An expedition led by Professor Kenichi Matsushima explored plant genetic resources in the mountainous regions of northern Tajikistan and other areas.
From 23 September to 2 October 2026, Professor Matsushima and his team explored, collected and surveyed plant genetic resources in the foothills of the Turkestan Mountains in Sogd Province, northern Tajikistan, and other areas. This project was carried out in collaboration with the National Genetic Resources Center (NGRC) of the Tajik Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Genetic Resources Research Center of the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) and the University of Tsukuba.
The expedition collected 101 accessions of plant genetic resources from families such as Cucurbitaceae, Brassicaceae, Apiaceae, and Amaryllidaceae. Starting from the next financial year, these plant genetic resources will undergo trait evaluation through cultivation trials and seed propagation in Japan and Tajikistan. After this, the seeds will be preserved in the gene banks of both countries. These plant genetic resources will be utilised for plant breeding and various research purposes.
The exploration of these resources was carried out as part of the research project “Promotion of the Collection, Conservation, and Provision of Plant Genetic Resources” (PGRAsia), commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
From 23 September to 2 October 2026, Professor Matsushima and his team explored, collected and surveyed plant genetic resources in the foothills of the Turkestan Mountains in Sogd Province, northern Tajikistan, and other areas. This project was carried out in collaboration with the National Genetic Resources Center (NGRC) of the Tajik Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Genetic Resources Research Center of the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) and the University of Tsukuba.
The expedition collected 101 accessions of plant genetic resources from families such as Cucurbitaceae, Brassicaceae, Apiaceae, and Amaryllidaceae. Starting from the next financial year, these plant genetic resources will undergo trait evaluation through cultivation trials and seed propagation in Japan and Tajikistan. After this, the seeds will be preserved in the gene banks of both countries. These plant genetic resources will be utilised for plant breeding and various research purposes.
The exploration of these resources was carried out as part of the research project “Promotion of the Collection, Conservation, and Provision of Plant Genetic Resources” (PGRAsia), commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Turkestan mountains(Search in September)
Interview Survey at a Melon Farm(Search in September in Sogd Province)
Bell peppers sold at the market(Search in September in Sogd Province)
Survey of Wild Chickpea Species(Search in September in Sogd Province)