College of Animal Science and Technology

Permanent Address:

College of Resources and Environment

Northwest A&F University

Taicheng Road No.3

Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100

P.R.China

Fax: +86-029-87080055

E-mail: yajungao@nwsuaf.edu.cn; yajungao2008@126.com

Professor

Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

Degree(s):

PhD, Plant Nutrition, Northwest A&F University, P.R. ChinaMSc, Soil Science and Plant Fertilization, Northwest A&F University, P.R. ChinaB. Agronomy, Soil Science and Plant Fertilization, Northwest A&F University, P.R. China

Research Interests:

[1] Biology of nitrogen efficient use by plant

[2] Green manure impacts on soil properties and crops growth in dryland

[3] Nutrition and fertilization of oilseed rape

Professional Experience:

2008- : Professor of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Northwest A&F University, P.R. China

2017-2017: Visiting Professor, John Innes Centre, UK

2005-2007: Visiting Associate Professor of Plant Physiology, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Canada

2001-2008: Associate professor of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Northwest A&F University, P.R. China

1995-2000: Lecturer of Plant Nutrition Group, Northwest A&F University, P.R. China

1995-1995: Visiting Trainee for the Post-graduate Course of Integrated Rural Regional Development Planning, Development Study Center, Rehovot, Israel

1990-1994: Research Assistant, Northwest A&F University, P.R. China

Research Projects and Support (from 2000):

[1] 2018-2020, Technology integration and demonstration of chemical fertilizer and pesticide reduction of oilseed rape, funded by Ministry of Sci.&Tech.

[2] 2015-2019, Integrated technology of water-fertilizer-pesticide saving for wheat-maize-oilseed rape in Loess plateau, funded by Ministry of Agriculture

[3] 2013-2016, The Regulation of Heterotrimeric G-proteins Signaling in Nitrate Transport of Plant, funded by Northwest A&F Unversity, Ya-jun Gao

[4] 2011-2015, Technology integration and demonstration of green manure crops planting and utilization in Loess plateau, funded by Ministry of Agriculture

[5] 2008-2010, Heterotrimeric G protein’s roles in BRs signal transduction in Arabidopsis thaliana, funded by Ministry of Education

[6] 2009-2011, Physiology and molecular biology mechanism of efficient use of nitrogen by rapeseed, funded by Ministry of Education

[7] 2008-2010, Screening of high-nitrogen-efficiency cultivars of oilseed rape and its molecular biology, funded by Northwest A&F University

[8] 2005-2007, The reasons and mechanism of the reduction of wheat yield under straw mulching in dryland, grant from The National Natural Science Foundation of China

[9] 2003-2006, Studies on physiological characteristics, ecological and environmental impact of agricultural production with high quality, high yield and high efficiency on dryland in Northwest China, grant from The National Natural Science Foundation of China

[10] 2003-2005, Residual nitrate and its regulation in soil of dryland, grant from The National Natural Science Foundation of China

[11] 1998-2002, Effects of optimized water and nutrients management on crop yield, grant from The National Natural Science Foundation of China

Publications (from 2005):

[1] Huiying He, Yuyu Xie, Anyu Zhao, Wencong Hu, Xiao Guo, Anthony J Miller, Xiaoming Wu, Biyun Chen, Rong Zhang, Hui Tian*, Yajun Gao*. Genotypic variation in nitrogen utilization efficiency in oilseed rape is related to the coordination of leaf senescence and root N uptake during reproductive stage. Plant Soil, 2021. DOI:10.1007/s11104-021-04838-8(*Corresponding author)

[2] Xiao Guo,Yunyou Nan, Huiying He, Bao-Luo Ma, Neil B. McLaughlin, Xiaoming Wu, Biyun Chen, Yajun Gao*. Post-flowering nitrogen uptake leads to the genotypic variation in seed nitrogen accumulation of oilseed rape. Plant Soil, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-020-04815-7(*Corresponding author)

[3] Xiao Guo, Bao-Luo Ma, Neil B. McLaughlin, Xiaoming Wu ,Biyun Chen, Yajun Gao*. Nitrogen utilisation-efficient oilseed rape (Brassica napus) genotypes exhibit stronger growth attributes from flowering stage onwards. Functional Plant Biology, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1071/FP20263(*Corresponding author)

[4] Asghar Rana Muhammad Ammar, Yupei Chen, Teng Zhang, Zhiyuan Yao, Tiecheng Hu, Hongyan Li, Na Liu, Dabin Zhang, Weidong Cao, Bingnian Zhai, Zhaohui Wang and Yajun Gao*. Cover crops cultivated in summer fallow under varying spatial arrangments improved soil properties of dryland Loess Plateau of China. Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2020, 57(3): 921-931 (*Corresponding author)

[5] Zhiyuan Yao, Qian Xu, Yupei Chen, Na Liu, Lidong Huang, Ying Zhao, Dabin Zhang*, Yangyang Li, Suiqi Zhang, Weidong Cao, Bingnian Zhai,Zhaohui Wang, Sina Adl, Yajun Gao*. Enhanced Stabilization of Soil Organic Carbon by Growing Leguminous Green Manure on the Loess Plateau of China. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 2019, 83:1722–1732. doi:10.2136/sssaj2019.04.0123 (*Corresponding author)

[6] Xiao Guo, Huiying He, Rong An, Yuying Zhang, Rui Yang, Lanqin Cao, Xiaoming Wu, Biyun Chen ,Hui Tian*, Yajun Gao*. Nitrogen useinefficient oilseed rape genotypes exhibit stronger growth potency during the vegetative growth stage. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 2019, 41(10):1-11. https://doi.org/10.1007 /s11738-019- 2965-z(*Corresponding author)

[7] Zhang Dabin, Yao Zhiyuan, Chen Jiao, Yao Pengwei, Zhao Na, He Wenxiang, Li Yangyang, Zhang Suiqi, Zhai Bingnian, Wang Zhaohui, Huang Donglin, Cao Weidong, Gao Yajun*. Improving soil aggregation, aggregate-associated C and N, and enzyme activities by green manure crops in the Loess Plateau of China. European Journal of Soil Science, 2019, 70（6）：1267-1279. DOI: https:// doi.org /10.1111/ ejss.12843(*Corresponding author)

[8] Zhang Dabin, Yao Pengwei, Zhao Na, Cao Weidong, Zhang Suiqi, Li Yangyang, Huang Donglin, Zhai Bingnian, Wang Zhaohui, Gao Yajun*. Building up the soil carbon pool via the cultivation of green manure crops in the Loess Plateau of China. Geoderma, 2019, 337: 425-433(*Corresponding author)

[9] Zhiyuan Yao, Dabin Zhang, Na Liu, Pengwei Yao, Na Zhao, Yangyang Li, Suiqi Zhang, Bingnian Zhai, Donglin Huang, Zhaohui Wang, Weidong Cao, Sina Adlb, Yajun Gao*. Dynamics and Sequestration Potential of Soil Organic Carbon and Total Nitrogen Stocks of Leguminous Green Manure-Based Cropping Systems on the Loess Plateau of China. Soil & Tillage Research, 2019, 191: 108–116(*Corresponding author)

[10] Mengjiao Li, Runze Wang, Hui Tian*, Yajun Gao. Transcriptome responses in wheat roots to colonization by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. Mycorrhiza ,2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00572-018-0868-2

[11] Ying Liang, Xiaoyu Zhao, Alan M. Jones, Gao Yajun*. G proteins sculp root architecture in response to nitrogen in rice and Arabidopsis。 Plant Science ，2018，274：129–136(*Corresponding author)

[12] Zhiyuan Yao, Dabin Zhang, Pengwei Yao, Na Zhao, Yangyang Li, Suiqi Zhang, Bingnian Zhai,Donglin Huang, Aisheng Ma, Yajie Zuo, Weidong Cao, Gao Yajun*. Optimizing the synthetic nitrogen rate to balance residual nitrate and crop yield in a leguminous green-manured wheat cropping system. Science of the Total Environment , 2018, 631–632: 1234–1242(*Corresponding author)

[13] HuiTian, Xiaolei Yuan, JianfengDuan,Wenhu Li, BingnianZhai*, YajunGao. Influence of nutrient signals and carbon allocation on the expression of phosphate and nitrogen transporter genes in winter wheat (TriticumaestivumL.) roots colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. PLOS ONE (SCI, IF="2.806, Q1), 2017, 12(2), doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0172154

[14] CAO Wei-dong, BAO Xing-guo, XU Chang-xu, NIE Jun, GAO Ya-jun, GENG Ming-jian. Reviews and prospects on science and technology of green manure in China. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer , 2017, 23(6): 1444–1455(in Chinese with English abstract)

[15] Zhiyuan Yao, Zheng Wang, Jing Li, Laurent Bedoussac, Suiqi Zhang, Yangyang Li, Weidong Cao, Bingnian Zhai, Zhaohui Wang, Gao Yajun*. Screen for sustainable cropping systems in the rain-fed area on the Loess Plateau of China. Soil & Tillage Research , 2018, 176: 26–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2017.07.014 (*Corresponding author)

[16] Huiying He, Rui Yang, Yajun Li, Aisheng Ma, Lanqin Cao, Xiaoming Wu, Biyun Chen, Hui Tian and Gao Yajun*. Genotypic Variation in Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency of Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus) Under Contrasting N Supply in Pot and Field Experiments. Frontiers in Plant Science , 2017,8：1825. doi: 10.3389/ fpls. 2017. 01825 (*Corresponding author)

[17] Zhiyuan Yao, Dabin Zhang, Pengwei Yao, Na Zhao, Na Liu, Bingnian Zhai, Suiqi Zhang, Yangyang Li,Donglin Huang, Weidong Cao, Gao Yajun*。Coupling life-cycle assessment and the RothC model to estimate the carbon footprint of green manure-based wheat production in China。 Science of the Total Environment ，607–608 (2017) 433–442。http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.07.028 (*Corresponding author)

[18] DU Wei, WANG Ziquan, HE Wenxiang, GAO Yajun, CAO Weidong. Effects of Leguminous Green Manure on Soil Nutrients and Their Ecological Stoichiometry Characteristics in Weibei Rainfed Highland. ACTA PEDOLOGICA SINICA,2017，54（4）：999-1008(in Chinese with English abstract)

[19] Ying Liang, Gao Yajun*, Alan M. Jones*. Extra large G-Protein interactome reveals multiple stress response function and partner-dependent XLG sub-cellular localization. Frontiers in Plant Science , 2017, 8：:1015 doi:10.3389/fpls. 2017. 01015(*Corresponding author)

[20] Ying Liang, Daisuke Urano, Kang‑Ling Liao, Tyson L. Hedrick, Gao Yajun* and Alan M. Jones*. A nondestructive method to estimate the chlorophyll content of Arabidopsis seedlings. Plant Methods , 2017,13:26. DOI 10.1186/s13007-017- 0174 -6(*Corresponding author)

[21] YUAN Xiao-lei， TIAN Hui*，GAO Ya-jun. Seasonal expression of genes related to nitrogen metabolism in wheat with different nitrogen utilization efficiencies. China Soil and Fertilizer Sciences , 2017，（1）：48-55 (in Chinese with English abstract)

[22] LI Hongyan, CAO Xiaohong, FANG Yulin, Gao Yajun*. Comprehensive assessment of the effects of different acritical light supplements on Cabernet Sauvignon grape quality. China Brewing , 2016,35（9）：129-133(*Corresponding author) (in Chinese with English abstract)

[23] LI Hong-yan，HU Tie-cheng，CAO Qun-hu，YU Chang-wei，CAO Wei-dong，Gao Yajun*. Effects of green manure varieties and planting patterns on soil properties in dryland. Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer Sciences ,2016,22（５）：1310-1318 (*Corresponding author) (in Chinese with English abstract)

[24] ZHAO Hu-bing, WANG Zhao-hui, GAO Ya-jun, ZHANG Wei-feng. Investigation and evaluation of household wheat fertilizer application in Shaanxi Province. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer , 2016,22（1）：245-253(in Chinese with English abstract)

[25] DUAN Jian-feng, TIAN Hui, GAO Ya-jun*. Effect of inoculating different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the expression of nitrogen transporter genes in roots of wheat. China Soil and Fertilizer Sciences , 2016，（2）：130-136 (*Corresponding author) (in Chinese with English abstract)

[26] YAO Zhi-yuan, WANG Zheng, LI Jing, YU Chang-wei, CAO Qun-hu, CAO Wei-dong, GAO Ya-jun*. Profit analysis of different rotations based on leguminous green manure in dryland area. Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer Sciences , 2016,22（1）：76-84(*Corresponding author) (in Chinese with English abstract)

[27] Wang Ren-jie, Lu Jun-jun, Liu-Wei, Yang Jun-lin, Zhang Yue-xia, Dong Ming-lei, Li Wen-long, Gao Yajun*. Effects of nitrogen rate on the growth of Winter Wheat under long-term straw mulching. Agricultural Research in the Arid Areas ,2016,34（4）：132-138(*Corresponding author) (in Chinese with English abstract)

[28] Jianfen Duan, Hui Tian*, Yajun Gao. Expression of nitrogen transporter genes in roots of winter wheat in response to soil drought with contrasting nitrogen supplies. Crop and Pasture Science , 2016, 67: 128-136

[29] Dabin Zhang, Pengwei Yao, Zhao Na, Weidong Cao, Suiqi Zhang, Yangyang Li, Gao Yajun*. Soil Water Balance and Water Use Efficiency of Dryland Wheat in Different Precipitation Years in Response to Green Manure Approach. Sci entific Rep orts , 2016, 6, 26856; doi: 10.1038/srep26856(*Corresponding author)

[30] Zhang Dabin, Yao Pengwei, Zhao Na, Yu Changwei, Cao Weidong, Gao Yajun*. Contribution of green manure legumes to nitrogen dynamics in traditional winter wheat cropping system in the Loess Plateau of China. European Journal of Agronomy , 2016,72:47-55. Doi: 10.1016/j.eja.2015.09.012(*Corresponding author)

[31] Peng Yingping, He Wenxiang*, Wang Ziquan, Zhang Jing, Yan Huirong, Gao Yajun, Cao Weidong. Soil chemical properties and enzyme activities in long-term green manure plot in Loess Plateau. Journal of Northwest A&F University (Nat. Sci. Ed.) , 2015, 43（9）: 131-138,149(in Chinese with English abstract)

[32] Jinshan Liu, Jie Fu, Hui Tian*, Yajun Gao. In-season expression of nitrate and ammonium transporter genes in roots of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes with different nitrogen-uptake efﬁciencies. Crop & Pasture Science , 2015, 66: 671–678. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/CP1426

[33] Jianfeng Duan, Hui Tian*, Rhae A. Drijber, Yajun Gao. Systemic and local regulation of phosphate and nitrogen transporter genes by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in roots of winter wheat(Triticum aestivum L.). Plant Physiology and Biochemistry , 2015, 96:199-208. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2015.08.006

[34] YAO Zhi-yuan, WANG Zheng, LI Jing, YU Chang-wei, CAO Qun-hu, CAO Wei-dong, GAO Ya-jun*. Effects of rotations and different green manure utilizations on crop yield and soil fertility. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology , 2015,26（8）：2329-2336(*Corresponding author) (in Chinese with English abstract)

[35] Hu Tiecheng, Li Hongyan, Cao Qunhu, Yu Changwei, Cao weidong, GAO Yajun*. Effects of green manure variety and growth density on forage value and soil fertility in dryland. Journal of Northwest A&F University (Nat. Sci. Ed.) , 2015,43（4）：44-52(*Corresponding author) (in Chinese with English abstract)

[36] Hui Tian*, Jie Fu, Rhae A. Drijber, Yajun Gao. Expression patterns of ﬁve genes involved in nitrogen metabolism in two winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes with high and low nitrogen utilization efﬁciencies. Journal of Cereal Science , 2015, 61(1): 48-54

[37] Zhang Dabin, Yao Pengwei, Zhao Na, Wang Zheng, Yu Changwei, Cao Qunhu, Cao Weidong and Gao Yajun*. Responses of Winter Wheat Production to Green Manure and N Fertilizer on the Loess Plateau. Agronomy Journal . 2015,107（1）：1-14 （doi:10.2134/agronj14.0432）(*Corresponding author)

[38] Ning Yang, Zhaohui Wang*, Yajun Gao, Hubing Zhao, Keyi Li, Fucui Li, Sukhdev S. Malhi. Effects of planting soybean in summer fallow on wheat grain yield, total N and Zn in grain and available N and Zn in soil on the Loess Plateau of China. Europ. J. Agronomy , 2014, 58: 63–72

[39] LI Yun, LIU Wei, WANG Zhaohui, GAO Yajun*. A Comparison of the Use of Residual Soil Nitrate by Winter Wheat and Alfalfa in the Drylands of China’s Loess Plateau. A cta E cologica S inica ，2014，34（13）：3788-3796 (*Corresponding author) (in Chinese with English abstract)

[40] Fu Jie, Tian Hui, Gao Ya-jun*. Study progress of molecular approaches in improving nitrogen use efficiency of crop plants. Soil and Fertilizer Sciences , 2013（4）：1-5,82(*Corresponding author) (in Chinese with English abstract)

[41] Yang Rui, Wu Xiao-ming, An Rong, Li Ya-jun, Zhang Yu-yin, Chen Bi-yun, Gao Ya-jun*. Differences of nitrogen use efficiency of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) genotypes and their relations to agronomic and nitrogen characteristics. Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer Sciences , 2013,19（3）：586-596(*Corresponding author) (in Chinese with English abstract)

[42] Zhang Dabin, Yao Pengwei, Li Jing, Zhao Na, Wang Zheng, Yu Changwei, Cao Qunhu, Cao Weidong, Gao Yajun*. Effects of Two Years’ Incorporation of Leguminous Green Manure on Soil Properties of a Wheat Field in Dryland Conditions. Acta Ecologica Sinica , 2013，33(7):2272-2281 (*Corresponding author) (in Chinese with English abstract)

[43] S.X. Li, Z.H.Wang, S.Q. Li, Y.J. Gao, X.H. Tian. Effect of plastic sheet mulch, wheat straw mulch, and maize growth on water loss by evaporation in dryland areas of China. Agricultural Water Management , 2013, 116:39-49

[44] Cao Lan-Qin, Wu Xiao-Ming, Yang Rui, Tian Yang-Yang, Chen Xian-Ni, Chen Bi-Yun, Li Ya-Jun, Gao Yajun*. Differences of Nitrogen Status between Different N- Uptake-Efficiency Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Cultivars. A cta A gronomica S inica , 2012,38(5): 887−895 (*Corresponding author) (in Chinese with English abstract)

[45] Zhao Na, Zhao Hubin, Yu Changwei, Cao Qunhu, Li Min, Cao Weidong, Gao Yajun*. Nutrient releases of leguminous green manures in rainfed lands. Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer Sciences , 2011，17（5）：1179-1187 (*Corresponding author) (in Chinese with English abstract)

[46] Zhao Jun-xia, Qiao Xian-hua, Zhang Ping-ping, Chen Jian-mei, Gao Ya-jun*. 2010. Differences of Fe content of wheat seed between high-Fe genotypes and low-Fe genotypes and the relationship of seed Fe content to economic characteristics. Agricultural Research in the Arid Areas , 28(3): 114-119,128 (*Corresponding author) (in Chinese with English abstract)

[47] S. X. Li, Z. H. Wang, T. T. Hu, Y. J. Gao and B. A. Stewart. Nitrogen in Dryland Soils of China and Its Management. Advances in Agronomy , 2009,101: 123-181

[48] Sheng-Xiu Li, Zhao-Hui Wang, S. S. Malhi, Shi-Qing Li, Ya-Jun Gao, and Xiao-Hong Tian. Nutrient and Water Management Effects on Crop Production, and Nutrient and Water Use Efficiency in Dryland Areas of China. Advances in Agronomy , 2009, 102:221-262

[49] Yajun Gao, Yun Li, Jianchang Zhang, Wenguo Liu, Zhanping Dang, Weixian Cao, and Qin Qiang. 2009. Effects of mulch, N fertilizer, and plant density on wheat yield, wheat nitrogen uptake, and residual soil nitrate in a dryland area of China. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems . DOI:10.1007/s10705-009-9252-0

[50] Zhang Yue-xia, Gao Ya-jun*, Yang Jun-ling, Liu Wei, Li Long, Xiao Ling-ling, Mao Ning, Tian Lian-gui. 2009. Effects of Nitrogen Rate on Nitrogen Uptake and Utilization of Winter Wheat and Residual Nitrate in Soil under Straw Mulch. Agricultural Research in the Arid Areas , 27(2): 189-193 (*Corresponding author) (in Chinese with English abstract)

[51] Gao Ya-jun, Zheng Xian-feng, Li Shi-qing, Tian Xiao-hong, Wang Zhao-hui, Li Sheng-xiu. 2008. Requirements of Water and N Fertilizer to Increase Winter Wheat Yield Under Straw Mulch. Transactions of the CSAE , 24（1）：55-59 (in Chinese with English abstract)

[52] Cheng Jie, Gao Ya-jun*, Qiang Qin. 2008. Effects of different wheat cultivation methods on residual nitrate nitrogen in soil in wWeibei dryland. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation , 22（4）：104-110(*Corresponding author) (in Chinese with English abstract)

[53] Yajun Gao, Shucai Wang, Tadao Asami, and Jin-Gui Chen. 2008. Loss-of-function Mutations in the Arabidopsis Heterotrimeric G-protein Subunit Enhance the Developmental Defects of Brassinosteroid Signaling and Biosynthesis Mutants. Plant and Cell Physiology , 49(7): 1013-1024

[54] Gao Y, Zeng Q, Guo J, Ellis BE, et al. 2007. Genetic characterization of GCR2 in abscisic acid inhibition of seed germination and early seedling development in Arabidopsis. The Plant Journal , 52（6）:1001-1013

[55] Johnston CA, Taylor JP, Gao Y, et al. 2007. GTPase acceleration as the rate-limiting step in Arabidopsis G protein-coupled sugar signaling. PNA S , 104(44): 17317– 17322

[56] Johnston CA, Temple BR, Chen JG, Gao Y, et al . 2007. Comments on ‘A G Protein-Coupled Receptor Is a Plasma Membrane Receptor for the Plant Hormone Abscisic Acid’. Science ，318, 914c DOI: 10.1126/ science. 1143230

[57] Chang Y, Guo J, Gao Y, Chen JG. 2007. Modulation of root cell division by the heterotrimeric G-proteins in Arabidopsis. Dynamic Cell Biology 1: 72-78.

[58] Jin-Gui Chen, Yajun Gao, and Alan M. Jones. 2006. Differential Roles of Arabidopsis Heterotrimeric G-Protein Subunits in Modulating Cell Division in Roots. Plant Physiol. 141(3): 887-897