Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China
Author Profile
  Suitable for this Best Researcher Award
Dr. Houxiang Kang is an esteemed professor at the Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). His groundbreaking contributions to plant pathology, genomics, and bioinformatics have significantly advanced our understanding of plant-pathogen interactions. With a research focus on Magnaporthe oryzae outbreak mechanisms, broad-spectrum resistance genes, and AI-driven crop breeding, Dr. Kang’s work has had a transformative impact on agricultural sustainability and food security. In conclusion, Dr. Houxiang Kang’s exceptional research contributions, commitment to agricultural biosafety, and global scientific influence make him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work continues to shape the future of plant protection, making a lasting impact on global food security and sustainable agriculture.
 Education
Dr. Houxiang Kang obtained his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, where he focused on molecular mechanisms of disease resistance in crops. His postgraduate studies involved bioinformatics applications in plant genetics, leading to key discoveries in resistance gene identification. Prior to his doctorate, he completed a Master’s degree in Agricultural Biotechnology, specializing in genetic engineering for disease-resistant crop varieties. His undergraduate education in Plant Sciences provided a strong foundation in agronomy, pathology, and molecular biology. Dr. Kang has participated in advanced research training at the University of Southampton and Ohio State University, enriching his expertise in computational biology and pathogen genomics. His academic journey is complemented by certifications in genome sequencing, AI in agriculture, and disease diagnostics. Through continuous learning and collaboration, he has developed a multidisciplinary approach that integrates cutting-edge technologies into plant pathology research.
  Professional Experience
Dr. Houxiang Kang serves as a Professor at the Institute of Plant Protection, CAAS, leading research on plant-pathogen interactions and crop disease resistance. He has directed over 10 completed research projects and is currently engaged in five ongoing studies focusing on emerging plant diseases. His expertise extends to biosafety, developing early warning systems for invasive pathogens like Wheat Blast. As an editorial board member for Frontiers in Plant Science and Journal of Fungi, he contributes to global knowledge dissemination. Dr. Kang collaborates with institutions such as Yangzhou University, China Agricultural University, and Hunan Agricultural University to advance genetic resistance research. His extensive work in bioinformatics and AI applications has resulted in the first high-accuracy AI model for predicting disease resistance phenotypes. With 45+ SCI-indexed publications and five patents, he plays a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture and plant disease management.
 Awards and RecognitionÂ
Dr. Houxiang Kang has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to plant pathology and genomics. He received the Outstanding Researcher Award in Plant Pathology from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences for his groundbreaking work on disease resistance genes. His development of AI-powered resistance phenotype prediction earned him the Innovative Scientist Award from the National Science Foundation of China. He was honored with the Excellence in Agricultural Research Award by the Ministry of Agriculture for his contributions to biosafety and early warning systems for Wheat Blast. Additionally, Dr. Kang has been acknowledged internationally, receiving the Global Plant Protection Excellence Award for his collaborations on pathogen outbreak control. He has also been a keynote speaker at major scientific conferences, sharing insights on plant disease genomics. His research has significantly influenced policy-making in agricultural disease management and food security strategies worldwide.
Dr. Houxiang Kang specializes in plant-pathogen interactions, employing genomic and bioinformatics approaches to combat crop diseases. His expertise includes genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for disease resistance loci identification and functional characterization of resistance genes. He applies artificial intelligence to predict resistance phenotypes, achieving over 90% accuracy in disease forecasting models. His skills in CRISPR-based genome editing facilitate the development of disease-resistant crop varieties. Dr. Kang is proficient in high-throughput sequencing, transcriptomics, and metagenomics to analyze pathogen evolution and outbreak patterns. His biosafety research includes risk assessment and early warning systems for invasive plant diseases. He integrates molecular diagnostics with computational tools to enhance precision breeding strategies. With strong collaborations worldwide, he leads multidisciplinary teams in cutting-edge research on plant health. His contributions advance sustainable agriculture, ensuring crop resilience against emerging pathogens.
Publications
Microbiome homeostasis on rice leaves is regulated by a precursor molecule of lignin biosynthesis
- Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2024
Authors: Pin Su, Houxiang Kang, Qianze Peng, Wisnu Adi Wicaksono, Gabriele Berg, Zhuoxin Liu, Jiejia Ma, Deyong Zhang, Tomislav Cernava, Yong Liu
ABCC Transporter Gene MoABC-R1 Is Associated with Pyraclostrobin Tolerance in Magnaporthe oryzae
- Journal: Journal of Fungi
Year: 2023
Authors: Pei Hu, Yanchen Liu, Xiaoli Zhu, Houxiang Kang