Research Topics
We have preserved ca. 15,000 accessions of cultivated barley including experimental lines and ca. 600 accessions of wild relatives. The subjects of our research are 1) evaluation of genetic diversity and characteristics, construction of the barley germplasm database and worldwide sample distribution, 2) collection and preservation of barley germplasm and 3) efficient use of the resources for genome analysis including EST, molecular markers and DNA libraries to study the genome-based barley diversity and the genetic analysis of important traits in barley.
Projects
Collection and distribution of barley resources
In addition to seed samples, cDNA and BAC clones (including individual clones, pooled BAC DNA for screening, high-density replica membranes and complete clone set of barley) were distributed with the support of the National Bio-Resource Project (http://www.nbrp.jp/).
QTL analysis of barley seed dormancy
A candidate of barley seed dormancy QTL on the long arm of chromosome 5H, which may be associated with pre-harvest sprouting in small grain cereals including barley, was identified using a high density linkage map a large segregating population from recombinant chromosome substitution lines. The transformation and functional analysis of this candidate are underway.
Genome analysis
The project ‘Identification of genes of important traits and their application in barley breeding’ finished with support of Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution. The project aims to sequence genes on chromosome 3H and isolate genes responsible for brewing traits and stress tolerances. The full length cDNA projects on barley were also conducted by National Bioresource Project and Genome diversity analysis project by MAFF.