Challenging Short-Term Development of New Rice Varieties with Latest Genome Analysis Technology
Fukui Prefectural University and Agriseeds have launched a joint research project to shorten the development period for new rice varieties from the conventional 10 years to 4 years using genome analysis technology, aiming to commercialize high-yield, environmentally resistant varieties.
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Fukui Prefectural University (Location: Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui; President: Yukiharu Iwasaki) and Agriseeds Co., Ltd. (Location: Itabashi-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Seiichiro Yamane) will jointly work on rapid rice breeding utilizing whole-genome information. Based on Agriseeds' high-yield, excellent-tasting, lodging-resistant varieties 'Tone no Megumi' and 'Hojo no Megumi,' which are highly suitable for direct seeding, they aim for the short-term development of new varieties with further enhanced resistance to diseases and high-temperature environments.
Aiming for commercialization in 4 years from the start of breeding
Generally, breeding a new rice variety takes at least 7-8 years, and about 10 years for commercialization. In contrast, this initiative aims to rapidly add and improve high-temperature tolerance, blast resistance, and stripe virus resistance based on 'Tone no Megumi' and 'Hojo no Megumi.' The goal is to apply for variety registration four years after the start of breeding, challenging the development of varieties that meet the demands of production sites and actual users in a significantly shorter period than conventional breeding. While the concept of high-speed breeding using genomic information is not new, the significance of this initiative lies in its full-scale application to actual rice variety improvement within an industry-academia collaboration framework, linking it to the development of varieties that meet the needs of production sites and actual users.
Connecting community-rooted research capabilities to new variety development
For Fukui Prefectural University, this initiative is a concrete example of social implementation of research results and social contribution through industry-academia collaboration. For Agriseeds, it materializes a breeding policy based on the needs of production sites and actual users. Both parties will aim to develop highly practical new varieties by leveraging their respective knowledge and strengths. At Fukui Prefectural University, Professor Kotaro Miura of the Department of Creative Agriculture, Faculty of Bioscience and Biotechnology (Awara Campus) will promote this project. According to Professor Miura, "This project is a challenge to compress the breeding period of rice. By building on excellent existing varieties and targeting only the necessary traits to combine, we will significantly advance variety development that has traditionally taken many years. It is an attempt to see it through to delivery as an actual variety to the field, utilizing the know-how accumulated at Fukui Prefectural University, and it is also a challenge to demonstrate the capabilities of a regional university."
'Tone no Megumi' (mid-season)
Over 10% higher yield than Koshihikari. Aims for 12-13 bales/10a with both transplanting and direct seeding. Excellent taste. Remains delicious even when cold. High lodging resistance and suitability for direct seeding.
'Hojo no Megumi' (early-season)
Over 15% higher yield than Akitakomachi. Aims for 12-13 bales/10a with both transplanting and direct seeding. Excellent taste. Remains delicious even when cold. Heat tolerant. High lodging resistance and suitability for direct seeding.
Contact Information
Fukui Prefectural University, Regional Collaboration Division, Collaboration and Research Support Section
TEL: 0776-61-6000 (main)
Mail: kenkyu@g.fpu.ac.jp
Agriseeds Co., Ltd., Public Relations
TEL: 090-4565-3312
Mail: contact@agriseeds.co.jp
d182333-8-6d23a8ff84a1b7fbd0935e128f021e6a.pdf
Aiming for commercialization in 4 years from the start of breeding
Generally, breeding a new rice variety takes at least 7-8 years, and about 10 years for commercialization. In contrast, this initiative aims to rapidly add and improve high-temperature tolerance, blast resistance, and stripe virus resistance based on 'Tone no Megumi' and 'Hojo no Megumi.' The goal is to apply for variety registration four years after the start of breeding, challenging the development of varieties that meet the demands of production sites and actual users in a significantly shorter period than conventional breeding. While the concept of high-speed breeding using genomic information is not new, the significance of this initiative lies in its full-scale application to actual rice variety improvement within an industry-academia collaboration framework, linking it to the development of varieties that meet the needs of production sites and actual users.
Connecting community-rooted research capabilities to new variety development
For Fukui Prefectural University, this initiative is a concrete example of social implementation of research results and social contribution through industry-academia collaboration. For Agriseeds, it materializes a breeding policy based on the needs of production sites and actual users. Both parties will aim to develop highly practical new varieties by leveraging their respective knowledge and strengths. At Fukui Prefectural University, Professor Kotaro Miura of the Department of Creative Agriculture, Faculty of Bioscience and Biotechnology (Awara Campus) will promote this project. According to Professor Miura, "This project is a challenge to compress the breeding period of rice. By building on excellent existing varieties and targeting only the necessary traits to combine, we will significantly advance variety development that has traditionally taken many years. It is an attempt to see it through to delivery as an actual variety to the field, utilizing the know-how accumulated at Fukui Prefectural University, and it is also a challenge to demonstrate the capabilities of a regional university."
'Tone no Megumi' (mid-season)
Over 10% higher yield than Koshihikari. Aims for 12-13 bales/10a with both transplanting and direct seeding. Excellent taste. Remains delicious even when cold. High lodging resistance and suitability for direct seeding.
'Hojo no Megumi' (early-season)
Over 15% higher yield than Akitakomachi. Aims for 12-13 bales/10a with both transplanting and direct seeding. Excellent taste. Remains delicious even when cold. Heat tolerant. High lodging resistance and suitability for direct seeding.
Contact Information
Fukui Prefectural University, Regional Collaboration Division, Collaboration and Research Support Section
TEL: 0776-61-6000 (main)
Mail: kenkyu@g.fpu.ac.jp
Agriseeds Co., Ltd., Public Relations
TEL: 090-4565-3312
Mail: contact@agriseeds.co.jp
d182333-8-6d23a8ff84a1b7fbd0935e128f021e6a.pdf