FUJITA Laboratory

Affiliation：Faculty of Bioresource Sciences / Department of Development of Local Resources
Position：Associate Professor
Degree：Ph.D.（Agriculture）

Elucidation of the mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis induction by gene expression analysis of grapes, research on skin color determination by genome analysis of grapes, improvement of cultivation techniques for stable high-quality grape production, selection of wine grape varieties suitable for Shobara City, utilization of apple juice residue and isolation of useful microorganisms.

In grape varieties where the grape skins turn red or purple, color affects quality.
In recent years, however, high temperatures during the grape coloring period often cause poor coloration, which has become a problem. In order to improve cultivation techniques and develop new agricultural materials, this laboratory isolates genes related to grape coloration, elucidates their functions, and studies their regulatory mechanisms.

In addition, grapes have a variety of skin colors, ranging from purple to pink, depending on the grape variety. I would like to elucidate the mechanism by which this variation is caused at the genetic level.
Furthermore, we are developing new specialty products for the Bihoku region by producing wine from grapes harvested in the region and utilizing unused resources (pruning branches, unripe fruit, juice pomace, etc.). In wine production, since good wine can only be produced from good grapes, we are also researching the selection of vinification grape varieties suited to the climate and soil properties of the Bihoku region, as well as determining cultivation methods and harvest times suitable for each grape variety.

【Elucidation of the difference between cultured cells that accumulate anthocyanins and those that do not】
To elucidate the anthocyanin biosynthesis regulatory system, we are isolating and establishing culture conditions for cultured grape cells that accumulate anthocyanin, a red pigment. Using this, we will examine genetic differences between cultured cells that color and those that do not color, as well as differences in gene expression under anthocyanin-inducing conditions.

【Mass production of grapevine cuttings】
Fruit tree seedlings are produced by the cutting method. However, stable production is difficult due to unstable fusion with the rootstock and rooting. We would like to solve these problems and establish an efficient production method.

【Fruit grower】
We believe that the theme of our research is “in the field”. It is important to return the research results to the field. If you have any problems, requests or wishes related to fruit trees, please contact us.

【Fruit wine production companies and those wishing to produce in the future】
Prefectural University of Hiroshima has a test brewing license and facilities to produce and analyze fruit wine.

• Fiscal Year 2016-2017. Research on creation of new businesses utilizing apple juice residue, yeast, etc. (NOSON Co., Ltd.)
• Fiscal Year 2017-2018. Wine grape cultivation and winemaking research project. (Shobara City)