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周尧:以虫治虫护麦田 学术正名扬国威
Ke Ji Ri Bao· 2025-07-18 01:00
Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant contributions of Zhou Yao to the field of entomology in China, emphasizing his efforts to establish a national identity in insect classification and biological pest control methods, ultimately aiming to reverse the historical narrative that has marginalized Chinese contributions in this field [1][5]. Group 1: Zhou Yao's Background and Education - Zhou Yao was a prominent entomologist who studied at the University of Naples under a leading authority in insect classification, becoming the only Eastern student in his program [3]. - He returned to China in 1938 amidst the outbreak of war, prioritizing national service over further studies, and later chose to work at the Northwest Agricultural College to contribute to agriculture and education [3]. Group 2: Innovations in Pest Control - In the 1940s, Zhou Yao developed a biological pest control method using parasitic wasps to combat wheat pests, which proved effective and saved millions of acres of wheat fields [4]. - He founded China's first national entomological society and a private insect research institute during wartime, demonstrating leadership in the field [4]. Group 3: Contributions to Chinese Entomology - Zhou Yao worked to establish a historical narrative for Chinese entomology, uncovering significant achievements in pest management from ancient texts, leading to the publication of a groundbreaking work in 1957 [5]. - He played a crucial role in founding the journal "Insect Systematics and Evolution," which connected China with the global scientific community [5]. Group 4: Legacy and Impact - Zhou Yao's lifelong dedication resulted in the collection of over 400,000 insect specimens and the discovery of 372 new species, significantly enhancing China's entomological resources [6]. - His contributions have established a foundation for ongoing research in biodiversity, with his museum housing 1.5 million specimens, marking it as a key institution in global biological diversity studies [6].