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Introduction to the Applied Functional Biology Course: Cultivated Plant Evolution

The Applied Functional Biology Course, with a focus on Cultivated Plant Evolution, is led by Professor Mori Naoki. This course delves into the evolution and domestication of cultivated plants, which are fundamental to human daily life.

Research Overview

Our daily lives heavily depend on cultivated plants such as rice and wheat. These plants were not originally found in nature but were domesticated by our ancestors around 10,000 years ago. The domestication of these plants required a shift from a nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle to one that is more sedentary and agricultural. This transition led to the development of village communities, the enrichment of cultural life, and ultimately, the cultivation of civilization.

Research Areas

The research in this course focuses on understanding the domestication process of wheat, one of the world's major cultivated plants. The primary goal is to decipher the history of domestication encoded in the genome of wheat. To achieve this, the research is structured around three main pillars:

• Investigating the diversity of wild wheat and local varieties in their places of origin, evaluating the magnitude of diversity within these groups, and exploring the process of domestication and evolutionary history.
• Identifying the genetic traits that have changed during domestication, such as the brittleness of the rachis, and clarifying the genetic mechanisms involved in these changes.
• Conducting fieldwork to survey and conserve valuable genetic resources of wild and local wheat varieties, while also elucidating various biological phenomena that can only be observed in the field.

Field Research

Field research is conducted in areas where wild wheat is found, such as southern Turkey. This research aims to explore and conserve genetic resources and to understand the ecological and genetic variations of wild wheat.

Domestication as a Special Form of Evolution

Domestication is a unique form of evolution that results from the interaction between humans, wild plants, and the environment. In this process, genetic variations that are beneficial to humans, such as easier harvest or increased yield, are selected. Conversely, traits that help wild plants survive in nature, such as seed dormancy or self-dispersal, may be lost. Understanding the mechanisms of domestication is not only scientifically intriguing but also provides valuable knowledge for future crop improvement.

Faculty Research Themes

Professor Mori Naoki's research themes include:

• Elucidation of the evolution and domestication process of wheat
• Ecological and genetic analysis of wheat's wild relatives and exploration of these genetic resources
• Evolution and diversity of wheat's organelle genomes
• Genetic variation and origin of sake-brewing rice varieties

Institution

The Applied Functional Biology Course is part of the Graduate School of Agricultural Science and the Faculty of Agriculture at Kobe University, located in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.