Hokkaido Agricultural Research Center, NARO

This group researches about breeding and quality evaluation of field crops in Japanese northern region, Hokkaido. We have developed various potato varieties and are breeding new potato varieties resistant to pale cyst nematode (Globodera pallida) in recent years. In wheat, we have bred "Yumechikara", extra-strong hard red winter wheat variety. In recent years, we are developing wheat varieties with Pre-Harvest sprouting tolerance to adapt to climate change. Sugar beet varieties with resistant to three kinds of diseases (Cercospora Leaf Spot, Aphanomyces Root Rot and Rhizomania) have recently been released, and our attentions are also being focused on breeding researches of direct sowing cultivation and resistance to virus yellows (Beet leaf yellowing virus). Also, we are developing the common and Tartary buckwheat varieties with high yield and high quality and are testing the local adaptability of a new rapeseed "double-low" variety (free of erucic acid and low-glucosinolates). Cultivation system of medical crops are studied, and characteristic evaluation and preservation of genetic resources of Jerusalem artichoke and mints are also performed. Moreover, we have analyzed useful components, such as starch, pectin, ceramide, and so on, of these field crops, as well as these crops processed residues. We have also aimed to utilize these results in the food industry.