Download Rice is one of the most important crops in the world. Thus, a study to

FUNDING PROGRAM FOR NEXT GENERATION WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHERS
Project Title: Identification of novel defense mechanisms in rice on plant-microbe-insect interaction
Name: Kenji GOMI
Institution: Kagawa University
1. Background of research
Rice is one of the most important crops in the world. Thus, a study to prevent rice diseases causing by
pathogens such as fungi and bacteria is one of the most important study, because grain production increases
by preventing diseases. However, there are many uncovered mechanisms at molecular level on rice defense
system.
2. Research objectives
We recently found a new defense mechanism of rice induced by infestation of white-backed planthopper
(WBPH), which is a phloem sucking insect of rice. In addition, we found that many functional unknown genes
involved in defense system of rice were induced in the WBPH-infested rice plants. We therefore try to identify
novel defense systems by studying these genes in rice.
3. Research characteristics (incl. originality and creativity)
Study for defense mechanisms caused by insect attack is original and creative study in the world. There is few
studies for the plant-microbe-insect interaction using rice plants at molecular levels in the world.
4. Anticipated effects and future applications of research
Food shortage become a serious problem because demand from population growth and the production of
biofuels exceeds global food supply. A breeding study, including production of transgenic plants, to increase
the grain production including rice is one of the most important study in the world. Novel defense genes
identified by my study will be utilized for production of disease resistant rice plant s and contribute increase
production of rice grain in the world, especially rice-growing countries of southeast Asia.
Plant‐microbe‐insect interaction on rice
Plant
Rice
Insect
White-backed
planthopper
Microbe
Plant Pathogens
Aim of this study
White-backed
planthopper
Rice
Elicitor
Frontier
Science
Plant Hormone
signaling
Originality
Plant
volatile
R
E
S
I
S
T
A
N
C
E
Pathogens
Production of Disease Resistant Rice