For Shao Quanxi, compiling an encyclopedia is more than a professional endeavor; it is the realization of a personal dream.

How many decades does a person have in a lifetime? How many of those decades are spent in one's career? For the editors of the Encyclopedia of Plant Protection in China, the project was like nurturing a child from infancy to adolescence. This monumental work took a decade to complete, representing the dedication of over 3,000 experts in the field of plant protection.

Encyclopedia of Plant Protection in China thoroughly introduces the disciplinary system of plant protection, incorporating the latest policies and advancements within the field.

Published by the China Forestry Publishing House, it consists of 8 volumes and 16 books, including the Comprehensive Volume, Volume on Plant Pathology, Volume on Insects, Volume on Weeds, Volume on Pesticides, Volume on Rodent Damages, Volume on Biological Controls, and Volume on Biosafety.

The book set, primarily compiled between 2012 and 2022, stands as the first systematic, comprehensive and authoritative reference in China's plant protection domain, filling a significant gap in the nation's encyclopedic resources.

Shao Quanxi, the chief editor of China Forestry Publishing House and the general leader of the encyclopedia project, is set to retire next year. The publication of the encyclopedia marks a notable achievement at the end of his extensive career.

This encyclopedia represents monumental work under the national publishing quality strategy of China Forestry Publishing House. It is a key national publication planning project, a national dictionary compilation and publication planning project, and a project funded by the National Publishing Fund.

Despite its academic value, the encyclopedia is accessible to a broad audience. "The encyclopedia is like an open university without walls, representing a country's mature technological development. It can be read by both adults and children, serving an educational role and playing a vital part in the popularization of a country's scientific and cultural education," Shao said.

According to Shao, the book challenges stereotypes and offers a more comprehensive perspective. For instance, when we think of rats, we often consider them harmful. However, the Volume on Rodent Damages highlights their essential role in the ecosystem and biodiversity. Rats are not only a critical link in the food chain, they also serve as food for many predators, and their digging activities improve soil structure. Their burrows provide habitats for various organisms, and they are crucial seed dispersers and pollinators, aiding forest regeneration and community succession. Additionally, rodents have made significant contributions to human medicine as experimental animals.

Similarly, while weeds can absorb nutrients from the soil and affect crop growth, they are also part of biodiversity, and some can be quite beautiful.

Compiling this encyclopedia required tremendous effort. As Shao noted, "Compiling an encyclopedia is like being in prison, sitting until calluses form on your buttocks." It demands training, adherence to standards, crosschecking, and enduring patience. During the decade-long dedication, some editors married and had children, growing alongside the book.

Through the encyclopedia, Shao hopes to merge China's most advanced technologies and cutting-edge concepts to enhance farmers' productivity and provide global guidance. "It provides a crucial element for people worldwide to understand the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, spreading the concept of a global community of life," Shao said.

Introduction of each volume:

The Comprehensive Volume defines and scopes the plant protection discipline, provides a historical overview of plant protection in China, profiles research institutions, showcases significant achievements, profiles notable scientists within the field, explores research technologies and outlines relevant regulations.

The Volume on Plant Pathology is centered around plant pathology, supported by foundational theories and detailed information on plant diseases. It covers over 1,480 entries on specific plant diseases affecting grains, oil-bearing crops, cash crops, vegetables, fruits, trees, tropical crops, ornamentals and medicinal plants.

The Volume on Biological Control is divided into three parts: biological control of plant diseases, biological control of plant pests and ecological biological control.

The Volume on Weeds is the first comprehensive, accurate, systematic and practical authoritative reference book on weed research and application in China. It highlights the advancement of chemical weed control technology and its impact on crop health and ecological integrity.

The Volume on Pesticides compiles accomplishments in pesticide science development of China. It provides an overview of the current status and development of new pesticides, as well as the control of plant diseases, pests and weeds.

The Volume on Insects contains 1,400 entries, detailing approximately 1,200 insect species pertinent to agriculture and forestry. It summarizes the development history of entomology in China, highlighting key accomplishments and emerging trends.

The Volume on Rodent Damage contains over 750 entries with a total of approximately 1.4 million characters.

The Volume on Biosafety is composed of two sections: Invasion Biology and Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Biosafety. Invasion Biology includes 195 entries with over 400 illustrations, while GMO Biosafety includes 420 entries with about 60 illustrations.

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