Development of a Bud- and Leaf-Harvesting End Effector Capable of Simultaneous Generation of High-Fidelity Plant Digital Twins
Leaf harvesting and leaf–bud pruning account for a substantial portion of labor time in plant production, creating a strong demand for automation. However, the diverse and complex shapes of leaves make fully automated robotic operation technically challenging. In this study, we will develop an end effector that enables robotic leaf and bud sampling by simultaneously […]
Development of Organelle Genome Editing Technology for Identifying Crop Variety Breeders
High‑value Japanese crop varieties, such as Shine Muscat grapes, have been illicitly propagated overseas, leading to infringement of breeders’ rights. In this proposal, to protect breeders’ rights and to support the competitiveness and sustainable growth of Japan’s agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food industries, we aim to develop a practical breeder identification technology based on genetic […]
Development of Long‑Life Fruit Varieties Using the One‑SHOT Single‑Base Substitution Genome Editing Method
Japanese fruits such as melons and strawberries are highly valued in global markets and are traded at premium prices due to their superior quality. However, their short shelf life makes them unsuitable for large‑scale export by sea, limiting international distribution. To address this challenge, we aim to develop long‑shelf‑life fruits by controlling ethylene signaling, the […]
Next‑Generation Pest Control Strategies Using Multi‑Target RNAi and Nanocapsule Technologies
As a novel mite control strategy to replace conventional chemical pesticides, we will develop a multi‑target RNA interference (RNAi) technology that simultaneously targets multiple genes, together with a nanocapsule delivery system that enables efficient introduction of double‑stranded RNA (dsRNA) into the cells of hard‑to‑control pest arthropods.
Development of Photosynthesis Enhancement Technologies Without the Use of Fossil Fuels
We have confirmed at the laboratory scale that a membrane technology capable of rapidly separating carbon dioxide from ambient air can be applied to CO₂ enrichment for crops. In this research, by utilizing renewable energy sources readily available in hilly and mountainous regions, such as solar power and small‑scale hydropower, we aim to establish a […]
Visualization of Environmental Impacts in Agriculture Using Multispectral Data from Earth Observation Satellites
Using time‑series multispectral data from Earth observation satellites, we visualize the environmental impacts of crop cultivation across farmland worldwide.
Development of a High‑Efficiency, Multi‑Task Direct Seeding Machine to Accommodate Expanding Cultivated Areas
As the agricultural workforce continues to decline, farmland is becoming increasingly large‑scale, making highly efficient farming operations with fewer workers essential. In particular, seeding operations, which impose a heavy labor burden, require significant efficiency improvements. With the cooperation of the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), we are developing a direct seeding machine that […]
An Integrated Smart Agriculture System for Labor‑Saving and Optimization of Berry Thinning and Gibberellin Treatment in Grape Cultivation
This research project focuses on berry thinning and the second gibberellin application in grape cultivation. The primary objective is to develop an AI‑assisted end effector that supports berry thinning by counting individual berries and acquiring their spatial coordinates through AI-based image analysis. Target grape clusters are identified by an autonomous mobile robot, and the system […]
Integrated Agricultural Resource Development Using a Soybean Mutant (Fukuyutaka LJ)
Our team has obtained a soybean mutant in which a gene involved in photoperiod-dependent flowering is disrupted. By delaying flowering, this mutant achieves more than a twofold increase in yield. In this project, we will evaluate the potential to extend the cultivation range and planting season of soybeans carrying this gene disruption, as well as […]
Commercialization of a One-Stop Service for Farmland Analysis, Diagnosis, and Improvement Proposals Based on Soil Microbial Data
In this project, we will develop technologies that provide farmland condition diagnosis and improvement support based on soil microbial data and farm management data. In collaboration with agricultural consultants and input suppliers, we will also advance analytical technologies that enable the evaluation of cultivation practices and agricultural inputs. Through these efforts, we aim to establish […]
