Rhizosphere interactions
Crop growth and physiology in stressed environments
Plant root development, structure and functions
Modelling simulations of root architecture and functions
Diversity and functions of microbes in ecosystems
Mycorrhizal technologies and applications

Dr. Yinglong Chen is an ARC Future Fellow and Professor (Research). Before pursuing his PhD studies at Murdoch University in 2002, he served as an Assistant Professor at the Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Guangzhou. His international experience includes Visiting Research Fellowships at leading institutions such as CSIRO, INRA, Murdoch University, Forschungszentrum Jülich, and Pennsylvania State University. He has been appointed as an Honorary, Adjunct, or Guest Professor at institutions including The University of Lahore, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, and Ningxia University.

Yinglong's research delves into the structure and functions of plant root systems, an area regarded as the “next frontier” in agricultural science. He pioneered the world’s first phenotyping study on root system architecture, via developing a novel phenotyping platform for characterising diverse germplasms across various crop species. His work combines phenotyping, genotyping, and modeling simulations to explore rhizosphere interactions, including root responses to soil stress and the underlying mechanisms. Renowned internationally, Yinglong's groundbreaking research on root system structure, function, and rhizosphere interactions has resulted in a substantial body of high-quality publications and extensive global collaborations. His research focuses on improving water and nutrient use efficiency and enhancing crop adaptation to stressful environments. By advancing these areas, his work aims to boost agricultural productivity and support global food security amid increasing drought and climate change challenges.

As of August 2024, Yinglong has published over 340 works, including four scholarly books, five edited volumes, one translated textbook, and nine invited book chapters. His publications collectively have a total journal impact factor (IF-5y) of 1285. Since 2017, he has authored 220 papers in ISI-indexed journals, with 187 of these appearing in JCR Q1 journals (85%). Notably, 62 of these papers are featured in the top 10% of journals, such as iMeta (IF=23.7), National Science Review (18.6), ACS Nano (16.2), Resources Conservation and Recycling (12.1), Journal of Hazardous Materials (11.9), Plant Biotechnology Journal (11.6), Environment International (11.1), PNAS (10.8), Journal of Pineal Research (10.2), and New Phytologist (10.2).

Yinglong’s research outcomes have received over 30 media coverages since 2015, including University News, GRDC GroundCover, The Independent (UK), The Conversation, Eco-Business, Newsweek, Grain Central, Farm Online National, Science X Network, and Agricultural Biodiversity Weblog, etc. Yinglong’s research outcomes were also attracted an Pre-recorded Interview of ABC Rural and Resources Report Program of ABC Radio.

• Current Projects:

ARC Future Fellowship (FT210100902) Unravelling the Secrets of the Rhizosphere of Crops (2022/01–2025/12) $786,690

Virtue Australia Foundation Evaluation and Development of Castor Bean as a Commercial Crop in Australia (2017/01–2028/12) $1,633,177

China National Natural Science Foundation (NSFC4077055) Response of Maize Root Traits and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi to Cadmium Stress and Its Underlying Detoxification Mechanisms (2021/01–2024/12) Approx. $127,700 (570,000CNY) (based at Institute of Water and Land Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, & Northwest A&F University)

GRDC & WAAA Soil Water and Nutrition (SWAN) Strategic Collaboration Project Transforming Water and Nutrient Use Efficiency in WA Grain Production (2024/07-2029/06) (in collaboration with DPIRD, Contract to be made)

• Past Projects (2006–2021):

UWA Research Collaboration Awards Characterising Root Traits for Efficient Water and Nutrient Acquisition in Barley (2014/01–2015/12) (Project Leader); Universities Australia Go8–DAAD German Research Cooperation Phenotyping and Simulation of Barley Root Architecture for Edaphic Stress Adaption (2013/01–2014/12)(Project Co-Leader); ARC (DP160104434) Optimising Crop Root Systems to Enhance Capture of Soil Water and Nutrients (2016/01–2018/12); ARC (DP130104825) Modelling Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Rhizosphere Exudation (2013/01–2015/12); ARC (DP0988193) Using Modelling to Optimise the Structure and Function of Crop Root Systems for Dryland Agriculture (2009/01–2011/12); ICARDA ex CGIAR Competitive Grants Phenotyping Root Traits in Chickpea Core Collection (2014/01–2015/12); ARC (DP0342496) PCR Typing of P35 (Anti-apoptosis Gene) and Cloning the Reduced Mycorrhizal Colonization (rmc) Locus of Tomato (2004/1–2006/12); Australian Flora Foundation Harnessing native Fabaceae for Agriculture – The Importance of Mycorrhizal Fungi (2006/1−2007/12); Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd Quantifying The Rate Of Seedling Establishment For Native Species Used At Boddington Bauxite Mine (2006/1−2007/12); ARC (LP0669766) Molecular Approaches for the Exploitation of Genetic Diversity in Subterranean Clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) (2006/1−2009/12); GRDC Improved Herbicide Tolerance for Pulses in the Western Region (2006/1−2008/12); Gindalbie Metals Resolution of the Taxonomic Status and Genetic Variation in Lepidosperma (funded to Botanic Gardens and Parks Authorities)(2008/01–2010/12)

• Past Projects funded in China (since 1997):

Chinese Academy of Sciences Cooperation Program Optimising Root Systems for High Yielding and Efficient Resource Acquisition on the Loess Plateau (2014/05–2018/04) (Project Leader); China National Natural Science Foundation Modelling Root Responses to Localized and Heterogeneous Phosphorus Supplies (2015/01–2018/12) (Project Leader); ACIAR (F/9425) Ectomycorrhizal fungi in Eucalyptus in Southern China (1997/1−2000/12); China State Forestry Administration Key Program Synthesis of Tricholoma matsutake with Partially Artificial Method (1996/1−1998/12); International Foundation for Science (IFS, Sweden) Competitiveness and Persistence of Australian Ectomycorrhizal Fungi in Eucalyptus plantations in Southern China (1999/3−2002/6) (Project Leader); Asia Paper and Pulp (APP, Indonesia) Strategies and Practices for High Wood Production of Eucalyptus Plantations in South China (1999/1−2001/12); China National Natural Science Foundation Mechanism of Tree-Fungus Symbiosis (1999/1−2001/12)(Project Co-Leader); China State Forestry Administration “948” Program Black Truffles - Resources and Cultivation (2000/1−2002/12)(Project Co-Leader); Centre for International Forestry Organization Research (CIFOR, Indonesia) Forest Products and People – Non-timber Forest Projects (2000/1−2003/12) (Project Leader); Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong, China Effect of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Prevention from Bacterial Wilt (2000/1−2003/12); Agricultural Research Committee of Guangzhou City Edible Mycorrhizal Fungi in Liuxihe National Forest Park, Guangzhou (2000/1−2002/12) (Project Leader); International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO, Japan) Technology Development and Demonstration on Reforestation Using Tropical Hardwood Species in Yunnan Province of China (2001/1−2002/12)(Sub-project Leader); Chinese Academy of Forestry Key Program Mycorrhiza Status in Endangered Parashorea chinensis (Dipterocarpaceae) (2002/1−2004/12)(Project Leader); China State Forestry Administration “948” Program Drought-resistant Woody Plants for Land Restoration in Hot-dry Valley Area in Southwest China (2002/1−2005/12); International Foundation for Science (IFS, Sweden) Phylogeny of Scleroderma Fungi and Their Symbiotic Status with Eucalypts (2003/3−2006/2) (Project Leader); China State Forestry Administration, New Product and Technology Trialling Project (2002-Z-12) Application of N₂-fixing Frankia in Reforestation of Shelter Forest Belt (2003/1−2006/12); China Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST2005EA169010) National Star Program Development and Application of Bio-fertilizer in Agriculture (2005/1−2007/12)

Yinglong’s research has a strong industry focus, bridging the gap between academic discoveries and real-world applications. His work, supported by UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, and UWA Institute of Agriculture, extends beyond academia, directly impacting industry and the broader community. Yinglong has actively communicated his research outcomes to the public, raising awareness of UWA's research through over 30 conference presentations and more than 30 public lectures, both domestically and internationally. By coordinating conferences and international symposiums, Yinglong has facilitated knowledge exchange between industry and the pre-breeding and plant breeding communities. Yinglong’s research has led to practical advancements in agriculture, such as the development of root system architecture phenotyping techniques used in breeding programs. His contributions to the study of narrow-leafed lupin and barley roots have informed breeding strategies, resulting in potential drought-tolerant cultivars through collaborations with InterGrain and DPIRD. Yinglong’s dedication to addressing global challenges is exemplified by his work on castor bean (a bioenergy crop) development for Western Australia. He secured $1.63 million in research funding from the Virtue Australia Foundation (2017-2028) and collaborated closely with Zenith Australia Group and local farmers to explore its commercial potential. Yinglong’s passion for solving the critical issue of maintaining and increasing agricultural production in a drying climate drives him to devote significant personal time to this cause. His commitment to this global challenge represents a meaningful contribution to both the community and the world beyond academia.