Qihua Ling studies chloroplasts, which are unique photosynthetic organelles in plants and algae.

Chloroplasts are not only the place for photosynthesis, but also are essential for plant development and stress adaptation. The establishment and maintenance of chloroplast functions both depend on the adjustment of chloroplast proteostasis. Qihua aims to understand how chloroplast proteome is controlled during plant growth and stress response.

A better understanding of the molecular regulation of chloroplast development will offer broad application prospects for the improvement of agricultural and horticultural plants.