A sequence of fig’s genome was successfully decoded for the first time in the world jointly by Fukuoka Agriculture and Forestry Research Center operated by the Fukuoka Prefectural Government in Chikushino city, Kazusa DNA Research Institute based at Kisarazu city, Chiba prefecture, and Kyushu University.
Researchers of the Fukuoka Research Center expect that the latest genome decoding will make it possible for them to shorten the time of fig plant breeding approximately from 15 to 7 years.
It is also expected that presence of a gene controlling a shape and sweet taste of a fig fruit will be identified at a stage of seedling of a fig plant.
It has been so far impossible until their fruits are examined to find out whether fig plants for new variety candidates have favorable natures or not.
Areas of fig orchards in Fukuoka prefecture rank second in Japan. Officials of the Fukuoka Prefectural Government are eager to expand fig producing areas in the prefecture, saying “We wish to create fig varieties with new excellent features by applying the result of the latest research.”
The research was publicized late January in the British Science Magazine “Scientific Reports.”