Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO

The mission of our group is to develop new crop varieties through genome editing technology. With the emergence of CRISPR/Cas9, it has become possible to introduce mutations at desired target locations within the crop genomes. For example, it is possible to mutate genes that produce natural toxins and make potatoes without toxins, and to change the color, taste, nutrition, and yield of crops by means of CRISPR/Cas9. In the future, it will be possible to create various mutations by devising the way to introduce mutations. We aim to produce epoch-making crops that exceed the limits of conventional cross breeding methods, centering on wheat, barley, potatoes, vegetables, and fruit trees. Also, we have top-level protein delivery technology that is drawing attention from around the world. With this technology, we are developing a novel genome editing methodology that does not use recombinant DNA. Simultaneously we aim to deepen the understanding of genome editing technology throughout society. We are engaged in information dissemination and communication activities for a wide range of stakeholders in order to foster their understanding of genome editing technology.