Research Center of Genetic Resources, NARO

Throughout my career, I was engaged in wheat and barley breeding, and more recently, soybean breeding as part of my transition into research management. A look back at the history of crop breeding reveals that widely adopted varieties have often relied on the effective use of valuable genetic resources. Considering the recent climate change and global situation, the use of genetic resources will increase more than ever before.

Genetic resources are not only utilized directly as agricultural crops and animals, but also constitute a common heritage of humankind that contributes to the protection of the global environment. Once they are lost, they can never be recovered. Therefore, it is essential to conserve these genetic resources for future generations.

At the Research Center of Genetic Resources, we operate the Genebank Project, which involves the exploration, collection, characterization, preservation, distribution, and information disclosure of genetic resources. The Genebank Project is managed by curators for plants, microorganisms, and animals in the center bank and sub-banks. Sub-banks, many of which are breeding laboratories, conserve genetic resources as breeding materials and distribute them upon request.

Currently, we preserve approximately 280,000 genetic resources. To ensure their effective utilization, we are actively working to accumulate trait data, clarify genomic information, and develop "core collections" that include a set of various selected characteristic features. We are also conducting advanced research to expand the genetic resource base and secure stable long-term preservation. This includes the development of predictive technologies for unutilized genetic resources and the establishment of efficient, stable preservation methods.

Furthermore, through collaboration with domestic and international partners, we aim to accelerate the effective use of genetic resources by introducing new materials and identifying traits with high agricultural value.