Radiation breeding is a field of mutation breeding, and its advantages include 1) the creation of new traits that did not exist before, 2) the improvement of target traits without damaging the traits of varieties, and 3) the improvement of vegetative propagation crops and crops that are difficult to breed.
Since its establishment in 1960, the Radiation Breeding Laboratory has been a leading mutation breeding research in Japan and has been breeding various mutant varieties such as the Japanese pear variety 'Gold Nijisseiki'. In addition, we carry out joint research by collaborating with universities, national and public research institutes, private companies, etc. and mutation breeding research by commissioned irradiation. In recent years, with the advancement of genomics research in crops as a background, materials created by mutation are also being used for gene functional analysis research.
Currently, Radiation Breeding Laboratory only perform gamma-ray irradiation in the gamma room, which is an indoor irradiation facility. In recent years, regulations have become stricter due to law revisions, but we are working to strengthen the security functions of our facilities and operate them safely in cooperation with security companies and local governments.
