Research Center for Environmental Technologies Based on Systems Biology and Life Sciences

Biostimulants (BS) include various substances, microorganisms, or mixtures of substances and microorganisms that, when applied to the plant cultivation environment, bring about favorable physiological conditions in plants, and have attracted much attention in recent years. However, the mechanism of action of BSs is often unclear, and it is difficult to scientifically evaluate and quantify their effects.
In this project, we intend to further advance the gene expression monitoring technology using bioluminescence, which the applicants have developed in previous efforts, and apply it to the creation of new BSs. Specifically, we will establish a method to rationally and efficiently select and characterize compounds with desirable BS characteristics, and obtain knowledge on their effects and mechanisms of action in the field or at the plant factory level. Furthermore, we will synthesize many small-molecule compounds with desirable BS activity using unique organic synthesis techniques and accumulate knowledge on their activity. The objective is to lead to the creation of new compounds through systematic design of compounds, and ultimately to "creation of new type next-generation biostimulants that will contribute to the induction of environmental stress tolerance and high value-added plant production.