Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaolan Jiang is a distinguished researcher at Anhui Agricultural University, China, specializing in the secondary metabolism and physiological ecology of tea plants. As an associate professor and master’s supervisor, she has authored over twenty high-impact papers in leading journals such as Plant Cell & Environment, Horticulture Research, and Tree Physiology. Dr. Jiang has led numerous national and provincial research projects, including grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Anhui Provincial Science Foundations. Her work has resulted in two authorized invention patents and has earned her prestigious accolades, including the Anhui Provincial Natural Science Award and the Sixth Youth Science and Technology Award from the Chinese Tea Society.

Authors Profile

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Education

Dr. Xiaolan Jiang’s academic journey began with a strong interest in plant sciences, particularly the intricate biological mechanisms that govern growth, development, and metabolic processes in crops. Her formative years in academia were marked by rigorous training in agricultural sciences, laying the foundation for her later specialization in tea plant physiology and metabolism. Driven by curiosity and commitment to scientific excellence, she pursued advanced degrees that equipped her with in-depth knowledge of plant molecular biology, biochemistry, and ecology—disciplines essential for unraveling the complexities of secondary metabolism in tea plants.

Experience

Currently serving as an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at Anhui Agricultural University, China, Dr. Jiang has established herself as a dedicated educator and accomplished researcher. Her academic role involves both teaching and guiding graduate students in advanced scientific investigations. Over the years, she has successfully led and collaborated on several significant national and provincial-level research initiatives.

She has notably been the principal investigator of competitive research projects, such as:

• Youth and General Projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC),

• The Youth Science and Technology Talent Support Program under the Anhui Association for Science and Technology,

• Sub-projects within the National Key Research and Development Program,

• Multiple grants from both the Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation and Anhui Provincial University Natural Science Foundation.

Her leadership in these multidisciplinary projects reflects her ability to integrate ecological, biochemical, and physiological perspectives into actionable research on tea plants.

Research Focus

Dr. Jiang’s research is primarily centered on the secondary metabolism and physiological ecology of tea plants, a vital field that investigates how environmental factors influence the biosynthesis of important compounds such as flavonoids, catechins, and alkaloids. These compounds not only contribute to the flavor and health benefits of tea but also play key roles in plant defense and adaptability.

Her contributions include:

• Revealing the mechanisms of stress-induced metabolic pathways in tea plants,

• Exploring how climatic and ecological factors influence tea quality and yield,

• Publishing over twenty research articles as first or corresponding author in respected journals such as Plant Cell & Environment, Horticulture Research, and Tree Physiology.

Moreover, Dr. Jiang has demonstrated innovation through her patented inventions, two of which have been officially approved and authorized—showcasing her ability to bridge basic science with applied agricultural solutions.

Award and Recognition

Dr. Jiang’s scientific excellence has not gone unnoticed. Her work has earned her several prestigious honors, including:

• The Anhui Provincial Natural Science Award,

• The Sixth Youth Science and Technology Award conferred by the Chinese Tea Society.

These accolades speak to her leadership, creativity, and sustained contributions to agricultural science and tea research in China. They also reflect the high regard in which she is held by the national and regional scientific communities.

Publications

📘 Root-specific CsATs enhances acylated flavonol-glycoside accumulation to promote aluminum tolerance in tea roots – Plant Science (2025)

📘 Metabolic Characterization of the Anthocyanidin Reductase Pathway Involved in the Biosynthesis of Flavan-3-ols in Elite Shuchazao Tea (<em>Camellia sinensis</em>) Cultivar in the Field – Molecules (2017)