Elucidation of the characteristics of native citrus fruits in the Amami Islands and promotion of their advanced utilization
Applied Plant Science/Food Chemistry and Biofunction
Yamamoto Masashi,Sakao Kozue,HOU De-Xing
- kikai
Background and objectives of activities
The Amami Islands are home to unique and valuable native citrus fruits that are not found anywhere else, but there are still many aspects of their functionality and fruit characteristics that remain unclear. However, in recent years, the number of these citrus fruits has been declining due to replanting with new varieties, and some of them are now in danger of extinction. This research aims to discover the added value of the native citrus fruits of the Amami Islands from the perspective of functionality and genetic resource characteristics, and to promote the advanced utilization of these resources and contribute to the conservation of genetic resources. We are also attempting to make effective use of underutilized resources.
Summary of Activities
(1) In our research into adding functionality, we are working to evaluate and prove the various functionalities of different types of native citrus fruits using scientific analysis methods. We are aiming to add value to native citrus fruits by exploring their diverse functionality.
(2) In our research into preserving genetic resources, we are comprehensively conducting cultivation and field surveys of native citrus fruits, as well as clarifying their basic fruit characteristics
(size, color, sugar content, acidity, etc.) and genetic characteristics.
Expected Benefits
We have confirmed that native citrus fruits have anti-obesity and blood sugar-lowering effects. We have also discovered citrus fruits with high anti-cancer effects. If we can clarify these characteristics and functions, it will be possible to develop them as materials for functional foods and other products in the 6th industry. It is hoped that this will lead to the growth of local crop cultivation and utilization industries and the revitalization of valuable genetic resources, and that it will be possible to revitalize the island through native citrus fruits and achieve the SDGs.