Vegetable Breeding Research Team

Developing pilot varieties and breeding materials of major vegetable crops. Analyzing the genetics of important traits in major vegetable crops and developing DNA markers for these traits.

We are developing short-leafed, low pungent, softtextured and tasty varieties of bunching onion.

Molecular Genetics and Physiology Research Team

We accumulated genomic information to develop genomics-based breeding systems in vegetables. A molecular genetics study as well as a transgenic approach to develop disease resistant vegetables are also being conducted. In addition, physiological studies on plant hormone function to contribute to vegetable production are also being carried out.

Leaf and Root Vegetables Production Research Team

We are developing a one-time over harvesting technique and the harvest prediction system in response to the commercial demand for vegetables in the market. And, we also plan to stabilize the production and distribution by minimizing excess moisture injuries and flower stalk development. Also, the utilization of organic resources will be introduced. Furthermore, we would like to stabilize the conditions of farmer's production and distribution systems.

Experimental field on the recycling of organic resources for sustainable production in vegetables

Advanced Greenhouse Production Research Team

To achieve year-round high yield and quality at a low cost in greenhouse production, the main researches are targeting large-scale production techniques. The subjects are analyzing the high yield mechanisms of crops, optimizing the crop growth by precise controls of nutrition and microclimate and labor saving by mechanization.

A systematic study for high yield and quality tomato production at a reduced cost by using the newly developed high-eaves plastic house and the ubiquitous environmental control system.

Vegetable Pest Management Research Team

We develop new methods or technologies to control diseases, pest insects and mites of major vegetable crops, which will contribute to integrated pest management and environmental conservation.

Low-Input Tea Production Research Team

The main goal of our research is to develop a low-nitrogen input technique to reduce the nitrogen load from tea fields. Two approaches are being used to accomplish this goal. One approach is increasing fertilizer efficiency by utilization of drip fertilization or by improvement in the rhizosphere environment. The other approach is improving and selecting tea cultivars suitable for low-nitrogen-input cultivation. The effectiveness of each of these approaches alone and in combination will be verified by field experiments.

'Fuushun' , 'Yabukita' and 'Asatsuyu' from the left (second year after planting)

Labor-Saving Tea Production Research Team

To achieve technical developments for a labor-saving tea production system,we conducted the following research activities. Developing evaluation methods for tea plant growth-activity; high-yielding tea production procedures for beverage material use; improving safety in machine-use; minimizing agro-chemicals by machine-aides; developing new a tea processing system through evaluation of fresh tea leaves by a new moisture sensor.

A riding-type tea harvester in our Kanaya tea experiment field

Tea Pest Management　Research Team

We research biocontrol agents, natural enemies, insect pheromones, and plant activators to develop new tea pest management systems which are in harmony with environmental conservation. We also breed resistant lines of white peach scale by using DNA markers.

Histochemical study of defense reaction of tea plant against trichome infection of tea anthracnose fungus, Colletotrichum theae-sinensis.

Postharvest Research Team

We will develop; (1) methods to evaluate the qualities of vegetables and tea, (2) the postharvest technologies based on physiology and molecular biology of vegetables, (3) methods to eliminate the hazardous microorganisms and heavy metals and (4) methods for the rapid monitoring of qualitatively important components.

Indexing the taste of tea infusions using a taste sensor system
Investigation of microbial risk for using organic materials

Vegetable and Tea Function　Research Team

We elucidate lifestyle-related disease protective efficacy or the immunoregulatory action of vegetables or tea, using animal cells, animals, and humans. We develop unique tea breeding material for polyphenol or a low caffeine tea line, and screen for high functional anthocyanin from eggplant genetic resources.