Core Insights - The article highlights the dedication of Xu Weigang, a prominent wheat breeding expert, to modern agricultural development and the significance of wheat in ensuring national food security and improving farmers' livelihoods [5][10]. Group 1: Xu Weigang's Contributions - Xu Weigang has developed over 20 wheat varieties, including the notable "Zhengmai 9023," which has significantly contributed to China's wheat production and quality [4][11]. - His work has led to breakthroughs in wheat breeding, addressing challenges such as disease resistance and quality improvement, which are crucial for meeting both domestic and international market demands [10][11]. - The "Zhengmai 1860" variety, introduced in 2019, showcases advancements in yield and resource efficiency, further solidifying Xu's role in enhancing agricultural productivity [14]. Group 2: Agricultural Strategy and Innovation - Xu emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to wheat production, advocating for coordinated efforts in research and innovation to keep pace with global agricultural advancements [7][10]. - He raises critical questions regarding the future of wheat breeding in China, suggesting that the focus should not only be on quality for baked goods but also on meeting the specific needs of traditional Chinese food products [7][10]. - The article discusses the shift in national agricultural policy towards quality improvement and innovation, aligning with Xu's vision for sustainable agricultural practices [13][15]. Group 3: Personal Philosophy and Leadership - Xu Weigang's philosophy centers on being a "scientist for the people," reflecting his commitment to addressing the needs of farmers and contributing to societal welfare through agricultural research [8][10]. - He advocates for building a strong research team, emphasizing the importance of talent, scientific integrity, and dedication to societal contributions in the field of agricultural science [16][17]. - The article illustrates Xu's hands-on approach to research, with extensive fieldwork and direct engagement with farmers, which enhances the practical application of his scientific endeavors [18][20].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the successful development of a new high-quality, high-yield wheat variety, "Xinmai 26," by a research team led by Jiang Zhikai, which aims to reduce reliance on imported wheat and meet the growing demand for strong gluten wheat in China [1][10]. Group 1: Wheat Breeding Innovation - Jiang Zhikai and his team have developed "Xinmai 26," a wheat variety that combines superior gluten quality with high yield, addressing the historical challenge of balancing quality and productivity in Chinese wheat breeding [1][10]. - The breeding process took over a decade, involving extensive research and innovative methods to create a wheat variety that surpasses imported strong gluten wheat varieties like "Jiamai 2" and "Meimai DNS" [1][10][12]. Group 2: Market Demand and Supply Chain Risks - The demand for high-protein, strong gluten wheat has surged due to changing consumer preferences and rising living standards, leading to a reliance on imported wheat from countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia [3][4]. - The dependency on foreign wheat sources poses supply chain risks, prompting the research team to pursue domestic breeding solutions to ensure food security and resource independence [4][10]. Group 3: Achievements and Recognition - "Xinmai 18," another variety developed by the team, was recognized as a leading wheat variety in China from 2005 to 2008, showcasing the team's ability to produce high-quality wheat that meets national standards [5][10]. - "Xinmai 26" has become a flagship variety in the industry, achieving significant recognition and awards, including the first prize for scientific progress in Henan Province and a cumulative planting area exceeding 100 million mu, generating economic benefits of 12.6 billion yuan [13][16]. Group 4: Future Goals and Challenges - The team aims to continue advancing wheat quality by developing "super strong gluten" varieties that not only meet but exceed international standards, addressing the specific needs of the food processing industry [9][10]. - The breeding cycle for wheat is lengthy, often taking over a decade, and the pursuit of "super strong" traits may lead to challenges such as reduced yield or disease resistance, requiring resilience and innovation from the research team [11][12]. Group 5: Industry Impact and Applications - The "Xinmai" series of strong gluten wheat varieties has been widely adopted in the Huanghuaihai region, providing farmers with higher yields and better prices, thus enhancing their economic stability [14][15]. - The processed products from "Xinmai" wheat are being utilized in various high-end food applications, contributing to improved food quality and safety for consumers [15][16].