I want to utilize signal molecules for plant communication in modern agriculture!
Green (Saitama University Research Seed Collection 2025-25 p.98)
Keywords: Strigolactone, plant hormone, AM fungi, root-parasitic weeds, nutrient deficiency
The "strigolactone" that we are studying is a signaling molecule secreted by plants from their roots to initiate symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. AM fungi provide nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen to the host plant, making them beneficial partners for the plant. Additionally, "strigolactone" functions as a plant hormone that suppresses branching in the above-ground parts of the plant (tillering in rice). When plants experience nutrient deficiency, they increase the biosynthesis and secretion of "strigolactone," which suppresses branching and conserves energy needed for growth, thereby promoting symbiosis with AM fungi, the nutrient providers. Furthermore, root-parasitic weeds, which cause serious damage to agricultural production worldwide, do not germinate unless exposed to "strigolactone." It seems that root-parasitic weeds have evolved to utilize "strigolactone" as a signaling molecule to detect the presence of living roots, similar to AM fungi.
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Kaori Yoneyama, Associate Professor Graduate School of Science and Technology, Department of Life Sciences, Molecular Biology Area 【Recent Research Themes】 ● Functional analysis of strigolactones in plant-plant communication ● Induction of suicidal germination in root-parasitic weed seeds by isothiocyanates
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【Appeal Points to the Industry】 ● We can identify and quantify strigolactones, which are structurally unstable and fragile. ● The functions of strigolactones were clarified in the 2000s, and many aspects such as their biosynthetic pathways and secretion control mechanisms remain unknown, making it easy for new entrants. ● We are actively conducting joint research not only in Japan but also with overseas partners in countries such as Israel, the United States, Italy, and Australia. 【Examples of Practical Use, Applications, and Utilization】 ● Low-input agriculture through the promotion of AM symbiosis mediated by strigolactones. ● Technology for controlling above-ground branching using strigolactone-like molecules. ● The impact of qualitative and quantitative differences in strigolactones on root-parasitic weed resistance and susceptibility.
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The appearance of rice tillering.
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The Saitama University Open Innovation Center is a center that functions as a liaison office for industry-academia-government collaboration. It consists of three departments: the Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration Department, the Intellectual Property Department, and the Startup Support Department, each staffed with coordinators well-versed in various fields. The center's activities include solving technical challenges in companies, supporting the implementation of joint research, and conducting technology transfer aimed at introducing and utilizing Saitama University's intellectual property.