Research

Development and Application of Horticultural Genomics Tools

In plant breeding and horticultural science, the development of genomics tools has contributed significantly to the advancement of basic and applied research. The Olericulture and Floricultural Research Group owns the world’s most extensive collection of tomato mutants using the dwarf tomato variety Micro-Tom. It is conducting research to screen for mutants exhibiting important breeding traits such as parthenocarpy and improved nutrient content, as well as to identify the genes responsible for them. We are also developing new technologies for the efficient selection of target mutants using a genome science approach. In addition, we are conducting research on the rapid breeding of tomatoes using genome editing technology that enables efficient modification of target sites. These studies are being conducted in collaboration with private companies, with the ultimate goal of developing new varieties.

Exploring Molecular Aspects of Fruit Setting and Parthenocarpy in Tomato

Fruit set is the critical developmental phase of the ovary into fruit and is an important process, and its efficiency determines the yield of fruit-bearing crops. Fruit set is normally induced by pollination and fertilization through the cascades of several plant hormones, such as auxin and gibberellin, contributing to active cell division and expansion, respectively, within the fertilized ovary. In contrast, some fruit varieties can develop without either pollination or fertilization by a process termed parthenocarpy. Thus, the parthenocarpic character can confer fruit-bearing crops with stable fruit production under adverse environmental conditions, such as high temperature, which hinders fruit set. However, the mechanism underlying parthenocarpy remains elusive. Using tomato mutants and multi-level omics analysis, we have been exploring the mechanism by which fruit set and parthenocarpy are induced. For further details, please refer to our selected paper.