The Crop Design Group designs gene combinations for rice varieties with enhanced tolerance to environmental stresses, including drought, nutrient deficiency, and heat. By combining crossing, genome editing, and advanced phenotyping technologies such as non-destructive root and rhizosphere analysis, the group evaluates breeding outcomes and continuously refines its design strategies.
By combining two genes that promote deep rooting, we developed rice with substantially increased root depth, aiming to enhance drought tolerance and other traits.
Left: gene combination producing shallow roots; right: gene combination producing deep roots
Members
- UGA Yusaku (Leader)
- SOMA Fumiyuki
- TEI Mika
- KAWAI Tsubasa
