WAKU Collaborates with Universities to Enhance Crop Heat Stress Resistance through Glutathione Research
In a significant move to combat the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture, WAKU Co., Ltd., based in Okayama, has teamed up with Ehime University and Toyohashi University of Technology to commence collaborative research focusing on enhancing crop heat stress resistance through the application of the antioxidant glutathione. The objective of this study is to build scientific data that stabilizes the growth of major vegetables under high temperature conditions prevalent during summer, thereby paving the way for innovative agricultural technologies adapted to changing climates.
As the world faces increasing instances of extreme weather, such as heatwaves, farmers are grappling with serious challenges, notably crop loss and reduced yield due to high temperature stress. In response to these pressing issues, WAKU has turned its attention to glutathione, a key antioxidant within plants that plays a crucial role in cellular oxidative stress responses. This compound is essential for plants to adapt to adverse conditions like heat and drought.
The collaborative effort aims to scientifically validate the potential of applying glutathione externally to enhance the heat tolerance of crops, thus establishing a cultivation technology that producers can confidently utilize.
Leveraging Ehime University's strengths in environmental control techniques alongside Toyohashi University of Technology's precise measurement technologies for photosynthesis and transpiration, the research will center around the following aspects:
The collaboration does not stop at verifying effectiveness; it seeks to delineate practical insights on how, when, and to what extent the glutathione application should be implemented for maximum benefit. The ultimate goal is to produce a manual that can be readily applied in agricultural settings.
Insights gained from this research could be applicable to other high-value crops, showcasing WAKU's commitment to building scientific validation alongside its academic partners. Through this alliance, they aim to extend Japan's bio-stimulant technology globally, driving forward sustainable agriculture that withstands the challenges posed by climate change.
- Name: WAKU Co., Ltd.
- Location: 5303 Haga, Kita-ku, Okayama, ORIC101, Japan
- CEO: Ryosuke Himeno
- Established: July 2022
- Business Focus: Bio-stimulants utilizing glutathione
- Website: WAKU
For inquiries regarding the research:
WAKU Public Relations
Email: [email protected]
Ehime University, Graduate School of Agriculture
Professor Kotaro Takayama
Phone: 089-946-9826
Email: [email protected]
Associate Professor Naomichi Fujiuchi
Phone: 089-946-9826
Email: [email protected]
For media inquiries:
WAKU Public Relations
Email: [email protected]
Ehime University, Public Relations Division
Phone: 089-927-9022
Email: [email protected]
Toyohashi University of Technology, Public Relations and Regional Cooperation Office
Phone: 0532-44-6506
Email: [email protected]
Background and Purpose
As the world faces increasing instances of extreme weather, such as heatwaves, farmers are grappling with serious challenges, notably crop loss and reduced yield due to high temperature stress. In response to these pressing issues, WAKU has turned its attention to glutathione, a key antioxidant within plants that plays a crucial role in cellular oxidative stress responses. This compound is essential for plants to adapt to adverse conditions like heat and drought.
The collaborative effort aims to scientifically validate the potential of applying glutathione externally to enhance the heat tolerance of crops, thus establishing a cultivation technology that producers can confidently utilize.
Research Focus and Direction
Leveraging Ehime University's strengths in environmental control techniques alongside Toyohashi University of Technology's precise measurement technologies for photosynthesis and transpiration, the research will center around the following aspects:
- - Target Crops: Tomato and Strawberry
- - Testing Method: Real-time monitoring systems for photosynthesis and transpiration will be employed to gather on-site plant biological data from greenhouse cultivated plant populations.
- - Measurement Parameters: The research will analyze parameters such as photosynthesis rates, transpiration rates, total conductance (highly correlated with stomatal opening), growth indicators (height, leaf count, diameter), and yield comparisons.
The collaboration does not stop at verifying effectiveness; it seeks to delineate practical insights on how, when, and to what extent the glutathione application should be implemented for maximum benefit. The ultimate goal is to produce a manual that can be readily applied in agricultural settings.
Future Prospects
Insights gained from this research could be applicable to other high-value crops, showcasing WAKU's commitment to building scientific validation alongside its academic partners. Through this alliance, they aim to extend Japan's bio-stimulant technology globally, driving forward sustainable agriculture that withstands the challenges posed by climate change.
Company Overview
- Name: WAKU Co., Ltd.
- Location: 5303 Haga, Kita-ku, Okayama, ORIC101, Japan
- CEO: Ryosuke Himeno
- Established: July 2022
- Business Focus: Bio-stimulants utilizing glutathione
- Website: WAKU
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding the research:
WAKU Public Relations
Email: [email protected]
Ehime University, Graduate School of Agriculture
Professor Kotaro Takayama
Phone: 089-946-9826
Email: [email protected]
Associate Professor Naomichi Fujiuchi
Phone: 089-946-9826
Email: [email protected]
For media inquiries:
WAKU Public Relations
Email: [email protected]
Ehime University, Public Relations Division
Phone: 089-927-9022
Email: [email protected]
Toyohashi University of Technology, Public Relations and Regional Cooperation Office
Phone: 0532-44-6506
Email: [email protected]
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