Yi Li
Professor of Horticultural Plant Biotechnology
Professor
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University of Connecticut Department of Plant Science Transgenic Plant Facility 105 Ahern Lane, Unit 5082 Storrs, Connecticut 06269 |
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Telephone: (860) 468-6780 | |
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Fax: (860) 486-6777 | |
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Email: yi.li@uconn.edu | |
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Education and Experience
EDUCATION
— Ph.D. 1989. Plant Physiology & Biochemistry, Department of Biology, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, NY, USA.
— B.S. 1982. Forestry, Department of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
POSITIONS
— Professor, Department of Plant Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
— Principal Investigator/Director, New England Center for Invasive Plants
— Head, Transgenic Plant Facility, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Research Programs
— Development of technologies to use CRISPR to efficiently and effectively produce transgene-free mutants for perennial crop plants, particularly woody plants;
— Development of highly efficient plant transformation methods for recalcitrant plant species;
— Development of non-transgenic breeding varieties of turf grasses for low mowing frequency, environmental stress tolerance, low mowing height tolerance, prostrate growth/traffic resistance;
— Development of sterile, non-invasive cultivars of ornamental plants such as burning bush (Euonymus alatus).
Teaching Program
–PSS 3240/PLSC 5240 Plant Breeding and Biotechnology (Lecture course). Three credits. Spring Semester, Odd-Numbered Years. Principles and applications, economic, social and environmental impacts, advantages, potentials and limitations of major traditional and modern plant breeding technologies including crossing/hybridization, mutagenesis, genetic engineering and genome editing
–PSS 3250/PLSC 5250 Modern & Traditional Plant Breeding Techniques (Laboratory Course). Three Credits. Spring Semester, Even-Numbered Years. Hands-on experience and skills for traditional and modern plant breeding techniques, including artificial crossing/hybridization, tissue culture/regeneration, transgenic plant production, and radiation- and genome editing-mediated mutagenesis
Publications
Chen L., Li W., Katin-Grazzini L., Ding J., Gu X., Li Y., Gu T., Wang R., Lin X., Deng Z., McAvoy R.J., Gmitter Jr. F. Deng Z., Zhao Y., Y. Li (2018): A method for the production and expedient screening of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated non-transgenic mutant plants. DOI: Horticulture Research. Volume 5, Article number: 13 doi:10.1038/s41438-018-0023-4
This article/method has been nominated by Editors-in-Chief of Springer-Nature’s journals as one of the articles (research) that “could help change the world.” https://www.springernature.com/gp/researchers/campaigns/change-the-world/life-sciences-biomedicine?from=message&isappinstalled=0
Iqbal A, Wang T, Wu G, Tang W, Zhu C, Wang D, Li Y, Wang H. Physiological and transcriptome analysis of heteromorphic leaves and hydrophilic roots in response to soil drying in desert Populus euphratica. Sci Rep. 2017;7(1):12188.
Hu, W., Fagundez, S., Katin-Grazzini, L., Li, Y., Li, W., Chen, Y., Wang, X., Deng, Z., & Xie, S., McAvoy, R., Li, Y. (2017): Endogenous auxin and its manipulation influence in vitro shoot organogenesis of citrus epicotyl explants. Horticulture Research. 4. 17071. 10.1038/hortres.2017.71.
Li, W., Fang, C., Krishnan, S., Chen, J., Yu, H., Murphy, A.S., Merewitz, E., Katin‐Grazzini, L., McAvoy, R.J., Deng, Z. and Zale, J. and Li, Y. (2017): Elevated auxin and reduced cytokinin contents in rootstocks improve their performance and grafting success. Plant Biotechnology Journal. doi:10.1111/pbi.12738
Li, W., Katin-Grazzini, L., Gu, X.*, Wang, X., El-tanbouly, R., Yer, H., Thammina, C., Inguagiato, J., Guillard, K., McAvoy, R. J., Wegrzyn, J., Gu, T., Li, Y. (2017): Transcriptome analysis reveals differential gene expression and a possible role of gibberellins in a shade-tolerant mutant of perennial ryegrass. Frontiers in Plant Science. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2017.00868.
Li R., Wu H., Ding J., Fu W., Gan L. and Li Y. (2017): Mercury pollution in vegetables, grains and soils from areas surrounding coal-fired power plants. Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/srep46545
Wang Y., Ding G., Gu T., Ding J. and Li Y. (2017): Bioinformatic and expression analyses on carotenoid dioxygenase genes in fruit development and abiotic stress responses in Fragaria vesca. Molecular Genetics and Genomics. doi:10.1007/s00438-017-1321-5
Mi X., Wang X., Wu H., Gan L., Ding J. and Li Y. (2017): Characterization and expression analysis of Cytokinins biosynthesis genes in Fragaria vesca. Plant Growth Regulation, 82: 139. doi:10.1007/s10725-016-0246-z
Li, W., Katin-Grazzini, L., Krishnan, S., Thammina, C., El-Tanbouly, R., Yer, H., Merewitz E., Guillard K., Inguagiato J., McAvoy R., Liu, Z., and Y. Li (2016): A Novel Two-Step Method for Screening Shade Tolerant Mutant Plants via Dwarfism. Frontiers in Plant Science, 7, 1495. doi:10.3389/fpls.2016.01495.
Li W, Katin-Grazzini L, Krishnan S, et al. A Novel Two-Step Method for Screening Shade Tolerant Mutant Plants via Dwarfism. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2016;7:1495. doi:10.3389/fpls.2016.01495.
Huang R., Ding Q., Xiang Y., Gu T., and Y. Li (2016): Comparative Analysis of DNA Methyltransferase Gene Family in Fungi: A Focus on Basidiomycota. Front. Plant Sci., 21 doi:10.3389/fpls.2016.01556
Jiang Y., Mi X., Lin Y., Wu H., Gu T., Ding J. and Y. Li (2016): Evolution and expression patterns of cytokinin oxidase genes in Fragaria vesca. Scientia Horticulturae. 212: 115–125.
Li W., Hu W., Fang C., Chen L., Zhuang W., Katin-grazzini L., Mcavoy R., Guillard K. and Li Y. (2016): An AGAMOUS intron-driven cytotoxin leads to flowerless tobacco and produces no detrimental effects on vegetative growth of either tobacco or poplar. Plant Biotechnology Journal. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pbi.12581/full.
Gu, T., Y. Han, R. Huang R. McAvoy and Y. Li (2016): Identification and characterization of histone lysine methylation modifiers in Fragaria vesca. Scientific Reports. 6, 23581; doi: 10.1038/srep23581.
Gu T., S. Ren, Y. Wang, Y. Han and Y. Li (2016) Characterization of DNA methyltransferase and demethylase genes in Fragaria vesca. Molecular Genetics and Genomics. 291(3): 1333-45.
Chen J., C. Thammina, Wei Li, H. Yu, H. Yer, Rania El-Tanbouly, Manon Marron, Lorenzo Katin-Grazzini, Yongqin Chen, John Inguagiato, Richard McAvoy, Karl Guillard, and Xian Zhang and Y. Li (2016): Isolation of prostrate turfgrass mutants via screening of dwarf phenotype and characterization of a perennial ryegrass prostrate mutant. Horticulture Research 3, Article number: 16003 doi:10.1038/hortres.2016.3.
Hu W., Li W., Xie S., Fagundez S., McAvoy R., Deng Z. and Li Y. (2016): Kn1 gene overexpression drastically improves genetic transformation efficiencies of citrus cultivars. Plant cell, Tissue and Organ Culture. 125: 81–91.
Guan, L., Murphy, A.S., Peer W. A., Lijun Gan L., Li Y. and Cheng Z.M. (2015) Physiological and Molecular Regulation of Adventitious Root Formation, Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 34:5, 506-521, DOI: 10.1080/07352689.2015.1090831.
Xiong, J.S., Ding J. and Y. Li (2015): Genome-editing technologies and their potential applications in horticultural crop breeding. Horticulture Research. 2, 15019; doi:10.1038/hortres.2015.19. www.nature.com/hortres. Open access article.
Ding J., Duan H., Zhao, D., Deng Z., Yi G., Li Y. (2014): Molecular strategies for addressing gene flow concerns over environmental stress tolerant transgenic plants. Critical Review in Plant Science. 33:2-3, 265-277.
Feng GQ, Li Y., & Cheng ZM. (Max) (2014): Plant Molecular and Genomic Responses to Stresses in Projected Future CO2 Environment, Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 33:2-3, 238-249.
Li, Y. (2013). Gene deletor: a new tool to address gene flow and food safety concerns over transgenic crop plants. Front. Biol. (7): 565-576.
Li, Y., Duan, H., Chen, Y., and McAvoy, R. (2012). Gene-deletor technology and its potential applications in addressing gene flow and food safety concerns over transgenic plants. In: Plant Gene Containment. pp. 101-112. Oliver, M. J. and Li, Y., Eds., John Wiley & Sons.
Thammina, C., M. He, L. Lu, K. Cao, H. Yu, Y. Chen, R. McAvoy, D. Ellis, D. Zhao, Y. Wang and Y. Li (2012): Continuous biosynthesis of abscisic acid (ABA) may be required for maintaining dormancy of isolated embryos and intact seeds of Euonymus alatus. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture. 108: 493-500.
Miao, S. L., Li, Y., Guo, Q., Yu, H., Ding, J., Yu, F., Liu, J., Zhang, X. Dong, M. (March 2012) : Potential Alternatives to Classical Biocontrol: Using Native Agents in Invaded Habitats and Genetically Engineered Sterile Cultivars for Invasive Plant Management. Tree and Forestry Science and Biotechnology. Volume 6 Pages: 17-21.
Ye, X. V. Busov, N. Zhao, R. Meilan, L. M. McDonnell, H. D. Coleman, S. D. Mansfield, F. Chen, Y. Li, and Z-M Cheng (2011). Transgenic Populus trees for forest products, bioenergy, and functional genomics. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences. 30: 415-434.
Thammina, C., M. He, L. Lu, K. Cao, H. Yu, Y. Chen, L. Tian, J. Chen, R. McAvoy, D. Ellis, D. Zhao, Y. Wang and X. Zhang and Y. Li (2011): In vitro Regeneration of Triploid Plants of Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’ (burning bush) from Endosperm Tissues. HortScience. 46: 1141 – 1147.
Li, Y and Duan, H (2011): Molecular approaches for transgene containment and their potential applications in horticultural crops. In: Transgenic horticultural crops: challenges and opportunities. Mou. B. and Scorza R. (ed.) CRC Press. 289-299.
Li, S.Y. R. Srivastava, S. L. Suib, Y. Li, R. S. Parnas (2011): Performance of batch, fed-batch, and continuous A–B–E fermentation with pH-control. Bioresource Technology 102: 4241–4250.
Kausch A, Hague J, Oliver M, Li Y, Daniell H, Mascia P, Watrud L, and C. Neal Stewart, Jr. (2010): Transgenic biofuel feedstocks and strategies for biocontainment. Biofuels. 1(1), 163–176.
Si-Yu Li, James D. Stuart, Yi Li and Richard S. Parnas (2010): ‘The feasibility of converting Cannabis sativa L. oil into biodiesel” Bioresource Tech. 101: 8457-8460.
Kausch A, Hague J, Oliver M, Li Y, Daniell H, Mascia P, Watrud L, and C. Neal Stewart, Jr. (2010): Transgenic biofuel feedstocks and strategies for biocontainment. Biofuels. 1: 163-176.
Osburn L., Yang X.3, Li Y., and ZM Cheng (2009) Micropropagation of Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and Amur Honeysuckle (L. maackii) by Shoot Tip Culture. J. Environ. Hort. 27(4): 195–199.
Hong S. Moon, H. S., Li, Y., and C. Neal Stewart C. N (2009): Keeping the genie in the bottle: transgene biocontainment by excision in pollen. Trends in Biotechnology. 28: 3-8.
Ye X., Kang B., Osburn L., Y. Li Y., Z. Cheng (2009): Identification of the flavin-dependent monooxygenase-encoding YUCCA gene family in Populustrichocarpa and their expression in vegetative tissues and in response to hormone and environmental stresses. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC: J. of Plant Biotechnology) 97: 271-283.
Zhu Q., Wu F., Ding F., Ye D., Chen Y., Li Y. and Z. Yang (2009): Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Dioscorea zingiberensis Wright. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC: J. of Plant Biotechnology). 96: 317-324.
Cheng Z., Y. Li, Z. Zhang (2008): Plant growth regulators used in propagation. In Preece, J. C. Beyl and R. N. Trigiano (eds). Plant Propagation Concepts and Laboratory Exercises. CRC Press. 143-150.
Chen Y., L. Lu, X. Yang, H. Duan, W. Deng, R. McAvoy, D. Zhao, W. Smith, C. Thammina, S. von Bodman and Y. Li (2008): Biotech approach to neutralize the invasiveness of burning bush (Euonymus alatus), a progress report on development of its genetic transformation system and functionl analysis of sterile genes. Acta Hort. 769: 10-30.
Xiong, A. S., Peng, R.H., Jing Z.; Feng G; Li Y., Cheng Z. M. and Yao, Q. H. (2008): Chemical gene synthesis: strategies, softwares, error corrections, and applications. FEMS Microbiology Review. 32: 522-540.
Luo K., H. Duan, D. Zhao, X. Zheng, W. Deng, Y. Chen, R. McAvoy, X. Jiang, Y. Wu, Y. Pei and Y. Li (2007): A highly efficient system to delete all functional transgenes from pollen of tobacco plants. Acta Horticulturae. 764: 21-31.
Xiong A. S., Peng R. H., Cheng Z. M., Li Y., Liu L, Zhuang J., Gao F., Xu F., Qiao Y.S. Zhang Z., Chen J. M. and Yao Q. H. (2007): Concurrent mutations in six amino acids in ß-glucuronidase improve its thermostability. Protein Engineering Design and Selection 20: 319-325
Luo M., Xiao Y., Li X., Lu X. Deng W., Li D., Hou L., Li Y. Y. Pei (2007): GhDET2, a steroid 5a-reductase, plays an important role in cotton fiber cell initiation and elongation. Plant Journal. 51: 419–430.
Zheng X., Wei Deng W., Luo K., Duan H., Chen Y. McAvoy R., Song S., Pei Y. and Y. Li (2007): The 5’-CaMV 35S gene sequence alters expression levels and patterns of adjacent tissue- and organ-specific genes. Plant Cell Reports. 203: 1195-1203.
Luo K., H. Duan, D. Zhao, X. Zheng, W. Deng, Y. Chen, C. N. Stewart Jr, R. McAvoy, Y. Wu, X. Jiang, A. He, Y. Pei and Y. Li (2007): ‘GM-gene-deletor’: fused loxP-FRT recognition sequences dramatically improve efficiency of FLP or Cre recombinase on transgene excision from pollen and seed of tobacco plants. Plant Biotechnology Journal. 5: 263–374.
Xiong AS., QH. Yao, R. H. Peng, X. Li, H. Q. Fan, Z. M. Cheng and Y. Li (2006): A Simple, rapid, PCR-based protocol for synthesis of long, accurate DNA sequences. Nature Protocols 1: 791 – 797.
Luo K. W. Deng, Y. Xiao, X. Zheng, Y. Li and Y. Pei (2006): Leaf senescence is delayed in tobacco plants expressing the maize knotted1 gene under the control of a wound-inducible promoter. Plant Cell Reports. 25(11): 1246-54.
Khodakovskaya M., D. Zhao, W. Smith, Y. Li and McAvoy (2006): Expression of ipt gene controlled by an ethylene and auxin responsive fragment of the LEACO1 promoter increases flower number in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum. Plant Cell Reports. 25(11): 1181-92.
Deng W., K. Luo, D. Li, X. Zheng, C. Thammina, Y. Li and Y. Pei: (2006) Overexpression of an Arabidopsis magnesium transporter, AtMGT1, in Nicotiana benthamiana confers tolerance to aluminum. Journal of Experimental Botany. 57: 4235-4243.
Wang J., X. Yang, Y. Li and P. Elliott (2006): Pollination competition effects on gene-flow estimation: using Regular vs. male sterile bait plants. Agronomy Journal. 98: 1060-1064.
Li Y., Z. Cheng, W. Smith, D. Ellis, Y. Chen, L. Lu, R. McAvoy, Y. Pei, W. Deng, C. Thammina, X. Zheng, H. Duan, K. Luo and D. Zhao (2006): Invasive ornamental plants: problems, challenges, and biotech approaches to neutralize their invasiveness. In: Floriculture, Ornamental and Plant Biotechnology (1st Edition) Ed. by J.A. Teixeira da Silva, Vol III. Global Science Books, Japan. 399-406.
Duan, H. Y. Li, Y. Pei, W. Deng, M. Luo, Y. Xiao, K. Luo, L. Lu, W. Smith, R. McAvoy, D. Zhao, X. Zheng and C. Thammina (2006): Auxin, cytokinin and abscisic acid: biosynthetic and catabolic genes and their potential applications in ornamental crops. In: Plant Biotechnology in Ornamental Horticulture.Y. Li and Y. Pei (eds). Haworth Press, New York. 679-698.
Li Y., Z. Cheng, W. Smith, D. Ellis, Y. Chen, L. Lu, R. McAvoy, Y. Pei, W. Deng, C. Thammina, X. Zheng, H. Duan, K. Luo and D. Zhao (2006): Problems and challenges of invasive ornamental plants and molecular tools to control their spread. In: Plant Biotechnology in Ornamental Horticulture. Y. Li and Y. Pei (eds). Haworth Press, New York. 289-310.
Peng RH, QH Yao, AS. Xiong, ZM. Cheng, Y. Li (2006): Codon-modifications and an endoplasmic reticulum-targeting sequence additively enhance expression of an Aspergillus phytase gene in transgenic canola. Plant Cell Reports 25(2): 124-32.
Duan, H. Y. Li, Y. Pei, W. Deng, M. Luo, Y. Xiao, K. Luo, L. Lu, W. Smith, R. McAvoy, D. Zhao, X. Zheng and C. Thammina (2006): Auxin, Cytokinin and Abscisic Acid: Biosynthetic and Catabolic Genes and Their Potential Applications in Ornamental Crops. Journal of Crop Improvement. 17/18: 347-364.
Li Y., Z. Cheng, W. Smith, D. Ellis, Y. Chen, L. Lu, R. McAvoy, Y. Pei, W. Deng, C. Thammina, X. Zheng, H. Duan, K. Luo and D. Zhao (2006): Problems and Challenges of Invasive Ornamental Plants and Molecular Tools to Control Their Spread. Journal of Crop Improvement. 17/18: 279-310.
Chen Y., L. Lu, W. Deng, X. Yang, R. McAvoy, D. Zhao, Y.Pei, K. Luo, H. Duan, W. Smith, C. Thammina, X. Zheng, D. Ellis, Y. Li (2006): In vitro regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of Euonymus alatus Plant Cell Reports. 25(10): 1043-51.
Khodakovskaya M, R. McAvoy, J. H. Peters, Wu H, Y. Li (2006): Enhanced cold tolerance in transgenic tobacco expressing a chloroplast omega-3 fatty acid desaturase gene under the control of a cold-inducible promoter. Planta. 223(5):1090-100 (pdf-9).
Luo K., X. Zheng, Y. Chen, D. Zhao, R McAvoy, Y. Pei and Y. Li (2005): The maize Knotted1 gene as a positive selectable marker gene is effective for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in tobacco. Plant Cell Reports 21:1-7 (pdf-10).
Khodakovskaya M, Y. Li, J. Li, R. Vankova, J. Malbeck and R. McAvoy (2005): Effects of cor15a-IPT gene expression on leaf senescence in transgenic Petunia x hybrida and Dendranthema x grandiflorum. Journal of Experimental Botany. 56: 1165-75.
Labb N., T. G. Rials, S. S. Kelley, Z. Cheng, J. Kim and Y. Li (2005): FT-IR Imaging and Pyrolysis-Molecular Beam Mass Spectrometry: New Tools to Investigate Wood Tissues. Wood Science Technologies 39: 61–77.
Xiong A-S, Q.-H. Yao, R.-H. Peng, P.-L. Han, Z.-M. Cheng and Y. Li (2005): High level expression of a recombinant acid phytase gene in Pichia pastoris. Journal of Applied Microbiology 98: 418–428.
Li X., R. H. Peng, H. Q. Fan, A.-S. Xiong, Q. H. Yao, Z. M. Cheng, and Y. Li (2005): Vitreoscilla hemoglobin overexpression increases submergence tolerance in cabbage. Plant Cell Rep 23: 710–715
Li Y, Z. Cheng, W. Smith, D. Ellis, Y. Chen, X. Zheng, Y. Pei, K. Luo, H. Duan, D. Zhao, Q Yao (2004): Invasive ornamental plants: problems, challenges and molecular tools to neutralize their invasiveness. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences. 23: 381-389.
Peng R, Yao Q, Xiong A, Fan H, Li X, Peng Y, Cheng ZM, and Y. Li (2004): A new rice zinc-finger protein binds to the O2S box of the alpha-amylase gene promoter. Eur J Biochem.271: 2949-2955.
Xiong AS, Yao QH, Peng RH, Li X, Fan HQ, Cheng ZM, and Li Y. (2004): A simple, rapid, high-fidelity and cost-effective PCR-based two-step DNA synthesis method for long gene sequences. Nucleic Acids Res. 32(12):e98.1-10.
Fang W, Y. Zhang, X. Yang, H. Duan, Y. Li and Y. Pei (2004): Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of Beauveria bassiana using an herbicide resistance gene as a selection marker. J. Invertebr Pathol. 85: 18-24.
McAvoy R., M. Khodakovskaya, Y. Li, Y. Wu, and S. Xue (2003): Phenotypic Characterization of Petunia Plants Expressing a Indoleacetic Acid (IAA)-lysine Synthetase Transgene Driven by a Shoot Specific Promoter. Acta Horticulturae 625: 379-385.
Li Y. , H. Duan, Y. H. Wu, R. J. McAvoy , Y. Pei, D. Zhao, J. Wurst, Q. Li and K. Luo (2003): Transgenics of Plant Hormones and Their Potential Application in Horticultural Crops. In: Genetically Modified Crops, their Development, Uses, and Risks. Ed. GH Liang and DZ Skinner. Haworth Press, New York. 101-112.
Khodakovskaya M,M.McAvoy and Y. Li (2003): The effect of temperature and continuous dark conditions on chlorophyll stability in leaves of Petunia ‘Marco Polo Odyssey’ transformed with a cold-inducible ipt fusion gene. HortScience 38(5): 725-726.
Liu QL., XJ Zhang, Y. Li, SS. Wang and XJ. Jiang (2001): Studies on the proton pumping activity of H+-ATPase in tonoplast vesicles of Populus euphratica. Acta Botanic Sinica. 43(5): 495-500.
Li Y., Y. Wu, H. R. McAvoy, and H. Duan (2001): Transgenics in Crops, Biotechnology Annual Review 2000, Ed. by M. R. EL-Gewely, Elsevier, 435-456.
Wu, Y., Q. Li, J. Zhang, Z. Zheng, S. Xue and Y. Li (2000): Molecular characterization of two MADS box genes from tobacco plants, Sexual Plant Reproduction, 13: 163-169.
Liu, Q., S. Wang, Y. Li, and X. Jiang (2000): Purification of tonoplasts from Populus euphratica and its H+-pumping activity, J. Biochem. Mol. Biol., 16: 372-376.
Li, Y., Y. Wu, G. Hagen, and T. J. Guilfoyle (1999): Expression of the GH3/GUS gene as a molecular marker for auxin physiology. Plant and Cell Physiology, 40: 675-682.
Li, Y. (1998): Molecular mechanisms of auxin and cytokinin action. In Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Growth and Development. Eds Z. Xu and C. Liu. Scientific Publishing House, Beijing, pp.
Zhang, JS., Y. Wu, Q. Li, and Y. Li (1998): Molecular cloning and expression pattern of a cDNA from tobacco, Nfbp6, a homologue of the petunia FBP6 floral identity gene. Plant Sexual Reproduction, 11: 113-117.
Strabala, T. J., Y. Wu, and Y. Li (1996): Combinatorial effects of cytokinin and auxin transport inhibitors: alteration of organogenesis and organ development from the shoot apical meristem. Plant and Cell Physiology, 37: 1178-1182.
Walton, D. C., and Y. Li (1995): Abscisic acid biosynthesis and metabolism. In Plant Hormones Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2nd edition. (Davies P. J. ed). Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, The Netherlands pp. 140-157.
Li, Y. (1995): Auxin-regulated gene expression and localized overproduction of phytohormones in transgenic plants. In Proceedings of International Forestry Research Organization: Biotechnology in Forestry. Eds S. Wang and X. Jiang. China Forestry Publishing House, Beijing, pp 29-40.
Guilfoyle, T.J., G. Hagen, Y. Li, Y., Z. Liu, Z., Ulmasov, T. and Strabala, T. (1994): Auxin-regulated gene expression. NATO ASI series. Cell Biology, 81: 173-181.
Li, Y., Z.-B Liu, X. Shi, G. Hagen, and T. J. Guilfoyle (1994): An auxin-inducible element (AuxRE) in soybean SAUR promoters. Plant Physiology, 106: 37-43.
Li, Y., X. Shi, T. J. Strabala, G. Hagen, and T. J. Guilfoyle (1994): Transgenic tobacco plants that overproduce cytokinin show increased tolerance to exogenous auxin and auxin transport inhibitors. Plant Science, 100: 9-14.
Li, Y., T. J. Strabala, G. Hagen, and T. J. Guilfoyle (1994): The soybean SAUR open reading frame contains a cis-element responsible for cycloheximide-induced mRNA accumulation. Plant Molecular Biology, 24: 715-723.
Guilfoyle T.J., G. Hagen, Y. Li, T. Ulmasov, Z. Liu, T. Strabala, M.A. Gee, and G. Martin (1993): Auxin-regulation transcription. Austral J. Plant Physiology, 20: 489-506.
Li, Y., G. Hagen, and T. J. Guilfoyle (1992): Altered morphology in transgenic tobacco plants that overproduce cytokinins in specific tissues and organs. Developmental Biology, 153: 386-395.
Guilfoyle, T.J., G. Hagen, Y. Li, M.A. Gee, G. Martin, and T. N. Ulmasov (1992): 11) Guilfoyle T.J., G. Hagen, Y. Li, T. Ulmasov, Z. Liu, T. Strabala, M.A. Gee, and G. Martin (1993): Auxin-regulation transcription. Austral J. Plant Physiology, 20: 489-506.
Guilfoyle, T.J., G. Hagen, Y. Li, M.A. Gee, G. Martin, and T. N. Ulmasov (1992): Transcriptional regulation of auxin-responsive genes. Current Plant Science and Biotechnology in Agriculture. Progress in Plant Growth Regulation (CM Karssen, LC Van Loon, and D Vreugdenhil, eds) Kluwer Academic Publisher, Dordrect. pp. 128-135.
Guilfoyle, T.J., G. Hagen, Y. Li, M.A. Gee, T. N. Ulmasov, and G. Martin (1992): Expression of auxin-responsive genes in soybean and transgenic tobacco. Biochem. Soc. Trans., 20: 97-101.
Li, Y., G. Hagen, and T. J. Guilfoyle (1991): An auxin-responsive promoter is differentially induced by auxin gradients during tropisms. Plant Cell, 3: 1167-1175.
Hagen, G., G. Martin, Y. Li, and T. J. Guilfoyle (1991): Auxin-induced expression of soybean GH3 promoter in transgenic tobacco plants. Plant Molecular Biology, 17: 567-579.
Li Y. and D. C. Walton (1990): Effects of cycloheximide on abscisic acid biosynthesis and stomatal aperture in bean leaves. Plant Physiology, 93: 128-130.
Li Y. and D. C. Walton (1990): Violaxanthin is an abscisic acid precursor in dark-grown bean leaves. Plant Physiology, 92: 551-559.
Li Y. and D. C. Walton (1987): Xanthophylls and abscisic acid biosynthesis in water-stressed bean leaves. Plant Physiology, 85: 910-915.
Walton D. C., Y. Li, J. Neil, and R. Hogan (1985): Biosynthesis of abscisic acid: a progress report. In Current Topics in Plant Biochemistry and Physiology (D. D. Randall, D.G. Blevins and R.L. Larson eds) Columbia, MO. 111-117.
Books Published
— Li Y. and Y. Pei (2006): Plant Biotechnology in Ornamental Horticulture. Haworth Press, New York, USA.
— Oliver M. and Y. Li (2012): Transgenic Containment. Wiley-Blackwell. Boston, USA.
Other Publications
–Y. Li (MAY 22, 2018): “These CRISPR-modified crops don’t count as GMOs” The Conversation.
https://theconversation.com/these-crispr-modified-crops-dont-count-as-gmos-96002.
In other language: http://www.up-magazine.info/index.php/bio-innovations/bio-innovations/7826-modifier-une-plante-par-crisp-en-fait-elle-un-ogm
Patents
— Li Y.: Transgenic seedless fruit and methods (US Patent No. 6,268,552).
— McAvoy R., M. Khodakovskaya, and Y. Li: Method and composition for increasing branching and flowering response in plants through controlled, endogenous cytokinin regulation (US Patent No. 7,741,548).
–Li Y. and L. Hollister: Genetically Modified Plants that are Herbivore-Resistant (US 14/212,834).
–Li Y.: Improved Rootstocks for Successful Grafting (Provisional patent application).
Research Grants (Since 2000)
— Y. Li (PI) and R. McAvoy (Co-PI). Molecular genetic improvement of Petunia and Chrysanthemum for the Connecticut Floriculture Industry. Connecticut Innovations Program, $298,921 (2000-2002).
— Y. Li (PI). C. Auer, W.D. Reiter, and S. vonBodman: A Bench-Top GC/MS for Plant Biology Research. $97,456 (2000-2001).
— R. McAvoy (PI), Y. Li (Co-PI) and M. Bridgen (Co-PI). Developing unique and commercial valuable ornamental plants through genetic engineering. Connecticut Innovations Program, $275,000 (2001-2003).
— Y. Li (PI) and R. McAvoy (Co-PI). Controlled removal of transgenes from genetically engineered crops to reduce potentially negative health and environmental implications, Connecticut Innovations Program, $291,992 (2001-2003).
— Y. Li (PI) and Z. Cheng: Genetic improvement of aspen for biomass production, $90,000, DOE/CPBR (1999-2003).
— S. von Bodman (PI), R. Gaxiola, Y. Li, L. Silbart, G. Berkowitz: A real-time PCR machine for plant molecular research. USDA. $20,000.
— Y. Li (S. Geary (PI) and Dr. Silbart (Co-PI): Mycoplasma hyopnemoniae edible vaccine from corn seed, a sub-award from USDA with $100,250 to Y. Li (2003-2005).
— Y. Li (PI) and D. Ellis: Biotech approach to neutralize the potential invasiveness of ornamental plants. USDA, $160,000 (2003-2006).
— Y. Li (PI): Removal of GM genes from pollen and seed of aspen plants: $97,000 from CPBR/DOE (2005-2007).
— C. N. Stewart Jr (University of Tennessee), D. Ow (University of California-Berkeley) and Y. Li: Biocontainment via recombination: removal of transgenes from canola pollen. USDA, $400,000 with $30,000 to Y. Li (2006-2008).
— T. Bergman and Y. Li: Engineered Microclimates for Enhanced Biomass Production. $80,000, NSF (2007-2008).
— I. Hart (PI), Y. Li, X. Yang R. Parnas & F. Carstensen: Bioenergy. USDA. 138,890. 2008-2009. $34,500 to Y. Li.
— Y. Li (PI), M. Musgrave and J. Silander: New England Center for Invasive Plants. USDA $1,835,000 (5 awards, 2006-2012).
— Y. Li (PI) and R. McAvoy: Field evaluation and refinement of the gene-deletor technology. USDA. $399,982 (2008-2012).
— M. Musgrave (PI), and Y. Li as one of other 6 Co-PIs: USDA-NNF (National Need Fellowship Grant): From Problems to Resources. An integrated training approach to biologic systems management: $240,000 (2011-2016).
— S. Suip, R. Parnas (PI) and Y. Li (Co-PI). Bioenergy, DOE. $1,500,000, with $385,000 to Y. Li (2010-2012).
— Y. Li (PI): Development of a root sucker repressing gene technology to control sucker-mediated transgene flow from poplar. USDA. $400,000 (2010-2014).
— Y. Li and R. McAvoy: Development of a Strategy to Create Plants Resistant to Animal Herbivory. Reliance Botanics. $677,228 (2012-2016).
— Y. Li (PI) and R. McAvoy (Co-PI): Development of plants for animal browsing resistance. Reliance Botanics. $665,000 (2013-2016).
— Y. Li (PI), Z. Deng and R. McAvoy: Development of Technologies Important for Creation and Commercialization of Transgenic HLB Resistant Citrus. Citrus Research & Development Foundation. $225,000 (2013-2016).
— Y. Li: Characterization of triploid, non-invasive burning bush. USDA. $48,000 (2014-2016).
— F. Gmitter, Z. Deng, Y. Li and R. McAvoy: Determining the Roles of Candidate Genes in Citrus-HLB Interactions and Creating HLB-resistant Citrus Cultivars. Y. Li’s project: Development of CRISPR technologies for citrus plants (Y. Li project). USDA. $3.2 million with $777,980 to Y. Li (2015-2020).
— Y. Li and R. McAvoy: Enhancing genetic transformation efficiency of mature citrus. The Citrus Research & Development Foundation. $315,000 (2016-2019).
–Y. Li: Development of low mowing frequency turfgrass cultivars. Barenbrug. $340,000 (2017-2022).
Invited Presentations (Since 2000)
— Invited Plenary Symposium Lecture: Plant Biotechnology and Its Impact on 21 Century, Second International High-Tech Trade Fair, Shenzhen, China, October 14, 2000.
— Invited Symposium Lecture: Gene-Transfer-Mediated Regulation of Plant Hormone Contents in Transgenic Plants, Nanjing Sino-America Agricultural Biotechnology Symposium 2000, Nanjing, October 11, 2000.
— Invited Seminar: Transgenic Approach to understand plant hormone action, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, October 16, 2000.
— Invited Symposium Lecture: Manipulation of endogenous plant hormone contents and its applications in crop improvement, American Society of Agronomy Annual Meeting’s Sorghum symposium, Minneapolis, November 9, 2000.
— Invited Symposium Lecture: Plant biotechnology and its applications in agricultural and biomedical industries. The 3rd International conference on High Tech, Guanzhou, December 28, 2000.
— Invited Seminar: Gene Transfer Mediated Regulation of Plant Hormone Contents in Transgenic Plants, Zhongshan University, Guanzhou, December 29, 2000.
— Invited seminar: Gene-Transfer-Mediated Regulation of Plant Hormone Contents in Transgenic Plants, Sichuan University, Chendu, January 9, 2001.
— Invited Seminar: Transgenic approach to auxin action: from earth to space. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, March 2, 2001.
— Invited Seminar: Transgenic plants as bioreactors to produce pharmarcuiticals. Biotech Symposium and Business, New York, NY, April 14, 2001.
— Invited Seminar: Manipulation of endogenous plant hormone contents and its applications in crop improvement, Beijing Forestry University, July, 2001
— Invited Workshop Lecture: Genetic manipulation of phytohormones in transgenic plants, Biotech Plant Workshop, Kunming, January 21, 2002.
— Invited symposium Lecture: Gene transfer-mediated manipulation of plant hormones in transgenic plants, International Symposium on Advances in Tree Development & Biotechniques, Beijing, August 16, 2001.
— Invited seminar: Transgenic Approach to understand plant hormone action, China Agricultural University, Beijing, August 18, 2001.
— Invited seminar: Gene transfer-mediated regulation of plant hormone contents in and improvement of horticultural crops. UConn CANR Graduate Research Forum, April, 2002.
— Invited seminar: Gene transfer techniques-mediated improvement of agricultural and horticultural crops, College of Life Sciences, Northwest Agricultural University, Yangling, P. R. China, July 22, 2002.
— Invited seminar: Gene transfer techniques-mediated improvement of horticultural crops, Biotechnology Center, Southwest Agricultural University, Chongqing, P. R. China, July 26, 2002.
— Invited seminar: 1) Plant biotechnology and agriculture; 2) Gene transfer techniques-mediated improvement of agricultural and horticultural crops, College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, P. R. China, July 31, 2002.
— Invited seminar: College of Science and Technology for Food and Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China, August 7, 2002.
— Invited seminar: Transgenic approaches to auxin action and genetic improvement of horticultural crops. Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee. Knoxville, Tennessee, November 21, 2002
— Invited seminar: Transgenic approaches to improvement of horticultural crops. Department of Horticulture, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, March 14, 2003.
— Invited seminar: “Biotech approach to neutralize invasive plants” New England Invasive Plant Submit Meeting on Sept. 19, 2003.
— Invited seminar: Plant Biotechnology Workshop (2003), Chongqing, P. R. China Nov 3-5, 2003.
— Invited seminar: China Agriculture University, Beijing, P. R. China Nov 7, 2003.
— Invited lecture: Science Day, Connecticut Gardener and the Environment, Falls Village CT, Mar 13, 2004.
— Invited seminar: “Controlled removal of transgenes from pollen and seeds of dicot plants.” Southwest Agriculture University, Chongqing, P. R. China June 8, 2004.
— Invited workshop lecture: “Biotech approach to neutralize invasiveness of exotic ornamental plants.” 2004 Biotech Workshop, Annual Meeting of American Society of Horticulture Science, Austin, Texas, July 17-21.
— Invited workshop lecture: “Controlled removal of GM genes from pollen and seeds.” 2004 Biotech Workshop, Annual Meeting of American Society of Horticulture Science, Austin, Texas, July 17-21.
— Invited seminar: “Biotech approaches to control undesirable spread of GM genes and invasive plants.” USDA Appalachian Fruit Research Station in Kearneysville, West Virginia. September 21, 2004.
— Invited seminar: “Biotech approaches to improve biomass production of poplar and to produce transgene free pollen and seed from transgenic plants: Department of Plant Science, University of Tennessee, April 21, 2006
— Invited seminar: “Biotech approaches to improve biomass production of poplar and to produce transgene free pollen and seed from transgenic plants: The Department of Plant Science, DOE Oak Ridge national Laboratory, Knoxville, Tennessee, April 24, 2006.
— Invited keynote symposium lecture: “GM gene deletor system for production of GM gene free pollen and seed from GM plants.” Symposium 10: Plant Biotechnology: From Bench to Commercialization. 27th International Horticultural Congress & International Horticultural Exhibition, Seoul Korea. August 13-19, 2006.
— Invited keynote symposium lecture: “Biotech approach to neutralize invasiveness of exotic plants.” Symposium 2: Asian Plants with Unique Horticultural Potential. 27th International Horticultural Congress & International Horticultural Exhibition, Seoul Korea. August 13-19, 2006.
— Invited symposium lecture: Genetic Improvement of Bioenergy crops. Biofuel Symposium: Storrs, CT, USA on January 8, 2007.
— Invited symposium lecture: “GM gene deletor” to delete GM genes from pollen and seed. International Conference on “Plant Transformation Technologies” Vienna, Austria, February 4-7, 2007.
— Invited seminar: “The gene-deletor technology and genetic Improvement of Bioenergy Crops”. Monsanto Company, Mystic, CT. May 4, 2007
— Invited seminar: “The ‘gene-deletor’ technology and genetic Improvement of Bioenergy Crops.” Department of Plant, Soil and Insect Sciences. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA. May 8, 2007
— Invited symposium: “Biotech approach to neutralize invasiveness of exotic ornamentals”. Symposium: Invasion Biology and Management Under Changing Climates, EcoSummit-2007, Beijing, China. May 23, 2007.
— Invited seminar: The ‘gene-deletor’ technology and genetic improvement of poplar plants.” College of Life Sciences, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, P. R. China. May 24, 2007.
— Invited seminar: The ‘gene-deletor’ technology.” National Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China. May 25, 2007.
— Invited seminar: “The ‘gene-deletor’ technology.” The Ministry of Agriculture of P. R. China. May 28, 2007.
— Invited conference: “Genetic improvement of biomass production and development of the ‘gene-deletor’ technology for energy crops.” Annual Meeting of Northeast Section of American Society of Plant Biologists, Syracuse, NY. June 1, 2007.
— Invited seminar: The ‘gene deletor’ technology and its potential applications.” College of Life Sciences, Sanxia University, Nichang, Hubei, P. R. China. July 26, 2007.
— Invited seminar: The ‘gene-deletor’ technology and its potential applications.” College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China. July 27, 2007.
— Invited seminar: The ‘gene-deletor’ technology and its potential applications.” College of Horticultural Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China. July 27, 2007.
— Invited seminar: The ‘gene-deletor’ technology and its potential applications.” National Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China. July 31, 2007.
— Invited symposium lecture: “Two new tools for genetic improvement of cellulosic energy crops: the ‘gene-deletor’ and “growth promoting’ technologies.” The Northeast Sun Grant Regional Feedstock Summit. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. November 11-13, 2007.
— Invited seminar: “The ‘gene-deletor’ technology and its potential applications.” Cornell University’s Geneva Experiment Station and USDA Agricultural Research Station, Geneva, NY. November 13, 2007.
— Invited workshop lecture: “The ‘gene-deletor’: a new tool to address potential invasive and gene flow problems of transgenic bioenergy crops” Plant and Animal Genome XVI Conference. San Diego, California. January 12-16, 2008.
— Invited Mini-Symposium Presentation: ” Gene-deletor: a tool to eliminate all transgenes in pollen and seed when their functions are no longer needed or their presence can cause concerns. Mini-Symposium for Plant Biotechnology, Annual Meeting of American Society of Plant Biologists. Merida, Mexico. June 26-July 1, 2008.
— Invited Workshop Lecture: “The newly developed ‘gene-deletor’ technology and its potential applications in transgenic agriculture.” Biotechnology Workshop of Annual Conference of American Society of Horticultural Science: Orlando, FL. July 21-24, 2008.
— Invited Colloquium Lecture: “The ‘gene-deletor’ technology and mutational breeding techniques in development of non-invasive forms of exotic horticultural crops.” Annual Conference of American Society of Horticultural Science. Orlando, FL. July 21-24, 2008
— Invited Keynote Lecture: “The gene deletor technology: a new tool to address concerns over transgenic plants” at the 3rd National Conference on Biosafety: Harbin, China. December 16, 2008.
— Invited Symposium Presentation: “Gene-deletor: a tool to eliminate all transgenes in pollen and seed when their functions are no longer needed or their presence can cause concerns” at the Plant Biotechnology Minisymposium of the Joint Annual Meeting of the American Society of Plant Biologists and the Sociedad Mexicana De Bioquimica Rama: Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular de Plantas: Plant Biology. Merida, Mexico. June 26-July 1, 2008.
— Invited Workshop Lecture : “The gene deletor technology.” Invited presentation” at the Connecticut Enviornment Action Day Workshop. Storrs, CT. October 3, 2008.
— Invited Colloquium Lecture: “Using the gene deletor technology and breeding techniques to reduce the invasiveness of exotic ornamental crops” at the Colloquium entitled: Impacts of Invasive Plants on the Horticulture Industry in the Biosecurity Age.” The American Society of Horticultural Science Annual Conference. Orlando, FL, July 21-24, 2008.
— Invited Workshop Lecture: “The gene deletor technology and its potential applications in horticultural and bioenergy crops” at the Workshop titled “Emerging Technologies for Biotechnology and Crop Improvement,” the 2008 American Society of Horticultural Science Annual Conference. Orlando, FL, July 21-24, 2008.
— Invited Seminar: “The gene deletor technology.” The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI. August 8, 2008.
— Invited Seminar: “The gene deletor technology: a new tool to address concerns over transgenic plants.” National Key Laboraotory of plant Physiology and Biochemistry, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China. December 22, 2008.
— Invited Seminar: “The gene deletor technology and its greenhouse and filed performance.” Invited seminar presentation. Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China. December 24, 2008.
— Invited Seminar: “The gene deletor technology and seedless fruit technology: their potential application in fruit crops.” Fruit Research Institute, Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Chongqing, China. December 30, 2008.
— Invited Seminar: “Research in plant science: Some thoughts and suggestions to share with young plant biologists.” College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China. January 5, 2009.
— Invited Seminar: “The gene deletor technology and seedless fruit technology.” Invited seminar presentation. Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China. January 6, Beijing.
— Invited Symposium Lecture: “The Gene Deletor Technology: A New Tool to Address Food Safety and Gene Flow Concerns Over Transgenic Crops.” Invited Keynote Presentation for “Plant Transgene Genetics. “ Plant and Animal Genome XVII Conference. San Diego, Ca, USA. Juanary 10-14, 2009.
— Invited Keynote Lecture: “Plant Biotechnology: Successes, Challenges and Promises” for “Distinguished Lecture Series on Science and Technology” sponsored by the Commission of Science and Technology of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, China. March 12, 2009.
— Invited Panel Member for International Symposium on Market-Based Forest Maturity. Purdue University, IN, USA. April 17, 2009.
— Invited Keynote Lecture: “The gene deletor technology and a seedless fruit technology: their applications in fruits crops” at The 2009 National Conference on Genetic Improvement of Fruit Crops. Nanjing, China, May 22-23, 2009
— Invited Symposium: “Two new molecular tools to improvement cellulosic bioenergy crops at URI-UConn Biofuels Symposium, Storrs, CT, USA. May 29-30, 2009.
— Invited Seminar: The gene deletor technology and its evaluation under field conditions. Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China. July 3, 2009.
— Invited Seminar: The gene deletor technology. College of Life Sciences, China Agricultural University. Beijing, China. July 8, 2009.
— Invited Seminar: The gene deletor and other biotechnologies developed in Li lab. College of Food and Nutrition Sciences, China Agricultural University. Beijing, China. July 9, 2009:
— Invited Seminar: Technologies developed in Yi Li Lab and their potential applications in horticulture and forestry. College of Plant Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China. July 10, 2009.
— Invited Seminar: Transgenic technologies and Agriculture. China Agricultural University, Beijing, China. Dec 10, 2009.
— Invited Seminar: Invasive ornamental plants and their strategies to control their spread, Kunming Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry Sciences. Kuming, China. Dec 15, 2009.
— Invited Seminar: The gene deletor and other transgenic technologies developed in Li lab. Southwest Forestry University, Kuming, China. Dec 15, 2009.
— Invited Colloquium Lecture: Making Beautiful Plants Non-Invasive. State University of new York-New Paltz – Colloquium Series. New Paltz, NY. February 18, 2010.
— Invited Seminar: Modern breeding technologies for horticultural and bioenergy crop improvement. Graduate School, Northwest Agricultural and Forestry University, Yangling. May 11, 2010.
— Invited Keynote lecture: The gene deletor and other technologies developed in Li Lab and their potential applications in bioenergy crops. National Doctoral. Students Forum on Bioenergy, Chengdu, China. May 15, 2010.
— Invited seminar: Tools developed in Li Lab for fruit crop improvement. College of Horticulture, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, China. May 22, 2010.
— Invited Symposium Lecture: The gene deletor technology. The First International Symposium on Molecular Strategies for Crop Improvement. Beijing. China. May 29-30, 2010.
— Invited seminar: Gene Guided Plant Mutation Breeding and Its Applications in Fruit Crop Improvement, Chongqing Academy of Agriculture, China. July 3, 2011.
— Invited seminar: Genomics Guided Plant Mutation Breeding and Its Applications in Turfgrass Improvement, Guizhou University, China. July 6, 2011.
— Invited seminar: Gene Guided Plant Mutation Breeding and Its Applications in Crop Improvement. College of Horticulture, Hunan University, Changsha, China. July 13, 2011.
— Invited seminar: Gene deletor and other biotechnologies developed in Li Lab for horticultural crop improvement Tools developed in Li Lab for fruit crop improvement. College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, China. July 15, 2011.
— Invited Keynote: Genomics Guided Precision Mutation Breeding and Its Application in Horticultural Crop Plants. The Third National Conference of Molecular Biology and Breeding of Fruit Crops. Haikou, China. November 7, 2011.
— Invited seminar: Genomics Guided Precision Mutation Breeding and Its Applications. Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China. November 8, 2011.
— Invited seminar: Genomics Guided Mutational Molecular Breeding and Its Application in Horticultural Crops. Central South University of Forestry & Technology, Changsha, China. November 10, 2011.
— Invited presentation to the City Commission of Agriculture, Nanjing: Some plant biotechnologies developed in Li Lab and their potential applications in Nanjing agriculture. Nanjing, China. March 12, 2012.
— Invited seminar: Molecular Mutational Plant Breeding. Huan Agricultural University, China. March 12, 2012.
— Invited seminar: Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants: Transgenics or Non-Transgenics. Fruit Laboratory, China Agricultural University, China. March 13, 2012.
— Invited seminar: Genetic Improvement of Crop Plants: Transgenics or Non-Transgenics. The Fruit and Forestry Research Institute, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry, China. March 13, 2012.
— Invited keynote speaker: Genomics-Guided Third Generation Plant Breeding Technologies. The 3rd International Conference on Omics and Biotechnology of Fruit crops, Nanjing, P. R. China Oct 27-29, 2012.
— Invited seminar speaker: Crop Improvement: Transgenics or Non-Transgenics? Guandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, P. R. China. Dec 12, 2012.
— Invited speaker: The gene deletor technology and its potentioal applications in the third generation of plant breeding. The First EITA Conference on Agricultural Science and Technology, Biosystems Engineering: Precision Agriculture: Challenges and Future Directions. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, U.S.A. June 27-28, 2013.
— Invited seminar speaker: Plant Improvement: Transgenics or Non-Transgenics? Chinese Academy of Sciences-Jiangsu Institute of Botany, Nanjing, July 8, 2013.
— Invited seminar speaker: Plant Improvement: Transgenics or Non-Transgenics? Chinese National Academy of Forestry, Beijing, July 12, 2013.
— Invited speaker: The gene deletor technology and its field performance. International Symposium on Molecular Biology of Fruit Trees, Wuhan, China, Oct 18-20, 2013.
— Invited Keynote Speaker: Third generation plant breeding technologies and their potential applications in horticultural Crops. The 12th Chinese National Congress for Horticulturists. Chengdu, China, Oct 21, 2013.
— Invited seminar speaker: Plant Improvement: Transgenics or Non-Transgenics? Zhejiang University of Agriculture and Forestry. Oct 30, 2013.
— Invited keynote speaker: Third Generation Breeding Technologies? Horticulture Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Shanghai, China. Oct 31, 2013.
— Invited seminar speaker: Basic and safe-guarded gene deletor technology and its performance under field conditions. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Feb 26, 2014.
— Invited seminar speaker: Basic and safe-guarded gene deletor technology and its performance under field conditions. UF Citrus Research and Education Center, Lake Alfred, FL. Feb 26, 2014.
— Invited lecture: Progress report on the development of plant transformation enhancing technologies and n the genome editing using anthocyanin as the target gene. Hunan Agricultural University, May 19, 2014.
— Invited speaker: New Non-Transgenic Technologies for Horticultural Crop Improvement. National Research Forum for Doctoral Students in Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, October 10, 2014.
— Invited speaker: Horticultural Crop Improvement: Transgenic or Non-transgenic? The Fifth National Congress of the Chinese Association for Subtropical Fruit Crops. Changsha, October 10-12, 2014.
— Invited speaker: Crop Improvement: Transgenic or Non-transgenic? The 2014 International “Horticulture Research” Conference October 14-18, 2014.
— Invited seminar speaker: Horticultural Crop Improvement: Transgenic vs Modern Non-Transgenic Techniques. Guangxi Institute for Specialty Crop Plants, Guilin, Guangxi, P. R. China, May 13, 2015.
— Invited seminar speaker: Horticultural Crop Improvement: Transgenic vs Modern Non-Transgenic Techniques. Institute of Vegetable Research, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, P. R. China, May 29, 2015.
— Invited presentation: Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Plants: Transgenic or Non-Transgenic? In the Workshop for “Trends in Plant Biotechnology”. Annual meeting of American Society of Horticultural Science, New Orleans, LA, USA, August 4, 2015.
— Invited seminar speaker: Floral bud-specific toxin expression leads to flowerless phenotype with no effect on vegetative growth. The 2014 International “Horticulture Research” Conference, UC-Davis, Ca, October 29-Novemeber 2, 2015.
— Invited lecture: Plant breeding technologies and their evolution. In Food Security and Safety Workshop for scientists and governmental staff of developing countries. Nanjing. P. R. China. May 18, 2015.
— Invited presentation: Insights from phylogenetic characterization and manipulation of genes responsible for cytokinin accumulation in higher plants. The 17th Annual Plant Biology Mini-Symposium. University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA. May 26, 2016.
— Invited presentation: Progresses, challenges, and possible solutions for their application in perennial crops. Northwest Agricultural and Forestry University, Yangling, China, October 15, 2016.
— Keynote lecture: Genome editing technologies: Progresses, challenges, and possible solutions for their application in perennial crops. The First International Apple Symposium, Yangling, China, October 10-16, 2016.
–Invited presentation: Agrobacterium mediated transient expression of CRISPR genes. International Citrus HLB Symposium, Florida, USA. March 14, 2017.
–Invited speaker: Improvement of citrus transformation and application of genome editing technology in citrus. Forum on Citrus Breeding and Transformation for HLB Resistance. The US National Academy of Sciences. Irvin, California, May 22-23, 2017.
–Invited keynote presentation: Production and highly efficient screening of non-transgenic mutant plants derived from Agrobacterium-mediated transient CRISPR expression. The Fourth International Horticulture Research Conference, East Malling, UK, July 17, 2017.
–Invited speaker: The Resilient Agriculture in the 21st Century Convening Event. “Issues that prohibit using various breeding technologies on different types of crops”. Memphis, TN. November 27-29, 2017.
–Invited seminar speaker: Crop plant improvement: traditional mutation breeding, transgenic or genome editing? Beijing Forestry University, China, December 20, 2017
–Invited seminar speaker: Crop plant improvement: traditional mutation breeding, transgenic or genome editing? China Agricultural University, China, December 26, 2017
–Invited seminar speaker: New insights into the role of gibberellins in tomato ripening. China Agricultural University, China, December 26, 2017.
–Invited seminar speaker: Crop plant improvement: traditional mutation breeding, transgenic or genome editing? Nanjing University, Nanjing, China, January 3, 2018
Honors and Awards
—Recipient for “Excellence in Research Award” from the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, 2008.
—Shenong Endowed Guest Professor, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China (2012-2015)
—Visiting Professor (2 month/year) at Nanjing Agricultural University, China (2012-).
—Fellow (elected) of American Society of Horticultural Sciences (2017).
—One of our published articles/methods has been nominated as a “groundbreaking articles nominated” by 250 Editors-in-Chief because it “could help change the world.” https://www.springernature.com/gp/researchers/campaigns/change-the-world/life-sciences-biomedicine?from=message&isappinstalled=0
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/8If0I58cTKeVepgRvrlmtg
Associate or Reviewing/Guest Editor for Scientific Journals
–Associate Editor for “Plant, Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture” (2008-present).
–Associate Editor for “Horticulture Research” (2013 to present).
–Reviewing Editor for “Frontier in Plant Science” (2014-present).
–Associate Editor for “Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology” (2008-present).
–Associate Editor for “Propagation of Ornamental Plants” (2014)
–Member of editorial broad of Forest Studies in China (2004-2006).
–Guest editor for “Journal of Crop Improvement” (2005/2006).
–Associate editor for “Acta Horticulturae: Plant Biotechnology” 2006/2007.
External Assessor for Tenure and Promotion
–Cornell University
–North Carolina State University
–Clemson University
–Utah State University
–University of Nevada – Las Vegas
–State University New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
–University of Tennessee-Knoxville
–University of Illinois
–University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
–USDA
–Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Ad Hoc Reviewer for Funding Agencies in US and Foreign Countries (Since 2001)
–US NIH
–US NSF
–USDA
–DOE
–NASA
–US DOE/Consortium for Plant Biotech Research
–North Carolina Biotechnology Center: Science and Technology Development Program.
–Hong Kong Research Foundation
–Hong Kong University Grants Committee
–National Natural Science Foundation of P. R. China
–High Tech Program, Ministry of Science and Technology of P. R. China
–Rothamsted Research Foundation, UK
–Israeli Ministry of Agriculture
Organizer of Scientific Conferences and Research Collaborations
–Chair for Biotech Working Group, American Society of Horticulture Science for 2005 and 2006.
–Organizer of Workshop: “Funding Horticultural Plant Biotech Research” for American Society of Horticulture Science 2005 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 18-21, 2005
–Chair for the Mini-Symposium “Plant Biotechnology” at the Joint Annual Meeting of the American Society of Plant Biologists and the Sociedad Mexicana De Bioquimica Rama: Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular de Plantas: Plant Biology. Merida, Mexico. June 26-July 1, 2008.
–Co-organized UConn Bioenergy Symposium, UConn, Storrs. CT. March 29, 2008
–Conference Chair and Co-Organizer of the International Symposium: “Invasive Plants in the Northeast of Asia and America: Trading Problems, Trading Solutions.” Storrs, CT, USA. August 10-12, 2009
–Co-Organizer/Co-Chair of the First International Symposium on Molecular Strategies for Crop Improvement. Beijing, China. July, 2009.
–Co-Organizer of URI-UConn Joint Bioenergy Symposium, URI, Kingston. RI. May 29, 2009
–Chair of Bioenergy Working Group of American Society of Horticultural Sciences. 2010/2011
–Co-Organizer of International Symposium: “Invasive Plants of the Northeast of Asia and America: Trading Problems, Trading Solutions,” August 10-12, 2009, Storrs, CT,
–Co-Organizer of the First International Symposium in Molecular Strategies to Crop Improvement, Beijing, China, May 29-30, 2010
–Member of International Award Committee of American Society of Horticulture Sciences.
–Co-organizer and Chair of the scientific committee for the First International Horticulture Research Conferences, Nanjing, China, October 14-18, 2014
–Co-organizer and Chair of the scientific committee for the Second International Horticulture Research Conferences, UC-Davis, USA, October 30-November 2, 2015
–Co-Chair of the scientific committee for the Third International Horticulture Research Conferences, Nanjing, October 16-20, 2016.
–Co-chair of International Scientific Committee for the F International Horticulture Research Conferences, East Malling, UK, July 16 – 20, 2017
–Chair of the Scientific Committee for the 9th International Rosaceae Genomics Conference, Nanjing, China, June 26-30, 2018
–Founder and Director of the New England Invasive Plant Center (2005)\
Manuscript Reviewer Since 2001
–Acta Horticulturae
–Acta Physiologiae Plantarum
–Annals of Botany
–Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
–Advances in Space Research
–Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
–Biotechnology Advances
–Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Reviews
–BMC Biotechnology
–European Journal of Soil Biology
–Frontier of Plant Science
–HortScience
–HortTechnology
–Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology
–Journal of American Society for Horticultural Science
–Journal of Applied Microbiology
–Journal of Crop Improvement
–Journal of Experimental Botany
–Journal of Plant Growth Regulation
–Journal of Integrative Plant Biology
–Journal of Plant Physiology
–Molecular Genetics and Genomics (MGG)
–Nature
–Nature Biotechnology
–Nature Protocol
–Plant Biotechnology and Transgenic Research
–Plant Biotechnology Journal
–Plant Growth Regulation
–Plant Molecular Biology
–Plant Molecular Biology Reporter
–Physiologia Plantarum
–Plant Cell, Tissue & Organ Culture
–Plant Growth Regulation
–Plant Journal
–Plant Physiology
–Plant Science
–Plos One
–Propagation of Ornamental Plants
–Recent Patents on DNA and Gene Sequence
–Scientia Horticulturae
–Scientific Reports
–Transgenic Research
–Tree Physiology
Department, College and University Committees
Department
–Departmental Brochure Committee (1999)
–Faculty Search Committee (1999)
–Greenhouse Committee (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
–Farm Committee (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 22014, 2015, 2016)
–Tenure and Promotion Committee (2005, 2006)
–Chair, Tenure and Promotion Committee (2007)
–Chair, Faculty Search Committee (2011)
College
–Biotechnology Task Force Committee (2002, 2003, 2004)
–International Affairs Committee (2003, 2004, 2005)
–Dean’s Advisory Committee (2004, 2005, 2006)
–AgBiotech Minor Committee (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
–Tenure and Promotion Committee (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016)
–Research Advisory Committee (2014, 2015)
University
–China Coordination Committee (2000, 2011)
–Research Foundation Faculty Large Grants Panel, (2001, 2002 2003, 2004).
–Institutional Biosafety Committee (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
–Greenhouse Renovation Committee (2007)
–The Energy Summit (2007, 2008, 2009)
–Research Foundation Panel (2012)
–Global Program Faculty Advisory Board (2011, 2012, 2013)
–CNAR’s Dean 5 Year Review Committee (2013)
Media Coverage
Yi Li’s research activities and accomplishments have been extensively reported by a large number of traditional and digital media vehicles including news-, science-e and technology-websites, newspapers, magazines and TV or radio stations worldwide in English and other languages such as USA Today, Boston Global, and websites of ABC News, CBS, PBS, NPR, Bloomberg Business Week. The following are some of the digital media coverages:
General Search:
— Google: Yi Li, plant, University of Connecticut
— Google: Yi Li, burning bush
— Google: gene deletor
– -Google: Yi Li, space shuttle,tomato,plants, University of Connecticut
— Google: Yi Li, CRISPR, University of Connecticut
— Google: Yi Li,Kansas State University,seedless fruits
— Google: Yi Li,space shuttle,tomato
— Google: 李义，转基因
— Google: 李义, 康涅狄格大学
— Google: 外源基因清除技术
— Google: 李义, 美国, 植物
— Google: 李义, 火焰卫矛
— Google: 李义, 基因编辑
— Google: 李义, 不育, 入侵植物
“Gene-Deletor” Technology
— Science and Development: click here click here
— Food Law Prof Blog click here
— Biotechnology News click here
— Seed Today click here
— High Beam Research click here
— Bioproducts Alberta click here
— African Agriculture click here
— UConn Advance click here
— Progressive Farmer click here
— AgBiotechNet click here
— Growers for Biotechnology click here
— UConn Press Release click here
— CANR Journal click here
— Cropgen click here
— African Biology click here
— Midwest Shippers Association click here
— AgBioWorld click here
— News-Agriculture Network Information Center click here
— American Soybean Association click here
— Biotechnology News.Net click here
— ISB News Report click here
— Soybean Export Weekly click here
–Peak Oil News click here
— Another Blasted Weblog click here
— Greenedia click here
— Checkmate Public click here
In Foreign Languages
— In News – Point –Nr click here
— Forskarbloggen: Jens Sundström click here
— Sevt Biotechnologii click here
— BioTechnolog.pl click here
— Ekolist click here
— Inf’OGM click here
— IAS Vien KHOA Hoc click here
— Farmer-Zboza click here
— Agrodigital click here
— Science & Technology Daily click here
— Science & Technology Daily click here
— Bionline click here
— Biotechnology Vietnam click here
Seedless Fruit Technology
— Science Blog click here
— Bio-Medicine click here
— USDA Information Systems for Biotechnology News Report click here
— Science and You click here
Other Items
— USA Today (Magazine) click here
— Aerospace scholars – NASA click here
— UConn Advance click here
— Chicago Sun-Times/HinghBeam Research click here
— UConn Newsmakers-1998 click here
— UConn Newsmakers – 1998 click here
Summary
Yi Li has published about 100 research articles/reviews/book chapters and discoveries being incorporated into seven textbooks and highlighted by “Faculty of 1000. His lab has developed a number of well known biotechnologies and new horticultural plant cultivars. His GMO-free CRISPR method/publication has been nominated by Editors-in-Chief of Springer-Nature’s journals as one of the articles (research) that “could help change the world.” His research accomplishments were publicized by thousands of national and international media vehicles including USA Today and websites of ABC News and CBS. He has received $8-million research grants and delivered 150 invited conference lectures or seminars. He served as an associate editor for four intentional journals, and organized more than 10 conferences/symposia. He has served as a panel member for NIH, NASA, DOE, USDA, NSF, US National Academy of Sciences and a number of international scientific agencies. He founded New England Invasive Plant Center with 11 faculty scientists from the New England region universities to develop solutions for invasive ornamentals. He is a recipient of Excellence in Research Award of CAHNR of University of Connecticut. He has been elected a Fellow of American Society of Horticultural Sciences.
| yi.li@uconn.edu | |
| Phone | (860) 486-6780 |
| Office Location | Depot Campus |