In recent years, the Japanese sake industry has been facing a critical situation due to a shortage of sake rice supply and soaring prices. However, the deterioration of sake rice quality due to global warming is unstoppable. Therefore, we are conducting research and development to accelerate the flowering of Yamada Nishiki, the most popular variety of sake rice. Currently, Yamada Nishiki is a late-maturing variety with late flowering, making it unsuitable for cultivation in the harsh northern regions. Therefore, we aim to accelerate the flowering period and expand the cultivation area of Yamada Nishiki to Hokkaido. Recently, we succeeded in isolating a novel flowering control gene by extracting the nucleus from cells that control flowering and investigating gene expression. By applying this technology to sake rice, we aim to create an early-maturing Yamada Nishiki.
Hiroshi Takagi
Designated Assistant Professor, Nagoya univ.