Our division is researching the cultivation of vegetables and flowers in open fields. We are developing technologies for predicting growth by using sensing and growth control systems, as well as harvesting and storage technologies. These technologies are then combined to attain advanced control of production and shipment, with the aim of improving yield and profitability.
Studies on vegetable plants tend to focus on controlling assimilation to enlarge fruits, leaves and roots, while those on flowering plants tend to focus on differentiation and development of flower buds. In both studies, it is important to understand plant growth in response to the environment, which we have traditionally studied, and to develop advanced sensing technology to determine actual growth. These harvesting and storage technologies benefit both producers and consumers through stable prices; thus, our research is related to social issues.
