Principal Investigator

Dr. Yunbi Xu

Contact Address: No. 699 Binhu Road, Fangzi District, Weifang, Shandong, China

E-mail: yunbi.xu@pku.iaas.edu.cn

Education

1993 Ph. D., Genetics and plant breeding, Zhejiang Agricultural University (now Zhejiang University), China

1985 M.S., Genetics and Plant Breeding. Zhejiang Agricultural University (now Zhejiang University), China

1982 B.S., Agronomy, Huazhong Agricultural College (now Huanzhong Agricultural University), China

Working Experience

2023.11– present Senior Principal Investigator, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, China

2018.1-2023.10 Molecular maize breeder/Principal scientist, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) / State Specially Recruited Scientist, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China

2013.10–2017.12 Molecular maize breeder/senior scientist, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) /State Specially Recruited Scientist, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China

2010.8–2013.10 Molecular maize breeder/senior scientist, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) / Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China

2008.6–2010.7 Molecular maize breeder/senior scientist and head of Applied Biotechnology Center, CIMMYT, Mexico

2006.4–2008.6 Molecular maize breeder/senior scientist, CIMMYT, Mexico

2003–2006.3 Research associate, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Cornell University, USA

1998–2003 Plant Molecular Biologist and Molecular Breeder, RiceTec, Inc., Texas, USA

1995–1998 Postdoctoral Associate and Visiting Associate Professor, Department of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Cornell University, USA

1992–1995 Associate Professor and Deputy Director of Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang Agricultural University, China.

1985–1992 Assistant Professor and Lecturer, Department of Agronomy, Zhejiang Agricultural University, China.

ACADEMIC MEMBERSHIP AND ACTIVITIES

Deputy Editor-in Chief, The Crop Journal (Feb. 2020–May 2024)

Editor, Theoretical and Applied Genetics (Oct. 2007–Dec. 2024)

Technical editor, The Crop Journal (Jan. 2013–2020)

Editor, Agriculture Communications (Jan. 2023–)

Editor, Crop Design (June 2021–)

Editor, in silicoPlants (Sept 2019-2023)

Associate Editor, International Journal of Plant Genomics (Nov. 2006 – Dec. 2017)

Editor, Journal of Integrative Agriculture (Jan. 2008–May 2017)

Associate Editor, Molecular Breeding (April 2006–Dec. 2013)

Editor, ScientiaAgriculturaSinica (Jan. 2007–2016)

Editor, ActaAgronomicaSinica (Jan. 2007–2019)

AWARDS AND HONORS

Magnolia Silver Award (for outstanding contribution to international collaboration), Shanghai Municipal People‘s Government, China 2014

Internationally Recruited Scientist, Chinese Government, 2013

Chief Scientist for “Molecular Breeding Technology and Application in Maize Improvement”, a project of the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program (ASTIP) of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2013

Co-supervisor for “The Top 100 National Excellent Doctoral Dissertation, China” (Molecular characterization of global maize breeding germplasm and joint linkage-linkage disequilibrium mapping for drought tolerance, by Yanli Lu, through a joint training program by CIMMYT and Sichuan Agricultural University), awarded by Ministry of Education of China, 2012

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biotechnology, the Rockefeller Foundation, March 1995–July 1997

KEY SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROJECTS

The project “Development and application of speed breeding technology in maize” and “Maize Speed Breeding Team” (2024-2028), Shenzhen Science and Technology Program (KQTD20230301092839007)

Senior principal investigator project for the Provincial Technology Innovation Program of Shandong, a grant for the Peking University of Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, China (2023-2028)

Trait discovery for Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) resistance (2020-2024). Syngenta Biotechnology (China) Co., Ltd Collaborative Project (ZKSXZD202002)

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Refereed Journal Articles

Resende R.T., L. Hickey, C.H. Amaral, L.L. Peixoto, G.E. Marcatti, Y. Xu. 2024. Satellite-enabled enviromics to enhance crop improvement. Molecular Plant 17:848–866.

Xu, Y., F. Qin, C. Chu, R. K. Varshney. 2023. Abiotic stress tolerance: genetics, genomics, and breeding. The Crop Journal 11: 969–974.

Xiong W., M. Reynolds M., Y. Xu. 2022. Climate changes challenges plant breeding. Current Opinion in Plant Biology 70:102308.

Xu, Y., X. Zhang, H. Li, H. Zheng, J. Zhang, M. S. Olsen, R. K. Varshney, B.M. Prasanna, and Q. Qian. 2022. Smart breeding driven by big data, artificial intelligence and integrated genomic-enviromic prediction. Molecular Plant 15: 1664–1695.

Fu J, Y. Hao, H. Li, J. C. Reif, S. Chen, C. Huang, G. Wang, X. Li, Y. Xu, L. Li. 2022. Integration of genomic selection with doubled-haploid evaluation in hybrid breeding: From GS 1.0 to GS 4.0 and beyond. Molecular Plant 15:577–580.

Deng, Y., S. Liu, Y. Zhang, J.Tan, X. Li, X. Chu, B. Xu, Y.Tian, Y. Sun, B. Li, Y. Xu, X. W. Deng, H. He, X. Zhang. 2022. A telomere-to-telomere gap-free reference genome of watermelon and its mutation library provide important resources for gene discovery and breeding. Molecular Plant 15:1268-1284.

Zhu X., Y. Xu, J. Li, X. Zhang. 2022. Establishment of heterosis groups for hybrid wheat breeding (in Chinese). Chinese Science Bulletin 67:3152-3164.

Guo Z., Q. Yang, F. Huang, H. Zheng, Z. Sang, Y. Xu, C. Zhang, K. Wu, J. Tao, B. M. Prasanna, M. S. Olsen, Y. Wang, J. Zhang, and Y. Xu. 2021. Development of high-resolution multiple-SNP arrays for genetic analyses and molecular breeding through genotyping by target sequencing and liquid chip. Plant Communications 2:100230.

Zhang, X., Q.Qian, J. Zhang, X. W. Deng, J. Wang, Y. Xu. 2021. Transforming and upgrading off-season breeding in Hainan through molecular plant breeding. ScientiaAgriculturaSinica 54: 3789-3804.

Xu, Y., X. Liu, J. Fu, H. Wang, J. Wang, C. Huang, B.M. Prasanna, M.S. Olsen, G. Wang, A. Zhang. 2020. Enhancing genetic gain through genomic selection: from livestock to plants. Plant Communications. 1: 100005.

Guo, Z., C. Zou, X. Liu, S. Wang, W.-X. Li, D. Jeffers, X. Fan, M. Xu, Y. Xu. 2020. Complex genetic system involved in Fusarium ear rot resistance in maize as revealed by GWAS, bulked sample analysis, and genomic prediction. Plant Disease 104: 1725-1735.

Li, Z., X. Liu, X. Xu, J. Liu, Z. Sang, K. Yu, Y. Yang, W. Dai, X.Jin, Y. Xu. 2020. Favorable haplotypes and associated genes for flowering time and photoperiod sensitivity identified by comparative selective signature analysis and GWAS in temperate and tropical maize. The Crop Journal 8: 227-242.

Xu, Y. X. Liu, J. Fu, H. Wang, J. Wang, C. Huang, B. M. Prasanna, M. S. Olsen, G. Wang, and A. Zhang. 2020. Enhancing genetic gain through genomic selection: from livestock to plants. Plant Communications 1: 100005

Guo Z., H. Wang, J. Tao, Y. Ren, C. Xu, K. Wu, C. Zou, J. Zhang and Y. Xu. 2019. Development of multiple SNP marker panels affordable to breeders through genotyping by target sequencing (GBTS) in maize. Molecular Breeding 39:37

Xu, C., H.Zhang, J. Sun, Z.Guo, C. Zou, W.-X. Li, C.Xie, C. Huang, R. Xu, H. Liao, J. Wang, X. Xu, S. Wang, Y. Xu. 2018. Genome-wide association study dissects yield components associated with low-phosphorus stress tolerance in maize. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 131:1699-1714.

Bukowski, R, X Guo, Y Lu, C Zou, B He, Z Rong, B Wang, D Xu, B Yang, C Xie, L Fan, S Gao, X Xu, G Zhang, Y Li, Y Jiao, JF Doebley, J Ross-Ibarra, A Lorant, V Buffalo, MC Tomay, ES Buckler, D Ware, J Lai, Q Sun, Y. Xu. 2017. Construction of the third generation Zea mays haplotype map. GigaScience 7:1-12.

Rasheed, A., Y.Hao, X. Xia, A. Khan, Y. Xu, R. K. Varshney, and Z. He. 2017. Crop breeding chips and genotyping platforms: progress, challenges, and perspectives. Molecular Plant 10: 1047–1064.

Xu, Y., P. Li, C. Zou, Y. Lu, C. Xie, X. Zhang, B.M. Prasanna, M.S. Olsen. 2017. Enhancing genetic gain in the era of molecular breeding. Journal of Experimental Botany 68: 2641–2666.

Xu, Y. 2016. Envirotyping for deciphering environmental impacts on crop plants. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 129: 653–673

Zou, C., P. Wang, Y. Xu. 2016. Bulked sample analysis in genetics, genomics and crop improvement. Plant Biotechnology Journal 14: 1941–1955.

Chia, J.M., C. Song, P. J. Bradbury, D.Costich, N. de Leon, J.Doebley, R. J. Elshire, B.Gaut, L. Geller, J. C. Glaubitz, M. Gore, K. E. Guill, J. Holland, M. B. Hufford, J. Lai, M. Li, X. Liu, Y. Lu, R. McCombie, R. Nelson, J. Poland, B. M. Prasanna, T.Pyhäjärvi, T.Rong, R. S. Sekhon, Q. Sun, M. I. Tenaillon, F. Tian, J. Wang, X. Xu, Z. Zhang, S. M. Kaeppler, J. Ross-Ibarra, M. D. McMullen, E. S. Buckler, G. Zhang, Y. Xu, D. Ware. 2012. Maize HapMap2 identifies extant variation from a genome in flux. Nature Genetics 44: 803-80.

Xu, Y., Y. Lu, C.Xie, S. Gao, J. Wan, B. M. Prasanna. 2012. Whole-genome strategies for marker-assisted plant breeding. Molecular Breeding 29:833–854.

Lu, Y., S. Zhang, T. Shah, C.Xie, Z.Hao, X. Li, M.Farkhari, J.-M.Ribaut, M. Cao, T.Rong, and Y. Xu. 2010. Joint linkage-linkage disequilibrium mapping, a powerful approach to detect quantitative trait loci underlying drought tolerance in maize. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 107:19585-19590.

Glover, J.D., J. P. Reganold, L. W. Bell, J. Borevitz, E. C. Brummer, E. S. Buckler, C. M. Cox, T. S. Cox, T. E. Crews, S. W. Culman, L. R. DeHaan, D. Eriksson, B. S. Gill, J. Holland, F. Hu, B. S. Hulke, A. M. H. Ibrahim, W. Jackson, S. S. Jones, S. C. Murray, A. H. Paterson, E. Ploschuk, E. J. Sacks, S. Snapp, D. Tao, D. L. Van Tassel, L. J. Wade, D. L. Wyse, and Y. Xu. 2010. Increased food and ecosystem security via perennial grains. Science 328: 1638-1639.

Sun, Y., J. Wang, J. H. Crouch and Y. Xu. 2010. Efficiency of selective genotyping for genetic analysis of complex traits and potential applications in crop improvement. Molecular Breeding 26:493–511.

Yan, J., X. Yang, T. Shah, H. Sánchez, J. Li, M. Warburton, Y. Zhou, J. H. Crouch, and Y. Xu. 2010. High-throughput SNP genotyping with the GoldenGate assay in maize. Molecular Breeding 25:441–451.

Lu, Y., J. Yan, C. T. Guimarães, S. Taba, Z. Hao, S. Gao, S. Chen, J. Li, S. Zhang, B. S. Vivek, C. Magorokosho, S. Mugo, D. Makumbi, S. N. Parentoni, T. Shah, T. Rong, J. H. Crouch, and Y. Xu. 2009. Molecular characterization of global maize breeding germplasm based on genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 120: 93-115.

Gao, S., C. Martinez, D. J. Skinner, A. F. Krivanek, J. H. Crouch, and Y. Xu. 2008. Development of a seed DNA-based genotyping system for marker-assisted selection in maize. Molecular Breeding 22:477-494.

Xu, Y. and J. H. Crouch. 2008. Marker-assisted selection in plant breeding: from publications to practice. Crop Science 48:391-407.

Xu, Y., S. R. McCouch and Q. Zhang. 2005. How can we use genomics to improve cereals with rice as a reference genome? Plant Molecular Biology 59:7-26.

Xu, Y. 2003. Developing marker-assisted selection strategies for breeding hybrid rice. Plant Breeding Reviews 23:73-174.

Xu, Y. 2002. Global view of QTL: Rice as a model. p.109-134. In: M. S. Kang (ed), Quantitative Genetics, Genomics, and Plant Breeding. CAB International.

Xu Y., S. R. McCouch and Z. Shen. 1998. Transgressive segregation of tiller angle in rice caused by complementary action of genes. Crop Science 38:12-19.

Xu, Y. 1997. Quantitative trait loci: separating, pyramiding, and cloning. Plant Breeding Reviews 15:85-139.

Xu, Y., L. Zhu, J. Xiao, N. Huang and S. R. McCouch. 1997. Chromosomal regions associated with segregation distortion of molecular markers in F2, backcross, doubled haploid, and recombinant inbred populations of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Molecular and General Genetics 253:535-545.

Xu, Y. B. and Z. T. Shen. 1991. Diallel analysis of tiller number at different growth stages in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Theoretical and Applied Genetics 83:243-249.

Books

Liu, Xu. and Xu, Yunbi. (eds) 2025. Crop Germplasmics. Science Press, Beijing; EDP Science, Les Ulis, 541pp.

Xu, Yunbi (author), Jianguo Chen, Jinping Hua, Shuangyong Yan, Zaijun Zhang, Songwen Wang and Pengbo Li (translators). 2014. Molecular Plant Breeding (Chinese Edition, with an update chapter), Science Press, Beijing, 732pp.

Xu, Yunbi. 2010. Molecular Plant Breeding. CABI Publisher, Wallingford, UK, 734pp.

Xu, Yunbi, Zhining Wang andZhihua Yu (Translators). 1996. Genetic Data Analysis. (by B. S. Weir, Sinauer Associates, Inc. Sunderland, MA 1990). China Agriculture Press, Beijing, China

Xu, Yunbi and Lihuang Zhu. 1994. Molecular Quantitative Genetics(in Chinese). China Agriculture Press, Beijing, China. 291pp.