#Japan #Fukui University #AgriSeeds #New Rice Varieties #Eiheiji

An Innovative Collaboration for Rice Breeding

Fukui Prefectural University, located in Eiheiji Town, Fukui Prefecture, and AgriSeeds, based in Itabashi, Tokyo, have embarked on an ambitious endeavor to accelerate rice breeding using the latest genome analysis technology. This partnership aims to swiftly develop new rice varieties by leveraging whole genome data, with a target implementation timeline of just four years from the start of breeding.

The Challenge of Traditional Rice Breeding

Typically, the development of new rice varieties takes between 7 to 8 years, with practical application stretching to about a decade. However, the collaborative effort between Fukui Prefectural University and AgriSeeds is set to reduce this timeframe significantly. They will focus on enhancing disease resistance and high-temperature tolerance in two foundational varieties known for their high yield and excellent taste—“Tonenomegumi” and “Hojonomegumi.”

By utilizing advanced genomic information, they aim to tackle rice blast disease, bacterial leaf blight, and other potential threats in a remarkably quick manner, targeting variety registration applications within four years of initiating the breeding process. This marked departure from traditional timelines aims to meet the needs of producers and consumers more effectively.

Significance of the Project

What sets this project apart is its commitment to bridging academia and industry for practical applications in rice breeding. While the concept of high-speed breeding using genomic information is not new, applying it rigorously in an integrated framework of university and industry partnership brings significant meaning. This approach will focus on developing rice varieties that directly respond to the requirements of production settings and consumers alike.

Local Research Power in Action

This initiative exemplifies Fukui Prefectural University’s dedication to societal contributions through research implementation and university-industry collaboration. For AgriSeeds, it crystallizes a breeding policy attentive to the specific demands of the industry.

By capitalizing on their respective expertise and strengths, both organizations aspire to produce highly practical new rice varieties. Professor Kotaro Miura of the Faculty of Biological Resource Sciences at Fukui Prefectural University will lead this project, stating, “This project is a challenge to condense the breeding period for rice varieties. By building on existing superior varieties, we can focus on the essential traits needed, thus advancing a process that has typically taken many years. We will leverage the know-how accumulated at Fukui Prefectural University to ensure the project succeeds in producing actual varieties for the field, showcasing the capabilities of our regional university.”

Varieties in Focus

Tonenomegumi (Medium-Maturing)

• - Yields more than 10% higher than Koshihikari.
• - Target yield of 12-13 sacks per 10 ares for transplanting and direct sowing.
• - Offers excellent taste and maintains quality even when cooled.
• - High resistance to lodging and suitable for direct sowing.

Hojonomegumi (Early-Maturing)

• - Yields over 15% more than Akita Komachi.
• - Similar target yield of 12-13 sacks per 10 ares.
• - Exceptional taste, remaining delicious even when cold.
• - Offers heat resistance and high lodging resistance, suitable for direct sowing.

With this project, both Fukui Prefectural University and AgriSeeds are poised to not only innovate rice breeding but also contribute positively to regional agriculture and food supply.

Contact Details

For inquiries, you can reach Fukui Prefectural University at:

• - Phone: 0776-61-6000
• - Email: [email protected]

For AgriSeeds, the public relations contact is:

• - Phone: 090-4565-3312
• - Email: [email protected]

This collaboration promises significant changes in how rice is bred and developed efficiently for the future, responding to both agricultural demands and consumer preferences.