Shoji Sugano

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Shoji Sugano in Plant Disease Resistance

Introduction

Shoji Sugano, renowned for his pioneering work in agricultural biotechnology, hails from Ibaraki, Japan. With three patents to his name, he has significantly impacted the field of plant disease resistance through innovative research and discoveries.

Latest Patents

One of Sugano's most notable inventions is a rice gene capable of imparting wide-spectrum disease resistance. This invention involved a meticulous three-step screening process, including selection for resistance against pathogenic bacterial and fungal infections, as well as sensitivity to salicylic acid. The screening led to the successful identification of line K15424, which contains a rice full-length cDNA. Notably, rice overexpressing AK070024 was developed, demonstrating resistance against bacterial leaf blight in its T1 generation.

Another significant patent involves improving disease resistance in plants by introducing a transcription factor gene. This research identified the OsWRKY45 gene, which activates the systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in rice plants when treated with benzothiadiazole (BTH). The introduction and constitutive expression of this gene in rice resulted in marked improvement against both rice blast disease and bacterial leaf blight.

Career Highlights

Sugano has been affiliated with esteemed institutions such as the National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences and Riken Corporation, where he has made invaluable contributions to plant sciences. His research has not only broadened the understanding of plant immunity but has also facilitated the development of more resilient crop varieties.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Sugano has worked alongside notable colleagues, including Hiroshi Takatsuji and Masaki Mori. Their collaborative efforts have resulted in groundbreaking advancements in the field of agricultural biotechnology and plant disease resistance.

Conclusion

Shoji Sugano's innovative endeavors have significantly advanced the understanding of plant disease resistance, leading to the development of rice varieties capable of withstanding common pathogens. As agricultural challenges continue to rise globally, his contributions will play a crucial role in ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices.