NARO Plant Varieties
NIFTS Campuses and Research Stations
The NARO Institute of Fruit Tree and Tea Science (NIFTS) operates a network of specialized research campuses and stations across Japan, each playing a vital role in the development of high-quality fruit and tea cultivars. These facilities combine traditional breeding methods with cutting-edge genomic technologies to address the evolving needs of farmers, consumers, and the global marketplace. From apples and grapes to citrus and tea, each site focuses on regionally adapted research, ensuring the creation of cultivars with superior taste, resilience, and cultivation efficiency.
Morioka Campus (Iwate Prefecture)
Specializing in apple breeding, the Morioka Campus has contributed significantly to the development of cultivars like 'Fuji'. The campus employs advanced techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to enhance traits like disease resistance and fruit quality.
Akitsu Research Station (Hiroshima Prefecture)
Located in the coastal region of the Seto Inland Sea, the Akitsu Research Station focuses on grape and persimmon breeding. It played a pivotal role in developing the 'Shine Muscat' grape, known for its large, seedless berries and muscat flavor, by crossing 'Akitsu-21' and 'Hakunan'.
Tsukuba Campus (Ibaraki Prefecture)
Serving as the central hub for NIFTS, the Tsukuba Campus leads in genomic research and breeding strategies for various fruit crops. Notably, it has contributed to the development of 'Shine Muscat' grapes through advanced genomic studies.
Okitsu Research Station (Shizuoka Prefecture)
The Okitsu Research Station specializes in citrus breeding, focusing on developing cultivars with improved taste, disease resistance, and health benefits. It has been instrumental in the development of the 'Tsunonozomi' tangor, a hybrid known for its high β-cryptoxanthin content and resistance to citrus scab.
Kanaya Research Station (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Primarily dedicated to tea research, the Kanaya Research Station also contributes to fruit breeding by studying plant physiology and processing techniques. Research here includes the development of caffeine-less tea cultivars using DNA markers.
Makurazaki Research Station (Kagoshima Prefecture)
Focusing on tea breeding, the Makurazaki Research Station employs marker-assisted selection (MAS) and accelerated breeding cycles to develop new cultivars. It has been involved in genomic studies of tea plants, such as the 'Seimei' cultivar, to enhance breeding efficiency.
Cultivation Resources
Here you'll find a comprehensive collection of materials and tools to support the understanding, cultivation, and promotion of fruit varieties developed by NARO. Whether you're a grower, researcher, educator, or business partner, these resources are designed to help you access the latest information and best practices.
Cultivation manuals
Practical guides for successful cultivation based on research and field experience.
Variety Identification Technologies
Tools and innovations to validate and protect NARO varieties.
- DNA marker-based identification
- Visual trait comparison
- Licensing and protection guidelines
Pamphlets and Promotional Materials
Download brochures and flyers for exhibitions, trade partners, and general audiences.
