① Evaluation of disease resistance of crops

Crops are threatened by various pathogens, so a proper control is necessary to obtain high yields. Our laboratory can evaluate a disease resistance effect of new drugs, agricultural materials and soil amendment materials on filamentous fungi or bacteria. In addition, because mechanism of the disease resistance is studied in term of molecular biology, more advanced analysis is also possible. It is becoming clear that phytopathogenic fungi infect and proliferate by sending pathogenic factors into a host cells and thwarting its immune system. However, the entity of the pathogenic factor has not been elucidated, and the molecular mechanism of immune system failure is unknown. We have identified pathogenic factors by proteome analysis of pathogenic bacteria and we are working on elucidating the pathogenic mechanism at a molecular level. We are also studying the molecular mechanism of resistance reaction of plants and we are working on how the resistance is imparted by using drugs and materials.

② Construction and gene analysis system of Naked barley genetic resources

Naked barley, a kind of barley, is the main crop with Ehime prefecture boasting the largest production volume in Japan (40% nationwide). In recent years, β - glucan and other functional ingredients have been found to have preventive effects such as lifestyle - related diseases and dementia, and they are beginning to be noted as functional foods.

③ Molecular biological analysis of plants (DNA, RNA, protein)

Our laboratory conducts molecular biological analysis using barley, Arabidopsis thaliana, citrus, kiwifruit, tobacco, etc. For barley, we have established an experimental system to introduce genes using a handheld type particle gun. For Arabidopsis thaliana, molecular breeding genetic analysis and protein analysis are carried out, as well as gene recombination. High protein expression is also possible using Benthamiana and Agrobacterium belonging to genus Tobacco. In citrus and kiwi fruit, as a member of Ehime University's Molecular Citrus Science Research Unit, I am person in charge of genome analysis of serious pathogens