Development of a Sensor for Macro-Scale, Real-Time Quantification of Crop Transpiration
Crop transpiration is a key physiological indicator of plant status. In Phase 0, we developed a sensor technology capable of quantifying crop transpiration in real time at the greenhouse scale. To advance this achievement toward advanced environmental control, this project will conduct research and development on the relationships among evapotranspiration, environmental factors, and crop growth […]
Establishment of Seawater Agriculture Technologies Using Highly Diluted Seawater and Development of a Circular Food Production System
As climate change accelerates, freshwater scarcity and soil salinization are becoming increasingly severe. While agricultural production methods using seawater desalination systems or relying solely on condensation water have been developed worldwide, their widespread adoption has been limited due to high costs and low production efficiency. Our technology enables direct cultivation using nutrient solutions containing salinity, […]
Process Innovation through Smart Breeding of Ultra-High-Yield, Resilient Plant Genotypes Adapted to the Climate Crisis and Automated Agriculture
To address the vulnerability of Koshihikari rice to climate change, we will develop new rice varieties by combining multiple advantageous traits through smart genome breeding. These traits include robust, short and strong culms—which mitigate lodging caused by typhoons and heavy rainfall, enable compatibility with agricultural automation, and reduce labor requirements—as well as large grains, high […]
Development of a Pharmaceutical Protein Production Technology Using Transgenic Rice
In this proposal, we aim to develop production technologies for antibody therapeutics and vaccine proteins using transgenic rice. Specifically, we will generate transgenic rice lines that express antibody drugs and a malaria vaccine protein in the rice endosperm, and evaluate whether these proteins are suitable for pharmaceutical use in terms of functionality and quality. In […]
Development of a Novel Biostimulant Product Utilizing Methanol-Utilizing Bacteria
Global warming is causing declines in crop yield and quality, threatening the stability of agricultural production and supply systems. At the same time, the global push toward decarbonization is driving the reduction of production inputs such as chemical fertilizers. Against this backdrop, biostimulant (BS) products are attracting attention as a promising solution to address both […]
Development of Pest, Disease, and Weed Diagnostic Technologies for the Commercialization of the Plant Hospital®
Approximately 42% of global total food production is lost due to plant diseases, insect pests, and weeds. In addition, recent trends such as global warming and increasing globalization have raised concerns about the emergence and spread of transboundary crop pests and diseases. To address these challenges, we aim to commercialize a startup, the NARO Plant […]
Development of a Crop Diagnostic Platform to Support Crop Production Management
Agriculture is sustained by the production of a wide variety of crops managed through experience-based cultivation practices; however, environmental variability and the need for reduced resource inputs are driving demand for new cultivation management systems. In this project, we aim to develop simple and practical diagnostic technologies for in vivo crop assessment and to stabilize […]
Development of a Novel Biostimulant Product Utilizing Methanol-Utilizing Bacteria
Methylotrophic bacteria that inhabit plant leaf surfaces utilize methanol released from leaves as a carbon source and establish symbiotic relationships with plants by supplying substances such as plant hormones. When isolated and cultured bacterial cells are applied through foliar spraying or seed treatment, growth-promoting effects have been confirmed in a wide range of crops. In […]
Development of Core Devices to Enable a GHG Reduction Consulting Business for Zero-Emission Agriculture
To enable Scope 3–level GHG visibility, agricultural producers within the supply chain also need credible, on-the-ground decarbonization “evidence” that can be measured, verified, and communicated. In this project, we will establish a scheme to implement and validate farming systems designed around new GHG reduction methods. We will support motivated farmers who aim to contribute to […]
Development of Solid Materials for Controlled Release of Growth-Regulating Gases to Extend Crop Freshness
Global food shortages are becoming increasingly severe each year. This study aims to develop a solid material capable of the controlled release of growth‑regulating gases—specifically 1‑methylcyclopropene (1‑MCP), an ethylene inhibitor—that enables safe and simple suppression of crop growth by anyone. Toward commercialization, we are developing a controlled‑release unit capable of continuous gas emission for more […]
