Stress Physiology of Woody Plants

Dr. Wenhao Dai received his Ph.D. in Plant Science, specializing in woody plant physiology and biotechnology, from North Dakota State University in 2001. He was a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the AgBiotech Center at Rutgers University from 2001 to 2002. Currently, he is Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University, leading the Woody Plant Physiology and Biotechnology program. Dr. Dai has more than 25 years experience in woody plant research. His research areas cover woody plant physiology, biotechnology, molecular genetics, propagation, and production. His research work in the field of woody plant physiology includes physiological and biochemical basis of tree dwarfness (persimmon), overwintering physiological indices in Japanese apricot, tanning metabolism in persimmon fruits, and regulation of plant growth and development in pear and sweet persimmon. Recent work has been focused on molecular characterization of iron deficiency resistance in poplar trees and investigation of mechanisms of phytoplasma-disease resistance in Prunus species. Dr. Dai has taught several horticultural courses including Introductory Horticulture, Horticultural Science Laboratory, Plant Propagation, Fruit Tree Breeding, Nursery Production and Management, and Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology. Dr. Dai has published more than 35 peerreviewed papers in international journals.