My primary research interest is in the exploitation of genetic markers (cpSSR, isozymes, microsatellites, AFLPs, ISSR, SNP), to study questions concerned with the molecular ecology, population genetics, and molecular evolution of plants, especial for kiwifruit species. Over the years, I have been interesting in assessing the impacts of habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity and reproductive fitness of forest trees. Using molecular markers and novel statistical approaches (e.g. assignment test), we have shown that contemporary gene flow is very restricted among fragmented populations, which accounts for the local adaptation in tree populations. A second area of interest is adaptation evolution. The extent of local adaptation is determined by the balance between gene flow and natural selection. My next research program will focus on the local adaptation of fragmented population through comparing the genetic divergence of neutral marker loci with quantitative trait genetic differentiation in adaptive traits.

1. Jiang Q, Shen Y, Wu L, Jiang Z, Yao X*. 2025. Genomic signatures of local adaptation to precipitation and solar radiation in kiwifruit. Plant Diversity doi.org/10.1016/j.pld.2025.02.003, online.
2. Yu X, Qu MH, Wu P, Zhou M, Lai EM, Liu H, Guo SM, Li S, Yao XH*, Gao L*. 2025. Super pan-genome reveals extensive genomic variations associated with phenotypic divergence in Actinidia. Molecular Horticulture, 5: 4.
3. Wang Z, Li Z, Meng S, Jiang Q, Hu G, Zhang L*, Yao X*. 2024. Potential distribution under climate change and ecological niche differences between Actinidia chinensis complex. Scientia Horticulturae , 337: 113533.
4. Zhang X, Jiang Q, Shen Y, Wang H, Yao X*. 2024. Using landscape genomics to assess local adaptation of fruit trees to current and future climatic conditions. Fruit Research,  4:e003.
5. Yu X^#, Qin M^#, Qu, M, Jiang Q, Guo S, Chen Z, Shen Y, Fu G, Fei Z, Huang H, Gao L*, Yao X*. 2023. Genomic analyses reveal dead-end hybridization between two deeply divergent kiwifruit species rather than homoploid hybrid speciation. Plant Journal, 115: 1528-1543 (# equal contribution).
6. Zhang X^#, Guo R^#, Shen R, Landis JB, Jiang Q, Liu F, Wang H*, Yao X*. 2023. The genomic and epigenetic footprint of local adaptation to variable climates in kiwifruit. Horticulture Research, 10: uhad031. (# equal contribution).
7. Jiang Q, Xu Q, Pan J, Yao X*, Cheng Z*. 2022. Impacts of chronic habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity of natural populations of Prunus persica in China. plants, 11: 1154.
8. Jiang Q, Wang Z, Hu G, Yao X*. 2022. Genome-wide identification and characterization of AP2/ERF gene superfamily during flower development in Actinidia eriantha. BMC Genomics, 23: 650.
9. Yao X^#, Wang S^#, Wang Z^#, Li D, Jiang Q, Zhang Q, Gao L, Zhong C, Huang H, Liu Y*. 2022. The genome sequencing and comparative analysis of a wild kiwifruit Actinidia eriantha. Molecular Horticulture, 2: 13. (# equal contribution).
10. Wang Z, Hu G, Li Z, Zhong C*, Yao X*. 2022. Characterizing tetraploid populations of Actinidia chinensis for kiwifruit genetic improvement. plants, 11: 1154.
11. Guo R, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Landis JB, Zhang X, Wang H, Yao X*. 2022. Molecular phylogeography and species distribution modelling evidence of ‘oceanic’ adaptation for Actinidia eriantha with a refugium along the oceanic–continental gradient in a biodiversity hotspot. BMC Plant Biology, 22: 89.
12. Wang Z, Zhong C, Li D, Yan CL, Yao X *, Li Z*. 2021. Cytotype distribution and chloroplast phylogeography of the Actinidia chinensis complex. BMC Plant Biology, 21: 325.
13. Qiu D, Ping Tang P, Yao X*. 2021. Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Actinidia kolomikta. Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 3: 1129-1130.
14. Zou S, Yao X, Zhong C, Gao P, Wang Z, Huang H*. 2020. Phenotypic characterization of Stauntonia obovatifoliola Hayata subsp. urophylla germplasm: a potential new fruit crop. Genetic Resources & Crop Evolution, 67: 1037-1050.
15. Wang S^#, Li D^#, Yao X^#, Song Q, Wang Z, Zhang Q, Zhong C, Liu Y*, Huang H*. 2019. Evolution and diversification of kiwifruit mitogenomes through extensive whole-genome rearrangement and mosaic loss of intergenic sequences in a highly variable region. Genome Biology and Evolution, 14: 1192-1206. (# equal contribution).
16. Li L, Xu Q, Yao X*. 2019. Microsatellite analysis reveals the resilience of genetic diversity within extant populations of three Akebia species to chronic forest fragmentation in China. Plant Ecology, 220: 69-81.
17. Tang P, Xu Q, Shen R, Yao X*. 2019. Phylogenetic relationship in Actinidia (Actinidiaceae) based on four noncoding chloroplast DNA sequences. Plant Systematics and Evolution, 305: 787-796.
18. Tang P, Shen R, He R, Yao X*. 2019. The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Actinidia eriantha. Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 4: 2114-2115.
19. Zou S, Yao X, Zhong C, Li D, Wang Z, Huang H*. 2019. Recurrent somatic embryogenesis and development of somatic embryos in Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz (Lardizabalaceae). Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 139: 493-504.
20. Zou S, Yao X, Zhong C, Zhao T, Huang H*. 2019. Effectiveness of recurrent selection in Akebia trifoliata (Lardizabalaceae) breeding. Scientia Horticulturae, 246: 79-85.
21. Zou S, Yao X, Zhong C, Zhao T, Huang H*. 2018. Genetic analysis of fruit traits and selection of superior clonal lines in Akebia trifoliate (Lardizabalaceae). Euphytica, 214: 111.
22. Yan M, Fritsch PW, Moore MJ, Feng T, Meng A, Yang J, Tao Deng T, Zhao C, Yao X, Sun H, Wang H*. 2018. Plastid phylogenomics resolves infrafamilial relationships of the Styracaceae and sheds light on the backbone relationships of the Ericales. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 121: 198-211.
23. Liu C, Li D, Zhou J, Zhang Q, Tian H, Yao H*. 2017. Construction of a SNP-based genetic linkage map for kiwifruit using next-generation restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq). Molecular Breeding, 37: 139.
24. Guo R, Landis JB, Moore MJ, Meng A, Jian S, Yao X*, Wang H*. 2017. Development and application of transcriptome-derived microsatellites in Actinidia eriantha (Actinidiaceae). Frontiers in Plant Science, 8: 1383.
25. Tang P, Zhang Q, Yao H*. 2017. Comparative transcript profiling explores differentially expressed genes associated with sexual phenotype in kiwifruit. PLos One, 12: e0180542.
26. Liu Y, Li D, Zhang Q, Song C, Zhong C, Zhang X, Wang Y, Yao X, Wang Z, Zeng S, Wang Y, Guo Y, Wang S, Li X, Li L, Liu C, McCann HC, He W, Niu Y, Chen M, Du L, Gong J, Datson PM, Hilario E, Huang H*. 2017. Rapid radiations of both kiwifruit hybrid lineages and their parents shed light on a two-layer mode of species diversification. New Phytologist, 215: 877-890.
27. Yan M, Moore MJ, Meng A, Yao X, Wang H*. 2017. The first complete plastome sequence of the basal asterid family Styracaceae (Ericales) reveals a large inversion. Plant Systematics and Evolution, 303: 61-70.
28. Fritsch PW*, Yao X, Simison B, Cruz BC, Chen T. 2016. Perkinsiodendron, a new genus in the Styracaceae based on morphology and DNA sequences. Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, 10: 109-117.
29. Yang A, Dick CW, Yao X*, Huang H. 2016. Impacts of biogeographic history and marginal population genetics on species range limits: a case study of Liriodendron chinense. Scientific Reports, 6: 25632.
30. Yang A, Wei N, Fritsch PW, Yao X*. 2016. AFLP genome scanning reveals divergent selection in natural populations of Liriodendron chinense (Magnoliaceae) along a latitudinal transect. Frontiers in Plant Science, 7: 698.
31. Liu C, Zhang Q, Yao X, Zhong C, Yan C, Huang H*. 2016. Characterization of genome-wide simple sequence repeats and application in interspecific genetic map integration in kiwifruit. Tree Genetics & Genomes, 12: 1-9.
32. Yi G, Zhao T, Yin Z, Tang P, Qiu Y, Yao X*. 2016. Mining and characterizing EST-SSR markers from ESTs of Torreya grandis. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 64: 124-128.
33. Zhang J,  Li Z, Pritsch PW, Tian H, Yang A, Yao X*. 2015. Phylogeography and genetic structure of a Tertiary relict tree species, Tapiscia sinensis (Tapisciaceae): implications for conservation. Annals of Botany, 116: 727-737.
34. Yao X, Liu L, Yan M, Li D, Zhong C, Huang H*. 2015. Exon primed intron-crossing (EPIC) markers reveals natural hybridization and introgression in Actinidia (Actinidiaceae) with sympatric distribution. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 59: 246-255.
35. Yao X, Tang P, Li Z, Li D, Liu Y, Huang H*. 2015. The first complete chloroplast genome sequences in Actinidiaceae: genome structure and comparative analysis. PLos ONE, 10: e0129347. 
36. Ye Q, Tang F, Wei N, Yao X*. 2014. Molecular and quantitative trait variation within and among small fragmented populations of the endangered plant species Psilopeganum sinense. Annals of Botany, 113:79-86.
37. Tang F, Ye Q, Yao X*. 2014. Patterns of genetic variation in the Chinese endemic Psilopeganum sinense (Rutaceae) as revealed by nuclear microsatellites and chloroplast microsatellites. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 55: 190-197.
38. Zhang P, Wang Z, Liu Y, Tian H, Yao X, Zhang J*. 2013. Isolation and characterization of 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers in Tapiseia sinensis (Staphyleaceae). Applications in Plant Science, 1 (12): 1300051.
39. Zhang J, Xing C, Tian H, Yao X*. 2013. Microsatellite genetic variation in the Chinese endemic Eucommia ulmoides (Eucommiaceae): implications for conservation. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 173:775-785.
40. Yao X, Li C, Dick CW*. 2013. Exon Primed, Intron Crossing (EPIC) markers for evolutionary studies of Ficus and other Moraceae. Applications in Plant Science, 1: 1300037. 
41. Yao X, Deng J, Hongwen Huang H*. 2012. Genetic diversity in Eucommia ulmoides (Eucommiaceae), an endangered traditional Chinese medicinal plant. Conservation Genetics, 13:1499-1507.
42. Tian H, Kang M, Liu Y, Ye Q, Yao X*. 2012. High genetic diversity in remnant natural populations of Myricaria laxiflora, a species once considered to be extinct in the wild. Aquatic Botany, 103: 48-53.
43. Zhang J, Ye, Gao P, Yao X*. 2012. Genetic footprints of habitat fragmentation in the extant populations of Sinojackia (Styracaceae): implications for conservation. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 170: 232-242. 
44. Yang A, Zhang J, Tian H, Yao X*. 2012. Characterization of 39 novel EST-SSR markers for Liriodendron tulipifera and cross-species amplification in L.chinense (Magnoliaceae). American Journal of Botany, e460-e464.
45. Yao X, Zhang J, Ye Q, Huang H*. 2011. Fine-scale spatial genetic structure and gene flow in a small, fragmented population of Sinojackia rehderiana (Styracaceae), an endangered tree species endemic to China. Plant Biology, 13: 401-410.
46. Yang A, Zhang J, Yao X, Huang H*. 2011. Chloroplast microsatellites primers for Liriodendron tulipifera (Magnoliaceae) and cross-species amplification in L. chinense. American Journal of Botany, e123-126.
47. Li L, Yao X, Zhong C, Chen X, Huang H *. 2010. Akebia: a potential new fruit crop in China. Hortscience, 45: 4-10 (cover story).
48. Zhang J, Ye Q, Yao X*, Huang H*. 2010. Spontaneous interspecific hybridization and patterns of pollen dispersal in ex situ populations of tree species (Sinojackia xylocarpa) that is extinct in the wild species. Conservation Biology, 24: 246-255.
49. Zhang J, Ye Q, Yao X*, Huang H. 2010. Microsatellite diversity and mating system of Sinojackia xylocarpa (Styracaceae), a species extinct in the wild. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 38: 154-159. 
50. Gao P, Yang A, Yao X*, Huang H. 2009. Isolation and characterization of nine polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endangered shrub Disanthus cercidifolius var. longipes (Hamamelidaceae). Molecular Ecology Resources, 9: 1047-1049. 
51. Li L, Yao X, Chen X, Huang H*. 2009. Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in Chinese medicinal plant Akebia trifoliate ssp. australis and cross-species amplification in closely related taxa. Conservation Genetics, 10: 959-962. 
52. Yao X, Ye Q, Fritsch PW, Cruz BC, Huang H*. 2008. Phylogeny of Sinojackia (Styracaceae) based on DNA sequence and microsatellite data: implications for taxonomy and conservation. Annals of Botany, 101: 651-659.
53. Yao X, Zhang J, Ye Q, Huang H*. 2008. Characterization of 14 novel microsatellite loci in the endangered Liriodendron chinense (Magnoliaceae) and cross-species amplification in closely related taxa. Conservation Genetics, 9: 483-485. 
54. Zhang J, Yao X, Wei X, Chen L, Jiang M*. 2008. Development and characterization of 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endangered tree Euptelea pleiospermum (Eupteleaceae). Molecular Ecology Resources, 8: 314-316.
55. Tang F, Ye Q, Yao X, Huang H*. 2008. Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Psilopeganum sinense Hemsl (Rutaceae), an endangered herb endemic to Yangtze River valley. Molecular Ecology Resources, 8: 227–229.
56. Yao X, Ye Q, Kang M, Huang H*. 2007. Microsatellites analysis reveals interpopulation differention and gene flow in endangered tree Changiostyrax dolichocarpa (Styracaceae) with fragmented distribution in central China. New Phytologist, 176: 472-480.
57. Yao X, Ye Q, Ge J, Kang M, Huang H*. 2007. A new species of Sinojackia (Styracaceae) from Hubei, central China. Novon, 17: 138-140.
58. Yao X, Gao L, Yang B*. 2007. Genetic diversity of wild Cymbidium goeringii (Orchidaceae) populations from Hubei based on ISSR analysis. Frontiers of Biology in China, 2: 419-424.  
59. Yao X, Ye Q, Kang M, Zhou J, Xu Y, Wang Y, Huang H*. 2006. Characterization of microsatellite markers in the endangered Sinojackia xylocarpa (Styracaceae) and cross-species amplification in closely related taxa. Molecular Ecology Notes, 6: 133-136.
60. Ye Q^#, Yao X^#, Zhang S, Kang M, Huang H*. 2006. Potential risks of hybridization in ex situ collections of two endangered species of Sinojackia Hu (Styracaceae). Journal of Integrative Plant Biology, 48: 867-872 (#co-first authors).
61. Kang M, Pan L, Yao X, Huang H. 2006. Development and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in endangered fern Adiantum reniforme var. sinense. Conservation genetics, 7: 807-810.
62. Chen L, Les DH, Xu L, Yao X, Kang M, Huang H*. 2006. Isolation and characterization of a set of microsatellite loci in the submerged macrophyte, Vallisneria spinulosa Yan (Hydrocharitaceae). Molecular Ecology Notes, 6: 1243-1245.
63. Xu X*, Yao X, Chen H. 2003. Applications of Modern Biotechnology on Kiwifruit. Acta Hort, 610: 525-531.