Dr. Hong, Yan
My current research focuses on tropical fungi that pose significant risks to urban forestry and outdoor wooden structures. These fungi compromise the health of urban trees and accelerate the decay of wood used in buildings. Through metagenomic surveys, we have identified key fungal species—both individually and in microbial consortia—and clarified their roles in wood degradation, whether pathogenic or saprophytic. To enable early detection and effective monitoring, we’ve developed a suite of diagnostic tools, including PCR-based assays, electronic noses, and SPME-GC-MS analysis. In parallel, we are actively exploring sustainable biocontrol strategies to mitigate these threats.
Previously, I led a multidisciplinary research and development initiative aimed at advancing Jatropha curcas as a next-generation biofuel crop. This comprehensive effort involved global germplasm collection, field evaluation, and conventional breeding to enhance plant vigor and oil yield. I also spearheaded genetic and genomic studies, including bioengineering approaches to reduce seed toxicity and improve oil quality. A highlight is the world’s first field trial of genetically modified Jatropha, which validated its field performance and assessed its potential environmental impact.
Research Areas
- Sampath, K., Zhang, S., Hong, Y., Tripathi, Y., and Ramachandran, S. “Assessment of Interspecies and Intergeneric Gene Flow for the GM Jatropha curcas Event X8#34 with High Oleic Acid Content in Seed.” GM Crops & Food 16, no. 1 (2025): 235–251. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645698.2025.2470484
- Hong, Y., Tan, J.Y., Xue, H., Chow, M.L., Ali, M., Ng, A., Leong, A., Yeo, J., Koh, S.M., Tang, M.S.Y., et al. “A Metagenomic Survey of Wood Decay Fungi in the Urban Trees of Singapore.” Journal of Fungi 9, no. 4 (2023): 460. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9040460
- Tan, J.Y., Zhang, Z., Izzah, H.J., Fong, Y.K., Lee, D., Mutwil, M., and Hong, Y. “Volatile-Based Diagnosis for Pathogenic Wood-Rot Fungus Fulvifomes siamensis by Electronic Nose (E-Nose) and Solid-Phase Microextraction/Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry.” Sensors 23, no. 9 (2023): 4538. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23094538
- Chan, M.E., Tan, J.Y., Lee, Y.Y., Lee, D., Fong, Y.K., Mutwil, M., Wong, J.Y., and Hong, Y. “Locally Isolated Trichoderma harzianum Species Have Broad Spectrum Biocontrol Activities against the Wood Rot Fungal Species through Both Volatile Inhibition and Mycoparasitism.” Journal of Fungi 9, no. 6 (2023): 675. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9060675
- Li, C.H., Ng, A.L., Xie, L.F., Mao, H.Z., Qiu, C.X., Ramachandran, S., Yin, Z.C., and Hong, Y. “Engineering Low Phorbol Ester Jatropha curcas Seed by Intercepting Casbene Biosynthesis.” Plant Cell Reports 35 (2016): 103–114. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00299-015-1871-0