Foreword

• Utilization of Time Capsules 
  ―Insights for JIRCAS International Symposium 2024―  p.3

Special Feature
Crop Genetic Resource Initiatives

• Crop Genetic Resource Diversity and JIRCAS’ Activities  p.4
• Exploring the History and Future of Quinoa : An International Collaborative Research Project Utilizing Genetic Resources and Genomic Information  p.5
• Utilizing Wild Soybean Genetic Resources for Improvement of Cultivated Soybean Varieties  p.6 
• Research on Rice Germplasm  p.7 
• Sugarcane Improvement Using Wide Crossing with Diverse Wild Genetic Resources  p.8 
• Utilizing the Diversity of Tropical Fruit Tree Genetic Resources  p.9

JIRCAS TODAY

• 【Research Highlights】
  • Estimation of the Impacts of Climate Change on Cowpea, an Important Crop in the Semi-Arid Regions of West Africa, through a Yield Prediction Model
    ―Highlighting the dual challenge of excessive soil humidity and drought―  p.10
  • Visualizing the Impact of Nitrogen Load Reduction on Tropical Islands through the Food Nitrogen Footprint
    ―Scenario of resource-recirculating agriculture and livestock industry for 30% reduction of chemical fertilizer  p.10
  • Clarifying the Mechanism of Starch Accumulation in Old Palm Trees
    ―Toward the realization of a sustainable palm industry that contributes to environmental impact reduction―  p.11
  • Elucidating the Egg-Laying Behavior of Desert Locusts Adapted to the Desert
    ―Males act as “parasols” to protect females during egg-laying under high temperatures―  p.11
• 【Event Report】
  • Bolivia Symposium : The Charms of Salar de Uyuni, Quinoa, and Llamas  p.12