Jiemeng Xu Email and Phone Number

Our project aims dissect the molecular-physiological mechanisms of quinoa occupying harsh environment, especially heat. To do that, we phenotypically compare quinoa with its wild relatives and find the accessions with better performance under high temperature. Further then, we use genomic and metabolic approaches to pick up the genes/pathways, or metabolites that confer heat tolerance. In addition, mapping populations are also used to understand the genetic basis of heat tolerance. With this work, we hope to deliver some germplass, and genes/markers could be employed in quinoa for marginal environments here in Saudi Arabia.

At Rothamsted Research, I am actively involved in addressing wheat heat tolerance with field and greenhouse experiments. Materials are screening and underlying genetics will be uncovered. Contrasting materials are studying in order to dissect mechanisms conferring heat resistance.

My work in IRRI is concentrating on the physiology, genetics and breeding of rice under high temperature conditions. With this work, we would like to obtain materials with superior productivity and quality when grown under high temperatures.

Where I studied the root response of tomato and maize to low phosphorus conditions. Meanwhile, I also tried to use CRISPR/Cas9 to generated tomato lines with higher brix value.

Under the phd project, I am studying the genetic, cytological, transcriptomic and physiological (specifically on reactive oxygen species) basis of tomato thermotolerance.

Mainly focused on map-based cloning of rice thermo-sensitive genic male sterility genes. In addition, some experiments with genetic engineered tobacco were finished with colleagues. During this, I learned cloning, vector construction and tobacco transformation with Agrobacterium.

Assist the experimental section of plant breeding. I prepared materials for the course, guided students for basic experiments, like DNA extraction and quality test, PCR and tobacco transformation. Besides, I also answered questions from students

During Bachelor study, related courses were followed, like general plant biology, plant physiology, basic biochemistry, plant pathology, microbiology, soil science and fertilizer, crop cultivation and management. At the end of Bachelor study, a internship about marker-assisted breeding of rice blast resistance was done.