A pioneering agricultural scientist and educator whose work fundamentally reshaped plant pathology and agricultural microbiology in China 1 .
Imagine completing a prestigious PhD in the United States, receiving golden-key awards, and standing at the threshold of a brilliant international career in 1932. Then imagine turning away from it all, not for greater wealth or fame, but to return to a homeland ravaged by poverty and conflict.
This was the decisive choice of Professor Tafu Yu (1901-1993), a pioneering agricultural scientist and educator whose work would fundamentally reshape plant pathology and agricultural microbiology in China 1 . In an era when China struggled with widespread food insecurity and backward agricultural practices, Professor Yu dedicated his entire life to a single mission: rescuing the nation's crops from devastating diseases and nurturing generations of scientific talent. His story is not merely one of scientific achievement, but of profound patriotism and unwavering commitment to solving the most pressing problems of his people.
Born in 1901 in Nanjing, Professor Yu entered a China characterized by "weakness and poverty," suffering from domestic strife and foreign invasion 1 . His well-educated family held a clear vision: each child should study different disciplines to collectively use knowledge to rescue the nation. While Professor Yu initially began studying physics and chemistry, he soon made a pivotal shift to agriculture, convinced that solving problems of "poverty, backward agriculture and severe plant diseases" represented the most direct way he could serve his struggling compatriots 1 .
After obtaining his bachelor's degree from the College of Agriculture in Nanjing Jinling University in 1924, Professor Yu continued his studies abroad at Iowa State University in the United States 1 . There, he earned his doctoral degree in 1932 and received significant recognition including a Golden-Key award and membership in the American Phytopathological Society and Sigma-Xi 1 . Unlike many of his contemporaries who remained abroad for more favorable research conditions, Professor Yu immediately returned to China after graduation, beginning his lifelong work to modernize Chinese agriculture through scientific research and education 1 .
Professor at Nanjing Jinling University - Returned to China after completing PhD in the US 1
Professor at Agricultural Research Institute of Tsinghua University - Began pioneering work in plant pathology 1
Director and Professor at College of Agriculture in Peking University - Continued research during wartime challenges 1
President of Beijing Agricultural University - Led institutional development of agricultural education 1
Academician at Chinese Academy of Sciences - Recognized as first generation academician 1
During the War against Japanese Aggression, Professor Yu continued research under challenging conditions, making groundbreaking discoveries including his finding that Urocystis tritici exhibited physiological differentiation 1 . This initiated research on physiological breedings in China 1 .
By the 1960s, Professor Yu turned his attention to fundamental research questions, particularly focusing on fungal heteronuclear genetics in Gibberella zeae strains 1 . The central question driving this research was whether the heteronuclear phenomenon (where fungal cells contain genetically different nuclei) prevailed in nature—a subject of long-standing controversy in the scientific community 1 .
| Research Aspect | Discovery | Scientific Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Heterokaryon Formation | Gibberella zeae formed heterokaryons in nature from three different karyotypes 1 | Provided definitive evidence settling long-standing controversy about natural occurrence of heterokaryons 1 |
| Gibberellin Production | Strains with different heterokaryons varied in gibberellin production 1 | Demonstrated practical implications for industrial production of gibberellins 1 |
| Parasitism | Heterokaryon composition affected pathogenic behavior 1 | Revealed mechanisms behind mutation and adaptation in pathogenic fungi 1 |
| Disease Resistance | Understanding heterokaryons improved targeting of breeding for disease-resistance 1 | Enabled more strategic development of resistant crop varieties 1 |
Beyond his laboratory achievements, Professor Yu stood as a "prestigious and influential agricultural educator" who shaped the landscape of Chinese agricultural education 1 . After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, he faced the formidable task of rebuilding the College of Agriculture at Peking University 1 . His approach was both visionary and practical: he invited distinguished scholars from abroad, established a complete discipline framework and teaching management system, and championed a "democratic and open minded education system" 1 .
Professor Yu's commitment to his students extended beyond academic instruction. He demonstrated remarkable moral courage in opposing Kuomintang reactionaries who suppressed students' patriotic and democratic movements, while supporting the legitimate activities of teachers and students 1 . He rejected invitations from the Nanjing Kuomintang government, instead choosing to remain at his post to protect university property and, eventually, transport important equipment to liberated areas where scientific research could continue 1 .
"It takes ten years to grow trees, but a hundred years to rear people"
- Chinese proverb exemplified by Professor Yu's life work 1
Professor Tafu Yu's life embodied a perfect integration of scientific excellence, educational dedication, and patriotic service. From his early decision to abandon potentially lucrative career paths abroad to his persistent research under extremely challenging conditions, he demonstrated that true scientific impact is measured not merely by publications, but by tangible improvements in human welfare and national development.
His legacy lives on in multiple dimensions: through the foundation of plant pathology and agricultural microbiology in China; through the disease-resistant crop varieties that continue to protect Chinese agriculture; through the scientific institutions and educational systems he helped build; and through the generations of scientists he inspired to pursue knowledge in service to society 1 . Professor Yu excelled at both—cultivating stronger crops for immediate needs while nurturing the minds that would secure China's agricultural future. His story remains a powerful reminder that behind every scientific advancement lies human character, and that the most enduring discoveries often grow from roots of selfless service.
Established modern plant pathology and agricultural microbiology in China 1
Developed smut-resistant wheat, blight-resistant soybean, and blast-resistant rice varieties 1
Settled long-standing controversy about natural occurrence of heterokaryons 1
Mentored generations of scientists and established democratic education systems 1