Research interest and activities at Professor Kazuo N. Watanabe’s Group
at Gene Research Center, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences
University of Tsukuba:

The research interests at the University of Tsukuba are:

1. Molecular genetic and cytogenetic studies for conservation and for genetic diversity of underutilized species emphasizing polyploidy species

2. Production of transgenic plants and environmental biosafety assessment of transgenic plants with respect to the biological / genetic diversity

3. Sustainable germplasm enhancement of the genetic resources with biotechnology applications emphasizing polysomic polyploid species

4. Multidisciplinary studies associated with plant genetic diversity, biotechnology, biosafety, intellectual property, access and benefit sharing, and bioethics with emphasis on socio-economic and development aspects oriented to policy recommendation and setting frameworks and planning on plant genetic resources and biotechnology R&D.

Specific commodities of interest in biological research are root and tuber crops such as potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) and sweetpotatoes (Ipomoea batatas) and other relevant polyploidy plant species such as banana and cotton.

The above activities are strongly linked with International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), Rome, Italy and other relevant international agricultural research centers such under Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and Institute of Advanced Studies of United Nations University (UNU-IAS).

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