面对面丨中国人的吃瓜自由要感谢她！吴明珠说她的一生就是结几个好瓜献给人民

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant contributions of Wu Mingzhu, known as the "Queen of Melons," in making China the largest producer and consumer of melons and watermelons globally [1][5][14] - Wu Mingzhu's dedication to agricultural innovation and her relentless pursuit of original research have been pivotal in the development of China's melon industry [5][14][15] Group 1: Contributions to Agriculture - Wu Mingzhu has been instrumental in collecting and preserving melon seed resources, successfully gathering 44 melon varieties over three years, which established a valuable resource archive for Xinjiang [8][14] - Under her leadership, the team has developed 30 melon and watermelon varieties that have passed provincial evaluations, significantly increasing China's melon seed preservation to over 2000 varieties [14][15] - The introduction of the "Early Jia 8424" watermelon variety in 1984 marked a turning point, leading to the widespread cultivation of watermelons across China and enabling the country to achieve "melon freedom" [9][14] Group 2: Personal Dedication and Sacrifices - Wu Mingzhu's commitment to her work often came at the expense of her personal life, as she entrusted her children to relatives while focusing on her research [15][17] - Despite facing health challenges, she continued to work tirelessly in the fields, often working from early morning until late at night [11][17] - Her husband, Yang Qiyou, supported her endeavors by assisting with her research and providing care, showcasing the personal sacrifices made for her career [10][11] Group 3: Legacy and Recognition - Wu Mingzhu's legacy includes not only her scientific achievements but also her role as a mentor to younger generations in the agricultural field [14][15] - She was elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering in 1999, but she declined the construction of a special building in her honor, reflecting her humility [14] - Her life story serves as an inspiration, emphasizing the importance of dedication to one's profession and the impact of individual contributions to national interests [18]