Northeast Agricultural University, China
Haitao Li is a Senior Experimenter at the College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China. With over 18 years of experience in molecular biology, agronomy, and plant protection, he has contributed extensively to entomological research, especially focusing on Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal proteins. He began his career as an Assistant Experimenter in 2005, advanced to Experimenter in 2008, and was promoted to Senior Experimenter in 2012. Dr. Li has participated in multiple provincial and national research projects, authored peer-reviewed scientific papers, and collaborated with prestigious institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. His work primarily addresses pest management through biotechnological approaches. He plays a pivotal role in laboratory research and the development of pest-resistant technologies. His expertise, particularly in the study of insecticidal proteins and their mechanisms of action, has significantly impacted agricultural biotechnology and integrated pest management strategies in China.
Profile
Orcid
Education :
Haitao Li obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from Northeast Agricultural University (NEAU) in 2002. He continued at NEAU for his Master’s degree in Botany, graduating in 2005, with a co-training program at the Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. He later pursued his Doctorate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at NEAU from 2009 to 2012, co-cultured with the Institute of Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Throughout his academic journey, he built strong foundations in plant sciences, biotechnology, and pest biology. His graduate studies focused on the biological mechanisms of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins and their applications in pest control, laying the groundwork for his long-term research interests. His academic background integrates traditional agronomic knowledge with advanced molecular and biochemical techniques, enabling him to contribute effectively to scientific innovation in the field of biopesticides and genetic analysis of microbial insecticidal agents.
Experience :
Dr. Haitao Li started his professional journey in July 2005 as an Assistant Experimenter at the College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University (NEAU), where he supported teaching and research in plant protection and microbiology. In September 2008, he was promoted to Experimenter, taking on more complex laboratory responsibilities and project management roles. Since September 2012, he has served as a Senior Experimenter at NEAU, specializing in experimental design, molecular biology protocols, and coordination of research on insecticidal proteins. Dr. Li has contributed to multiple high-impact projects supported by the Heilongjiang Provincial Science Foundation, DuPont, and the State Key Laboratory of Plant Disease and Insect Pest Biology. His extensive work involves isolating and characterizing Bt strains and understanding the mechanism of insecticidal protein interactions. His role also includes mentoring junior researchers, managing lab safety, and conducting cutting-edge research on pest resistance. His experience spans over 18 years of academic and applied research.
Awards and Honors:
Haitao Li has been recognized for his scientific contributions through research grants and co-authorship on significant projects. He was a principal investigator or major collaborator on multiple funded projects, including the Heilongjiang Province Science Foundation (C2016025) and a project supported by DuPont and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (TRAC 15336), as well as the State Key Laboratory of Plant Disease and Insect Pest Biology (SKLOF201705). These awards highlight his research excellence and leadership in biotechnology and entomology. While no individual awards are specifically listed, his consistent promotions, project leadership, and publication in top-tier journals such as Current Microbiology, Biocontrol Science & Technology, and World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology reflect high regard in the scientific community. His research output and patents contribute significantly to the field of agricultural biocontrol, which is a testament to his professional recognition and institutional trust in leading innovative experimental work.
Research Focus :
Dr. Haitao Li’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal proteins, particularly their activity against agricultural pests like Colaphellus bowringi Baly. His work involves identifying and characterizing novel Bt genes, such as cry8 and vip3, and investigating their interaction with insect midgut receptors using advanced molecular techniques like PCR-high resolution melt analysis. A core part of his research includes studying site mutations, protein binding mechanisms, and toxicity modulation to enhance insecticidal efficacy. He has contributed to understanding how vegetative insecticidal proteins (Vip) and Sip proteins function at the molecular level, leading to potential new pest-resistant crop solutions. His recent projects emphasize isolating native Bt strains from Northeast China’s soil, conducting in silico protein structure analysis, and validating receptor interactions. His ultimate goal is to develop sustainable, biotechnological alternatives to chemical pesticides, supporting eco-friendly pest management strategies in agriculture.
Conclusion
Dr. Haitao Li is a highly capable and dedicated researcher whose contributions to biocontrol and pest management through molecular biology strongly support the aims of sustainable food production. His scientific rigor, experience, and innovation in leveraging insecticidal protein mechanisms are commendable. With broader interdisciplinary engagement and real-world application of his research findings, Dr. Li holds promising potential to make transformative impacts in the field of sustainable agriculture. He is a suitable and competitive candidate for the Sustainable Food Production Award.
Publication
Title: Possible Use in Soil Bioremediation of the Bacterial Strain Bacillus Sphaericus NM-1 Capable of Simultaneously Degrading Promethrin and Acetochlor
Authors: Yue Cheng, Qian Fu, Junjia Xu, Xinhua Niu, Lin Liu, Jiaqi Wang, Jingwen Quan, Qingyue Yu, Baoyan Chi, Haitao Li, et al.
Year: 2025
Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13071698
Title: The Degradation Characteristics and Soil Remediation Capabilities of the Butachlor-Degrading Strain DC-1
Authors: Yue Cheng, Qian Fu, Guixin Xiong, Yaning Huang, Xu Li, Qingyue Yu, Fuxia He, Haitao Li, Rongmei Liu
Year: 2024
Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122568
Title: Complete Genome Sequence and Function Gene Identify of Prometryne-Degrading Strain Pseudomonas sp. DY-1
Authors: Dong Liang, Changyixin Xiao, Fuping Song, Haitao Li, Rongmei Liu, Jiguo Gao
Year: 2021
Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9061261