Vice-Dean of the Faculty, at School of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), China.
Professor Yougen Wu is a distinguished scholar specializing in plant breeding and medicinal botany. Currently, he serves at the School of Breeding and Multiplication, Hainan University, Sanya. His extensive research focuses on rhizosphere microbial communities, continuous cropping systems, and plant metabolic pathways. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to understanding plant-soil-microbe interactions, particularly in patchouli cultivation. With multiple prestigious research projects under his leadership, he has been a driving force in agricultural innovation. He has published extensively in high-impact journals and holds several patents in medicinal plant cultivation and biotechnological advancements. His expertise is widely recognized, making him a respected figure in plant sciences.
Professional Profile
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ORCID
Education 🎓
Professor Wu holds a Ph.D. in Medicinal Botany from Nanjing Agricultural University (2009). Prior to that, he earned his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Horticulture from Jiangxi Agricultural University (2003 and 2000, respectively). His academic journey has been enriched by multiple international fellowships, including postdoctoral research at the University of Hawaii (2012-2013) and Hainan University (2011-2015). He further broadened his expertise through visiting scholar positions at the University of Hawaii (2015) and the University of Florida (2018-2019). His diverse academic background has shaped his multidisciplinary approach to plant science research.
Experience 💼
Professor Wu’s career spans research, teaching, and innovation in plant sciences. His tenure at Hainan University has been marked by groundbreaking contributions to plant metabolism and microbial ecology. He has led several National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, focusing on transcriptomics, metabolomics, and soil microbiology. His international experience as a postdoctoral fellow and visiting scholar has enabled him to collaborate globally. Additionally, he has supervised numerous graduate students and researchers, fostering new generations of plant scientists. His industry collaborations extend to standardized cultivation techniques and biotechnological applications in medicinal plant production.
Research Interests 🔬
Professor Wu’s research interests lie in plant-microbe interactions, continuous cropping systems, and molecular plant physiology. His work deciphers the impact of root exudates on rhizosphere microbial communities, especially in patchouli. He also explores genetic mechanisms governing plant metabolite production and stress adaptation. His studies integrate transcriptomics, miRNA sequencing, and functional genomics to unravel plant resilience mechanisms. Through metagenomic and soil biochemical analyses, he aims to develop sustainable agricultural practices. His research contributes to medicinal plant biotechnology, optimizing cultivation techniques for high-value crops.
Awards & Recognitions 🏆
Professor Wu has received numerous accolades for his contributions to plant science. His research projects have been funded by prestigious grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. He has been recognized for his pioneering studies in continuous cropping stress and plant-microbe interactions. His work in medicinal botany and sustainable agriculture has earned him invitations to leading conferences and collaborations with global research institutions. His patents and publications further establish his authority in the field, making him a sought-after expert in plant biotechnology.
Top Noted Publications 📖
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Functional Analysis of the PcCDPK5 Gene in Response to Allelopathic Substances on p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid (p-HBA) Stress in Patchouli
- Authors: Xiaofeng Liu, Jingru Zhou, et al.
- Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
- Year: 2025
- DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117659
- Summary: This study investigates the role of the PcCDPK5 gene in patchouli when exposed to the allelopathic compound p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HBA). The research provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying patchouli’s response to allelopathic stress, highlighting the gene’s potential role in stress tolerance.
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Molecular Basis of Pogostemon cablin Responding to Continuous Cropping Obstacles
- Authors: Not specified in the provided information.
- Journal: Industrial Crops and Products
- Year: 2023
- Summary: This paper explores the molecular responses of Pogostemon cablin (patchouli) to challenges associated with continuous cropping. The study aims to identify key genes and pathways involved in the plant’s adaptation to continuous cultivation, offering strategies to mitigate associated growth obstacles.
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Combined Physiological and Transcriptome Analysis
- Authors: Not specified in the provided information.
- Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science
- Year: 2022
- Summary: This research combines physiological assessments with transcriptome analysis to understand specific plant responses under certain conditions. The integrated approach provides a comprehensive view of how plants adjust at both the physiological and molecular levels.
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Integrated Analysis of Physiological, mRNA, and miRNA Sequencing
- Authors: Not specified in the provided information.
- Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science
- Year: 2022
- Summary: This study offers an integrated analysis combining physiological data with mRNA and miRNA sequencing to delve into the regulatory networks governing plant responses. The findings shed light on the complex interactions between different molecular players in plant adaptation processes.
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Identification of the CDPK Gene Family in Patchouli
- Authors: Not specified in the provided information.
- Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science
- Year: 2023
- Summary: This paper focuses on identifying and characterizing the Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase (CDPK) gene family in patchouli. Understanding these genes provides insights into how patchouli regulates various physiological processes, especially under stress conditions.
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Continuous Cropping of Patchouli Alters Soil Physiochemical Properties and Rhizosphere Microecology Revealed by Metagenomic Sequencing
- Authors: Guangtao Gu, Muhammad Zeeshan Ul Haq, Xue Sun, Jingru Zhou, Ya Liu, Jing Yu, Dongmei Yang, Huageng Yang, Yougen Wu
- Journal: Frontiers in Microbiology
- Year: 2025
- DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1482904
- Summary: This study examines the impact of continuous cropping on soil properties and the rhizosphere microbial community associated with patchouli. Using metagenomic sequencing, the research reveals significant changes in soil pH, nutrient content, enzyme activities, and microbial diversity over successive cropping years, providing a theoretical basis for understanding and preventing continuous cropping obstacles.
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Continuous Cropping of Patchouli and Soil Properties
- Authors: Not specified in the provided information.
- Journal: Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
- Year: 2024
- Summary: This paper investigates how continuous cropping affects soil properties in patchouli cultivation. The findings highlight alterations in soil nutrients, pH, and microbial communities, offering insights into sustainable agricultural practices for patchouli.
Conclusion
Dr. Yougen Wu is a strong candidate for the Research for Excellence in Innovation award. His contributions to medicinal plant biotechnology, molecular biology, and sustainable agriculture are highly impactful. Expanding industry collaborations and international research funding would further solidify his global research excellence.