R&D

Research and development of high carbon-fixing plants

We envision a future in which humankind will be able to control carbon sources at will by harnessing the natural processes of plants.

In recent years, numerous food issues have emerged, including the global drying out of agricultural lands, the expansion of salt damage, the northward expansion of pests and diseases in tropical and subtropical regions, and in Japan, the aging of agricultural leaders and the need to develop foods that meet consumer needs.

Genome editing and smart breeding technologies are attracting attention as solutions to these issues. Genome editing technology is expected to speed up the process of breeding, which used to take many years in the past, and to solve food problems through the early development of foods with improved yield, environmental tolerance, nutritional components, and taste.

The benefits of genome editing and smart breeding include increased crop yields, increased food production, elimination of food shortages, provision of food to people around the world, imparting tolerance to crops, reducing crop losses, reducing the economic burden of agriculture, reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers on crops, and reducing environmental impact.

Genome editing technologies and smart breeding also allow plants to enhance photosynthesis, grow faster, and absorb more carbon. For example, cold- and drought-tolerant crops can be developed and farmed without suffering from cold or drought, or crops with higher nutritional value can be developed and people can lead healthier lives. Furthermore, by reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, we can protect the natural environment and lead richer lives with living creatures.

Plant genome editing and smart breeding will be recognized as excellent technologies that will enable people to live happy lives in harmony with nature.