Professor at Nanjing Agricultural University, China
Dr. Zhihui Xu is a distinguished Associate Professor in Soil Microbiology at Nanjing Agricultural University, China, with a research career dedicated to the interface of plant nutrition and microbial ecology. Since earning his Ph.D. in Plant Nutrition in 2014, Dr. Xu has developed an impressive track record in studying plant-beneficial Bacillus species and their interactions within the rhizosphere. His scientific endeavors are centered on deciphering the genetic and biochemical mechanisms that govern biofilm formation, root colonization, and biocontrol efficacy. Known for his pioneering work on Bacillus velezensis and B. amyloliquefaciens, Dr. Xu has made significant strides in soil microbiology, contributing to both fundamental understanding and applied biocontrol solutions in agriculture.
Profile
Scopus
🎓 Education
Dr. Xu pursued his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University (2005–2009), followed by a Ph.D. in Plant Nutrition from the Graduate School of the same university (2009–2014). During his doctoral research, he focused on the gene regulation of biofilm development in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens under the mentorship of Professor Qirong Shen. This foundation laid the groundwork for his future contributions to microbial ecology and biocontrol research.
💼 Experience
Beginning his academic career as a Lecturer in Soil Microbiology in 2014, Dr. Xu advanced to the role of Associate Professor by 2019. He has also presented his research internationally, including an oral presentation at BACELL 2019 in Slovenia. In addition to his teaching and mentoring roles, he is a principal investigator for multiple prestigious projects funded by the National Nature Science Foundation of China and other major institutions. His responsibilities span across leading scientific investigations, publishing impactful research, and collaborating globally to promote sustainable agricultural practices.
🔬 Research Interest
Dr. Xu’s research interest lies in unraveling the molecular basis of beneficial microbe-plant interactions, specifically involving rhizosphere-inhabiting Bacillus species. His primary model organism, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SQR9, has served as a key tool to understand root colonization, antibiosis, and induced systemic resistance. Dr. Xu is also exploring the social ecology and evolutionary dynamics of Bacillus strains, and their ability to shape soil microbial communities. His work bridges molecular microbiology and ecological applications, contributing profoundly to plant health and soil sustainability.
🏆 Awards and Funding
Dr. Xu’s research excellence has been consistently recognized through numerous national-level funding programs, including grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grants No. 31972512 and 31501833), the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No. 2015M581813), and major national R&D programs (e.g., 2016YFD0200305 and 2017YFD0200805). These endorsements underscore his scientific credibility and the practical value of his research outcomes in the context of modern agriculture.
📚 Selected Publications
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Xinli Sun & Zhihui Xu et al. (2021). Bacillus velezensis stimulates resident rhizosphere Pseudomonas stutzeri for plant health through metabolic interactions. The ISME Journal, 16(3): 774–787. [Cited by 160+ articles]
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Zhihui Xu et al. (2019). Antibiotic bacillomycin D affects iron acquisition and biofilm formation in Bacillus velezensis. Cell Reports, 29(5): 1192–1202. [Cited by 130+ articles]
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Dandan Wang & Zhihui Xu et al. (2019). A genomic island encodes antimicrobial fatty acids and protection shield. Environmental Microbiology, 21(9): 3455–3471. [Cited by 120+ articles]
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Zhihui Xu et al. (2019). Wall teichoic acids required for biofilm formation and root colonization. Applied Environmental Microbiology, 85(5). [Cover story, cited by 110+ articles]
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Zhihui Xu et al. (2019). Enhanced control of wilt disease via engineered Bacillus velezensis. Phytopathology, 109(1): 36–43. [Cited by 90+ articles]
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Zhihui Xu et al. (2014). DegU phosphorylation regulates control of cucumber wilt. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 80: 2941–2950. [Cited by 180+ articles]
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Meihua Qiu & Zhihui Xu et al. (2014). Proteomics reveals key proteins in root colonization. Journal of Proteome Research, 13(12): 5581–5591. [Cited by 85+ articles]
✅ Conclusion
Dr. Zhihui Xu exemplifies the qualities of a pioneering researcher whose work is influencing both academic thought and practical agricultural solutions. With a career built on rigorous science, international collaboration, and impactful publications, he stands as a model candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His dedication to exploring plant-microbe symbioses, coupled with innovative approaches to biocontrol, positions him at the forefront of soil microbiology research. The cumulative impact of his findings continues to inspire future developments in sustainable crop management and environmental stewardship.