Activity Report of Open Application Program 2024 vol.38 (Course A)
International exchange to learn how to control plant virus diseases for sustainable food supply
Report from National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, NARO
Dr. OKUDA Mitsuru
It is estimated that the world population will reach approximately 10 billion by 2050, which may pose a significant challenge to ensuring a stable food supply on a global scale. Furthermore, it is estimated that current crop losses due to pests and diseases are around 30% of total production. There has been a notable increase in the spread of plant virus diseases and their vectors, which may be attributable to global warming and international trade. Therefore, strengthening our quarantine systems and developing effective control measures are essential. Given that the prevention of the introduction and spread of new viral diseases cannot be achieved by Japan alone, we should promote international collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) has gained a reputation for excellence in the fields of life sciences, agriculture, and the environment. WUR is a renowned international institution, consistently ranked among the top in its field, and offers a global study environment. Therefore, we have applied to the Sakura Science Program (SSP) with the aim of extending an invitation to staff members and PhD students from the Virology Laboratory in WUR to visit Japan and gain insight into the Japan's comprehensive approach to plant virus disease control, encompassing all aspects from fundamental research to its practical application, social implementation and regulatory frameworks. We also hope to encourage the exchange of information and research collaboration between Japan and Europe on plant virus diseases.
The itinerary is outlined below:
On 2nd March, 2025, the arrival at Tokyo International Airport (Narita), followed by a stay in Tokyo.
[On 3rd March]
The members visited the Plant Quarantine Office at Haneda Airport in the morning, and the Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, the University of Tokyo in the afternoon.
[On 4th March]
The members visited the Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, the Tokyo University of Agriculture.
[On 5th March]
The members experienced Japanese culture by visiting Meiji Jingu shrine.
[On 6th March]
The members moved to Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture to visit the Research Center of Genetic Resources, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) and Tsukuba Agriculture Research Hall of NARO.
[On 7th March]
The members visit NARO PLANT HOSPITAL Co., Ltd. in the morning and the Institute for Plant Protection, NARO in the afternoon.
Despite the concise program, participants expressed satisfaction with the content. SSP facilitates the visit of exceptional young people from around the world to Japan. It offers not only the opportunity to experience Japan's cutting-edge science and technology, as well as its traditional culture and history, but also a valuable opportunity for international exchange between Japan and other countries. It is hoped that SSP will be used by many young people and help to boost international exchange in Japan.