Yanhong Dong

Yanhong Dong is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul. Based in Stakman Hall and Borlaug Hall, her work targets Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) and deoxynivalenol (DON) mycotoxin contamination in wheat and barley—addressing global threats to grain safety and farmer livelihoods through chemical diagnostics and resistance breeding. She actively collaborates with plant pathologists and crop breeders while leading USDA-funded diagnostic initiatives.

Her educational foundation includes advanced degrees in chemistry:

• PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, Nanjing University, China (1989)
• MS in Inorganic Chemistry, Nanjing University, China (1985)
• BS in Inorganic Chemistry, Nanjing University, China (1982)

Dr. Dong's research integrates analytical chemistry with plant pathology to combat mycotoxins. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), she develops rapid, cost-effective DON measurement protocols across harvested grains, greenhouse specimens, and fungal cultures. Her program investigates mycotoxin biosynthesis drivers and partners with breeding teams to create FHB-resistant varieties with minimal toxin accumulation—directly supporting food security and economic stability for grain producers.

2024 publications reveal intensified focus on genomic resistance mechanisms (e.g., Fhb7 gene), hyperspectral phenotyping for DON detection, and speed breeding to compress screening timelines. Key trends include leveraging genetic resources from wild relatives like Thinopyrum ponticum, quantifying host resistance effects on fungal aggressiveness, and applying high-throughput methods to accelerate cultivar development against evolving pathogen threats.

She directs multiple USDA Agricultural Research Service grants:

• Diagnostic Services for Deoxynivalenol (2022-2026)
• Diagnostic Services for DON (2020-2024)
• Diagnostic Screening for Deoxynivalenol (2018-2021)
• Diagnostic Services for DON (2014-2019)

Additionally, she leads the PhenoCrop international project with Norwegian University of Life Sciences (2021-2025), applying phenotyping innovations to wheat health. Her grant portfolio emphasizes scalable diagnostic tools and interdisciplinary strategies for disease mitigation.

Dr. Dong operates a dedicated GC-MS diagnostics laboratory that processes grain samples for DON and collaborates with global breeding consortia. Her team bridges chemistry and agronomy to link fungal pathogenesis with practical resistance solutions, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals for zero hunger and responsible consumption through safer grain production systems.