu embarked on his academic journey in China with a bachelor’s degree in food science and a master’s degree in horticulture before completing his Ph.D. in plant breeding and genetics at Tennessee State University in 2018. He later conducted postdoctoral research with the USDA and North Carolina State University before joining UF in 2022.
In addition to his research, Wu serves as a journal editor, peer reviewer and mentor to the next generation of plant scientists.
“Dr. Wu is off to a great start, having an impressive publication record, including 32 refereed journal articles in high-impact journals, three book chapters, five peer-reviewed extension AskIFAS EDIS publications and 15 conference proceedings and abstracts,” said Evans.
Wu will be recognized at the ASHS annual conference in July.
— Provided by UF/IFAS