Background and Overview

Plants not only generate foods and oxygen by photosynthesis but also produce various kinds of substances, which are commercially utilized as medicines and materials. Especially, xylem is a source of woody biomass which is of enormous importance in industrial applications including wood, pulp, and biofuels. Recent deforestation prompts us to seek novel method of woody biomass production with low environmental load.
  We found a novel plant hormone, thermospermine, a kind of polyamines, which suppresses xylem differentiation to promote organ elongation. Furthermore, we successfully developed a thermospermine biosynthesis inhibitor, xylemin. Application of xylemin potently promotes xylem formation in various plant species. Thus, xylemin is a powerful and creative chemical seed to promote sustainable increase of woody biomass production.

Objectives

In this project, we apply chemically synthesized xylemin and its derivatives to various plant species in combination with other growth regulators and develop novel and sustainable strategies for promoting woody biomass production. By using this method, we also promote growth and yield of crop plants (e.g. rice, barley).