JIRCAS Report
Cowpea germplasm database focusing on grain quality-related traits is now ready for access
The “EDITS-Cowpea” project is one of JIRCAS initiatives that have been implemented to generate fundamental scientific information to promote better utilization of the wide genetic diversity of this crop in breeding programs and crop utilization. Based on the information generated through the project, we have created the "EDITS-Cowpea database" (http://www.jircas.go.jp/en/database/edits-cowpea/introduction).
Debrief Meeting on the Collaborative Research for Sugarcane Improvement between JIRCAS-KKFCRC, Thailand
JIRCAS has been implementing the collaborative research project on sugarcane improvement entitled “Development of new type of sugarcane with better performance under adverse agricultural environments by using wild relatives (EDITS-Cane Project)” with Khon Kaen Field Crops Research Center (KKFCRC), Department of Agriculture (DOA), Thailand since 2011. This project aimed at developing efficient breeding techniques to utilize wild germplasm and sugarcane breeding materials through inter-specific and inter-generic hybridizations.
JIRCAS Participates in the 5th G20 MACS in China
The 5th G20 Meeting of Chief Agricultural Scientists (G20 MACS) was held in Xi’an, China on May 30-31, 2016 hosted by China as G20 President. The 96 participants included delegates from G20 member countries and G20 guests, international institutions of agricultural research, international organizations and international cooperation initiatives.
JIRCAS exhibit at the G7 Science and Technology Ministers Meeting
Posters introducing JIRCAS research activities were presented at the special event of the G7 Science and Technology Ministers' Meeting held at the Tsukuba International Conference Center on May 15-17, 2016. The exhibition was opened to the participants from the G7 Science and Technology Ministers' Meeting and the commemorative symposium on the May 15-17, and to the general public on the May 18-21, 2016.
JIRCAS scientists receive citation as “Highly Cited Researchers” of Thomson Reuters for 2nd consecutive year
Dr. Yasunari Fujita and Dr. Kyonoshin Maruyama, senior researchers in the Biological Resources and Post-harvest Division, were named to the global “Highly Cited Researchers 2015” list of Thomson Reuters in the “Plant and Animal Science” category.
JIRCAS ranks 6th in “Plant Science and Zoology” category of Thomson Reuters highly cited papers
The Thomson Reuters (Headquarters: New York, USA; Japan Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo) released the updated ranking of research institutions in Japan based on the number of highly cited papers on April 16, 2015.
Agriculture Minister of Madagascar Visits JIRCAS
Minister Roland Ravatomanga of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MAEP) of Madagascar and Ms. Rosette Lalatiana Rasoamanarivo, Interim Ambassador of the Madagascar Embassy in Japan, visited JIRCAS on March 9, 2016.
Certificate of Appreciation from the Lao PDR Forest Science Research Center
A certificate of appreciation and a commemorative gift from the Lao PDR Forest Science Research Center (FSRC) Director, Dr. Vongvilay Vongkhamsao were presented to Dr. Kenichiro Kimura, Senior Researcher of the Rural Development Division, at the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) meeting room on March 4, 2016.
Ambassador Ruth Kahanoff of Israel Visits JIRCAS
Ambassador Ruth Kahanoff of the Israel Embassy in Tokyo visited JIRCAS on February 16, 2016 for discussions and exchange of information on the research activities of the JIRCAS and agricultural research in Israel.
Visit of the Imperial Couple to the International Rice Research Institute
Their Majesties, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, undertook a state visit to the Philippines from January 26-30, 2016. As part of the state visit, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) hosted the Imperial Couple for an overview of the institute’s global rice research initiatives at the IRRI Headquarters in Los Banos, Laguna on January 29, 2016.