Introduction

Welcome to the website of our Fruit Lab! 　In our research unit, the first professor, Dr. Masao Iwamasa, started to introduce citrus cultivars and germplasms from inland of Japan and overseas in 1974. Thereafter research on classification, bioactive compounds for good health, morphological dissection of embryogenesis, and breeding for healthy ingredient in citrus has been conducted by the former prof., Drs Masanobu Nito and Ryoji Matsumoto. 　 We would like to take over the project of the germplasm collection of citrus and its relatives (Aurantioideae) and aim to clarify the genetic characters and functional substances such as secondary metabolites in tree fruits based on plant morphology, natural proucts chemistry, molecular biology and genetics. In addition, we would like to explore and open up the novel possibilities in fruit trees and horticulture.