Wajid Ali Khattak

Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher
Shenzhen, CN.

About

Highly accomplished Postdoctoral Researcher with a Ph.D. in Agriculture, specializing in crop physiology, environmental ecology, and sustainable agriculture. Leverages advanced research methodologies and a prolific publication record, including over 30 Q1 journal articles and multiple book chapters, to drive innovation in plant stress resilience and nutrient management. Proven expertise in securing competitive research funding and leading high-impact projects aimed at addressing global food security and climate change challenges.

Work

College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University
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Postdoctoral Researcher

Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China

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Summary

Leading advanced research in crop physiology and environmental ecology to address global food security and climate change challenges.

Highlights

Awarded the prestigious Lixin Award (July 2024 – June 2026), recognizing exceptional potential in postdoctoral research at Shenzhen University.

Conducting cutting-edge research on plant invasion mechanisms and ecological adaptability to environmental pollutants, contributing to sustainable agriculture solutions.

Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to investigate the impact of global change on agroecosystems and develop resilient crop varieties.

Utilizing advanced analytical techniques and experimental designs to generate high-impact scientific findings published in leading Q1 journals.

School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University
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Postdoctoral Researcher

Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China

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Summary

Spearheaded innovative research projects focused on environmental pollutants, plant invasion ecology, and climate change adaptation within agricultural systems.

Highlights

Secured a 300,000 RMB grant through the 2022 Jiangsu Province Excellent Postdoctoral Program, operationalizing ecological adaptability concepts for invasive weed management.

Led comprehensive studies on the synergetic effects of environmental factors and ecological mechanisms influencing plant competition, securing 580,000 RMB in funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Authored and co-authored numerous Q1 journal articles (e.g., Biological Reviews, Science of the Total Environment) with high impact factors (up to 11.7), advancing knowledge in plant stress physiology and sustainable agriculture.

Developed and implemented experimental designs to investigate nutrient management strategies and their role in crop productivity and abiotic stress resilience.

Overseas Education College (OEC), Jiangsu University
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Visiting Lecturer & Member of Student Academic Support Team

Jiangsu University, Jiangsu, China

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Summary

Delivered academic instruction and provided essential support to students, enhancing their learning experience and academic success in agricultural sciences.

Highlights

Taught specialized modules in crop physiology, environmental pollutants, and research methodology to international students, fostering a deeper understanding of complex agricultural concepts.

Mentored students on academic writing, research project development, and data analysis techniques, significantly improving their scientific literacy and project outcomes.

Contributed to the Student Academic Support Team, developing and implementing strategies to enhance student engagement and academic performance.

Facilitated interactive learning environments and provided personalized guidance, resulting in positive student feedback and improved course comprehension.

Directorate of Agriculture Extension, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
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Intern

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

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Summary

Gained practical experience in agricultural extension, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world farming challenges and community engagement.

Highlights

Assisted agricultural extension officers in disseminating best practices to local farmers, contributing to improved crop yields and sustainable farming methods.

Participated in field visits and farmer training programs, gaining hands-on experience in crop production, pest management, and soil health assessment.

Contributed to data collection and analysis for regional agricultural surveys, providing insights into local farming needs and challenges.

Developed communication skills by interacting with diverse farming communities, effectively bridging the gap between research and practical application.

Directorate of Science and Technology (DoST), Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
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Research Assistant

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

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Summary

Supported scientific investigations and data management for agricultural research projects, contributing to foundational studies in crop science.

Highlights

Conducted laboratory experiments and field trials, collecting and analyzing critical data on crop physiology and environmental interactions.

Assisted senior researchers in preparing scientific reports and presentations, contributing to the dissemination of research findings.

Managed and organized research data using various software, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for ongoing and future projects.

Gained foundational experience in experimental design, scientific methodology, and the practical application of agricultural research principles.

Education

Nanjing Agricultural University
Nanjing, Jiangsu, China

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Ph.D.

Agriculture (Crop Cultivation and Farming)

Courses

Crop Physiology & Ecology

Crop Production

Environmental Pollutants

Invasion Ecology

Sustainable Agriculture

Environment and Safety

Research Methodology

The University of Agriculture, Peshawar
Peshawar, Pakistan

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M.Sc. (Hons)

Agriculture (Agronomy)

Courses

Crop Physiology & Ecology

Crop Production

Environmental Pollutants

Invasion Ecology

Sustainable Agriculture

Environment and Safety

Research Methodology

The University of Agriculture, Peshawar
Peshawar, Pakistan

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B.Sc. (Hons)

Agriculture (Agronomy)

Courses

Crop Physiology & Ecology

Crop Production

Environmental Pollutants

Invasion Ecology

Sustainable Agriculture

Environment and Safety

Research Methodology

Awards

Lixin Award

Awarded By

Shenzhen University

Recognizing exceptional potential in postdoctoral research during the 2024-2026 session.

2022 Jiangsu Province Excellent Postdoctoral Program

Awarded By

Jiangsu University

Awarded 300,000 RMB for operationalizing ecological adaptability concepts to address invasive weed behaviors to environmental pollutants.

National Natural Science Foundation of China Grant (CoI: 32071521)

Awarded By

National Natural Science Foundation of China

Secured 580,000 RMB for investigating the synergetic effect of main factors and ecological mechanisms of invasive and native plant competition in response to global change.

National Natural Science Foundation of China Grant (CoI: 31971427)

Awarded By

National Natural Science Foundation of China

Secured 580,000 RMB for studying the mechanism of diterpenoid metabolites regulating soil microorganisms to drive successful invasion of alien plants.

Ph.D. fellowship Chinese Government Scholarship

Awarded By

Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC), Government, P.R. China

Fully-funded scholarship for Ph.D. studies (September 2017 - August 2021).

Laptop Award (Naway Sahar scheme)

Awarded By

Chief Minister, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Awarded a laptop under the Naway Sahar laptop scheme.

Masters fellowship Merit and Need Based PAK-USAID scholarship

Awarded By

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Fully-funded scholarship of Rs. 203,300 for M.Sc. (Hons) degree (February 2014 - February 2016).

Bachelor fellowship Merit and Need Based scholarship

Awarded By

Dr. Sadiq Foundation

Fully-funded scholarship for B.Sc. (Hons) degree (February 2012 - February 2014).

Bachelor fellowship MoRA scholarships

Awarded By

Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), District Nowshera

Awarded Rs. 13,500 for B.Sc. (Hons) studies (2010 & 2011).

Higher secondary school certificate (HSSC) fellowship College Merit scholarship

Awarded By

Khyber Modal College, Nowshera Cantt, K.P., Pakistan

Fully-funded scholarship for HSSC studies (2007 - 2009).

Publications

Plant Invasions in Coastal Wetlands under Global Change: Mechanisms, Modeling, and Management Pathways.

Published by

Global Change Biology

Summary

Co-authored a paper under review exploring mechanisms, modeling, and management pathways for plant invasions in coastal wetlands under global change.

Soil humic acid supplementation and nitrogen management positively regulate the growth and yield of wheat.

Summary

Co-authored a paper in process demonstrating the positive regulation of wheat growth and yield by soil humic acid supplementation and nitrogen management.

Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and its role in nutrient recycling and availability in subtropical forest ecosystem of China: A review.

Published by

Eurasian Soil Science

Summary

Reviewed the diversity and functional role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in nutrient cycling within subtropical forest ecosystems.

Balancing nitrogen application to enhance soil health and mitigate heavy metal contamination risks in sweet potato cultivation.

Published by

Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

Summary

Explored optimal nitrogen application strategies to improve soil health and reduce heavy metal contamination risks in sweet potato cultivation.

Invasion dynamics of multiple invasive weed species in heavy metal-contaminated different ecosystems.

Published by

Journal of Hazardous Material

Summary

Co-authored a paper under review investigating the invasion dynamics of multiple invasive weed species in heavy metal-contaminated ecosystems.

Manganese dynamics: effects of pollution and its impact on soil chemistry.

Published by

Elsevier Publisher

Summary

Co-authored a book chapter analyzing manganese dynamics, focusing on the effects of pollution and its impact on soil chemistry.

Unveiling the resistance of native weed communities: Insights for managing invasive weed species in disturbed environments.

Published by

Biological Reviews

Summary

Explored the resistance mechanisms of native weed communities to inform strategies for managing invasive species in disturbed environments.

The role of agricultural land management in modulating water-carbon interplay within dryland ecological systems.

Published by

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

Summary

Investigated how agricultural land management practices influence water-carbon interactions in dryland ecosystems, contributing to sustainable resource management.

The pivotal role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in enhancing plant biomass and nutrient availability under drought stress conditions: A global meta-analysis.

Published by

Science of the Total Environment

Summary

Conducted a global meta-analysis to elucidate the critical role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in improving plant biomass and nutrient uptake under drought stress.

Understanding the Influence of Secondary Metabolites in Plant Invasion Strategies: A Comprehensive Review.

Published by

Plants

Summary

Provided a comprehensive review on the influence of secondary metabolites in plant invasion strategies, offering insights into ecological interactions.

Synthesis of biochar-ZnAl-layered double hydroxide composite for effective heavy metal adsorption: Exploring mechanisms and structural transformations.

Published by

Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

Summary

Synthesized and characterized a biochar-ZnAl composite for efficient heavy metal adsorption, investigating its mechanisms and structural changes.

Assessing the health risks of heavy metals and seasonal minerals fluctuations in Camellia sinensis cultivars during their growth seasons.

Published by

Food and Chemical Toxicology

Summary

Assessed the health risks associated with heavy metals and seasonal mineral fluctuations in tea plant cultivars, contributing to food safety research.

Modeling adaptation strategies to climate change in the prospect of agriculture.

Published by

Elsevier Publisher

Summary

Co-authored a book chapter on modeling effective adaptation strategies for agriculture in the face of climate change.

Biochar mediated carbon and nutrient dynamics under arable land.

Published by

Elsevier Publisher

Summary

Co-authored a book chapter investigating the role of biochar in mediating carbon and nutrient dynamics in arable land ecosystems.

Climate change in interaction with global carbon cycle.

Published by

Elsevier Publisher

Summary

Co-authored a book chapter exploring the complex interactions between climate change and the global carbon cycle.

Evaluation and monitoring of chromium and beneficial elements.

Published by

Elsevier

Summary

Co-authored a book chapter submitted for revision on the evaluation and monitoring of chromium and beneficial elements in environmental contexts.

Ecological consequences of antimicrobial residues and bioactive chemicals on antimicrobial resistance in agroecosystems.

Published by

Journal of Advanced Research

Summary

Examined the ecological impacts of antimicrobial residues and bioactive chemicals on the development of antimicrobial resistance in agricultural ecosystems.

Emerging Applications and Future Trends of Agri-nanotechnology.

Published by

Springer, Cham

Summary

Co-authored a book chapter exploring advanced applications and future trends of agri-nanotechnology in revolutionizing agricultural practices.

Early allelopathic input and later nutrient addition mediated by litter decomposition of invasive Solidago canadensis, affects native plant and facilitate its invasion.

Published by

Frontiers in Plant Science

Summary

Investigated how invasive *Solidago canadensis* influences native plant communities through allelopathic effects and nutrient dynamics, facilitating its invasion.

Microplastics and cadmium affect invasion success by altering complementarity and selection effect in native community.

Published by

Science of the Total Environment

Summary

Investigated the impact of microplastics and cadmium on invasive species success by analyzing their effects on native plant community dynamics.

Climate change as a threat to global food security.

Published by

Elsevier Publisher

Summary

Co-authored a book chapter discussing climate change as a significant threat to global food security and potential mitigation strategies.

Disaster management and its impact on sustainable agriculture.

Published by

Elsevier Publisher

Summary

Co-authored a book chapter analyzing disaster management strategies and their implications for sustainable agriculture.

Climate change induced environmental adversities and their impact on agricultural productivity.

Published by

Elsevier Publisher

Summary

Authored a book chapter detailing climate change-induced environmental adversities and their impact on agricultural productivity.

Changes in cotton water use efficiency and its mechanism during drought and subsequent rehydration.

Published by

Environmental and Experimental Botany

Summary

Analyzed changes in cotton water use efficiency and its underlying mechanisms during drought and subsequent rehydration phases.

Dry-wet cycle changes the influence of microplastics (MPs) on the antioxidant activity of lettuce and the rhizospheric bacterial community.

Published by

Journal of Soils and Sediments

Summary

Examined how dry-wet cycles and microplastics affect lettuce antioxidant activity and rhizospheric bacterial communities, highlighting environmental impacts.

A review of plant strategies to resist biotic and abiotic environmental stressors.

Published by

Science of the Total Environment

Summary

Reviewed diverse plant strategies for resisting both biotic and abiotic environmental stressors, offering insights into plant resilience mechanisms.

Analysis of physio-biochemical responses and expressional profiling of DREB transcription factors for drought tolerance in Aegilops tauschii Coss.

Published by

Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution

Summary

Analyzed the physio-biochemical responses and gene expression of DREB transcription factors to understand drought tolerance in *Aegilops tauschii*.

Transcriptome analysis of sugar and acid metabolism in young tomato fruits under high temperature and nitrogen fertilizer influence.

Published by

Frontiers in Plant Science

Summary

Conducted transcriptome analysis to investigate the impact of high temperature and nitrogen fertilizer on sugar and acid metabolism in young tomato fruits.

Metabolic profiling, pigment component responses to foliar application of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn for tea plants (Camellia sinensis).

Published by

Scientia Horticulturae

Summary

Performed metabolic profiling to assess the effects of foliar application of micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) on tea plants' pigment components.

Soil pollution and the invasion of congener Sphagneticola in croplands.

Published by

Journal of Environmental Management

Summary

Investigated the relationship between soil pollution and the invasion success of *Sphagneticola* species in cropland ecosystems.

Ecological adaptability of invasive weeds under environmental pollutants: a review.

Published by

Environmental and Experimental Botany

Summary

Reviewed the ecological adaptability of invasive weeds in the presence of environmental pollutants, contributing to invasive species management.

Melatonin alleviating drought stress in plants: a review.

Published by

South African Journal of Botany

Summary

Provided a comprehensive review on the role of melatonin in mitigating drought stress in plants, highlighting its potential for agricultural applications.

Foliar melatonin ameliorates drought-induced alterations in enzyme activities of sugar and nitrogen metabolisms in cotton leaves.

Published by

Physiologia Plantarum

Summary

Demonstrated the ameliorative effects of foliar melatonin on drought-induced metabolic changes in cotton, enhancing plant resilience.

Maize ear growth is stimulated at the fourth day after pollination by cell wall remodeling and changes in lipid and hormone signaling.

Published by

Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture

Summary

Investigated the molecular mechanisms, including cell wall remodeling and hormone signaling, that stimulate maize ear growth post-pollination.

Potassium application increases cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber length by improving K+/Na+ homeostasis and potassium transport capacity in the boll-leaf system under moderate salinity.

Published by

Agronomy

Summary

Demonstrated that potassium application enhances cotton fiber length by optimizing K+/Na+ homeostasis and transport under saline conditions.

Foliar melatonin stimulates cotton boll distribution characteristics by modifying leaf sugar metabolism and antioxidants during drought conditions.

Published by

Physiologia Plantarum

Summary

Investigated how foliar melatonin influences cotton boll distribution and leaf metabolism under drought, identifying mechanisms for improved yield.

Natural variations and dynamics of macronutrients for 87 tea plant (Camellia sinensis) varieties throughout the growing seasons in Wuhan.

Published by

Scientia Horticulturae

Summary

Characterized macronutrient variations and dynamics across 87 tea plant varieties in Wuhan, providing insights for cultivar selection and management.

The importance of nitric oxide as the Molecular basis of the hydrogen gas fumigation-induced alleviation of Cd stress on Ganoderma lucidum.

Published by

Journal of Fungi

Summary

Elucidated the molecular basis of hydrogen gas fumigation in alleviating cadmium stress in *Ganoderma lucidum*, emphasizing the role of nitric oxide.

Phosphorus application improves the cotton yield by enhancing reproductive organ biomass and nutrient accumulation in two cotton cultivars with difference phosphorus sensitivity.

Published by

Agronomy

Summary

Demonstrated that phosphorus application significantly improves cotton yield by boosting reproductive organ biomass and nutrient accumulation across cultivars.

Combined effects of nitrogen fertilizer and straw application on aggregate distribution and aggregate-associated organic carbon stability in alkaline sandy loam soil.

Published by

European Journal of Soil Science

Summary

Investigated the combined effects of nitrogen fertilizer and straw application on soil aggregate stability and organic carbon content in alkaline sandy loam.

Impact of phosphorus and potassium levels on yield and yield components of maize.

Published by

Pure and Applied Biology

Summary

Analyzed the impact of varying phosphorus and potassium levels on maize yield and its components, providing insights for nutrient management.

Response of wheat crop to humic acid and nitrogen levels.

Published by

EC Agriculture

Summary

Studied the effects of humic acid and nitrogen levels on wheat crop growth and yield, optimizing fertilization strategies.

Effect of brassinolide on the yield and yield related traits of wheat.

Published by

International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research

Summary

Examined the impact of brassinolide application on wheat yield and associated traits to optimize crop performance.

Response of barley varieties to phosphorus and sulphur levels.

Published by

Pure and Applied Biology

Summary

Evaluated the growth and yield responses of different barley varieties to varying levels of phosphorus and sulfur application.

Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization of improved varieties for enhancing phenological traits of wheat.

Published by

Pure and Applied Biology

Summary

Investigated the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on phenological traits of improved wheat varieties to enhance productivity.

Growth and yield components of wheat varieties as affected by dual purpose practices.

Published by

Pure and Applied Biology

Summary

Investigated how dual-purpose practices influence the growth and yield components of various wheat varieties.

Effect of sowing dates and seed rates on the agro-physiological traits of wheat.

Published by

Journal of Environment and Earth Science

Summary

Analyzed the impact of different sowing dates and seed rates on wheat's agro-physiological traits, optimizing cultivation practices.

Languages

Pashto
Urdu
English
Chinese

Skills

Technical Software

Microsoft Office, Statistix 8.1, Sigmaplot, Origin, Mendeley/Zotero, R, Biorender.

Laboratory & Field Techniques

Crop Physiology Experiments, Biochemistry & Gene Expression, Agronomic Field Experiments, Experimental Design, Data Collection.

Research & Analysis

Paper Writing, Editing, Reviewing, Research Methodology, Statistical Analysis, Ecological Modeling, Grant Writing, Literature Review, Scientific Reporting.

Agricultural Science

Crop Physiology & Ecology, Crop Production, Environmental Pollutants, Invasion Ecology, Sustainable Agriculture, Environment and Safety, Abiotic Stress, Nutrient Management, Climate Change Adaptation, Plant Stress Resilience.

Interests

Research Interests

Crop physiology and ecology, Nutrient management & crop productivity, Sustainable & arid-land agriculture, Abiotic stress, Plant invasion ecology, Global change ecology, Environmental pollutants, Climate change adaptation.

References

Prof. Dr. Song Xin

Postdoc Supervisor, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China. Email: xinsong@szu.edu.com, Phone: (+86) 0755-26536307; +86-18320969799

Prof. Dr. Zhiguo Zhou

Ph.D. Supervisor, Dep't of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China. Email: giscott@njau.edu.cn, Phone: (+86) 025-84395103

Prof. Dr. Youhua Wang

Ph.D. Co-Supervisor, Dep't of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China. Email: w_youhua@njau.edu.cn, Phone: (+86) 025-84396397

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Wajid Ullah

Department of Pulp & Paper Engineering, College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China. Email: wajid_kundi@yahoo.com; wajid_kundi@hust.edu.cn, Phone: (+86-13129997143)