Project News

1. YAU-JICATCP Special Training "Molecular Genetics and Breeding"

YAU-JICA TCP Special Training "Molecular Genetics and Breeding" by Prof. Atsushi Yoshimura (Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University) was conducted from 5th to 13th October 2016. We selected 13 trainees from Department of Plant Breeding (9), Department of Horticulture (1), Department of Entomology (1), Department of Plant Pathology (1) in YAU and from MOALI's Department of Agricultural Research (1), who have basic knowledge of molecular genetics and breeding.

In the first half of the training, lecture of QTL analysis was provided with introducing case studies conducted in Vietnam by Prof. Yoshimura for breeding resistant strains against rice leaf blight bacterial disease. Then the lectures on genetic analyses of shattering habit, seed size and oil content of seeds in rice were given as an example of molecular genetics and breeding.

In the latter half, practice of QTL analysis was demonstrated using sample seeds of Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) provided by Prof. Yoshimura, in which the participants were trained to be familiar with this analysis through the practice of determining gene loci controlling the length and width of rice seeds. As this is the first introduction of QTL analysis to YAU, the participants were fascinated to learn it. In addition, practical training of crossing rice plants was provided so that the participants obtain proper techniques using the varieties prepared by the Department of Plant Breeding. On the last day of the training program, Prof. Yoshimura organized the Q&A session, in whch issues and problems the YAU academic staff faced were lively discussed.

Practice of QTL analysis

Practice of crossing

2. Implementation of Pilot Research:

Each research group conducted field works as follows:

• 2nd, 9th , 15th , 23rd and 30th October：
  RB-03 group collected samples and re-set insect-traps in 7 Townships in Nay Pyi Taw.
• 11th October：
  RC-01 group collected information on supply chain of sesame in Mandalay.
• 20th October:
  RA-01-2 group conducted survey and collected soil samples in salinity-affected land in Myitthar.
• 21st October:
  RA-02-1 group collected pathogenic bacteria in Zaya Thiri and Phyinmana Townships.
• 22nd October:
  RC-01-2 group conducted survey on sesame in supply-chain in Yangon city.
• 28th October:
  RC-01-2 group collected information on post-harvest management of sesame in Pakokku Township, Magway.
• 31st October:
  RC-01-1 group measured oil content in sesame seeds at Agriculture Product Testing Laboratory in Yangon.

Laboratory experiments were also conducted using the samples collected through previous surveys.

• RA-02-1 (Plant Pathology group):
  Bacteria of rice blast and leaf blight collected in Zaya Thiri and Phyinmana were continuously cultured, and bacterial specimens from these samples were preserved.
• RB-02-1 (Plant Pathology group):
  Identification of nematode was conducted using soil smaples collected in sesame-growing areas in Magwe.
• RB-03-1 (Entomology and Zoology group):
  The data related to chronological and seasonal changes of harmful insects, such as the kind of insects and population, has been accumulated to establish insect alert model.
• RC-01-1 (Agronomy group):
  The oil contents of sesame seeds collected at farms and in supply chains were measured.
• RC-01-2:
  Data analysis for those collected in the fields started.

Survey on diseases of rice paddy.

Culturing bacteria from collected sample

3. Study Tour in Japan

The project organized and conducted study tour in Japan for the project counterparts to learn about "Educational Reform and Faculty Development in Japanese Universities related to Agriculture Science" from 15th to 29th October, 2016.

The team consisting of 10 counterparts arrived at Tokyo early morning, 16th October, and visited Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Chiba University, Nagoya University, Kyoto University and Kyusyu University in order to observe/learn the current situation of Japanese universities, particularly after corporatization of national universities, such as 1) university's efforts to establish management system of education and research, 2) actual situation of research-based education, and 3) institutional management and system for promoting research including support system for fund raising.

Although the time for visiting respective universities was limited, the participants could successfully achieve the objectives they expected thanks to enthusiastic collaboration of respective universities with which the project had kept close contact in advance for preparing the study tour. As all universities had accepted the YAU staff as scholarship students and experienced academic exchange with YAU, they provided warm welcome to the team. This is also a good occasion for YAU to explore further cooperation with respective universities.

On 28th October, wrap up meeting was held at JICA Chubu Center to share the information obtained and to evaluate the achievement of the study tour. The representatives of three groups of the team, which were formed following the three objectives mentioned above, presented the report of achievement, respectively, and discussion was intensively held.

Although some members pointed out that the time for visiting university was "too short to exchange the views" in successive evaluation session. However, as all members evaluated the program as "achieved" and/or "satisfied" with regard to all evaluation criteria, the study tour can be said to have been effectively conducted.

It might be necessary to organize study tour for the next time in 2017 FY with more specific focuses and enough time.

At Chiba University (19th October)

With certificate (28th October, at JICA Chubu Center)

4. 2nd Education Forum was conducted

Education Task Force of the Project organized the 2nd Education Forum on the occasion of World Teachers' Day, October 5th, 2016. Six counterparts of the Task Force took role as panelists to present report and to facilitate discussion on the theme of "Research-based University Education". Four professors emeritus participating in the forum joined and warmed up the discussion.

It was good opportunity to present and share the issues and problems of YAU education with which the project is tackling, such as Special Group Research(Specialization Research)for 4th year students, active utilization of laboratory in department, evaluation of graduate study and management system of research in department.

More than 250 participants including 5th year students who had just completed internship program and came back to YAU, post-graduates and teachers enjoyed discussion and dialogues between panelists.

Panelists (Counterparts of the project)

Introducing Japanese curriculum system