Two master students from Nagoya University, Japan, through JSPS-DGHE Bilateral Joint Research Project programme from Japan Society for Promoting Science Bilateral Joint Research Program (JSPS-BJRP) 2018 have done genome editing research for orchid genetic engineering at Faculty of Biology UGM.
Kana Ninomiya and Yuki Asano did the research applying genome editing in the orchid engineering for two weeks since 18 to 31 August 2018.
Dissemination of Research Exchange programme was done on Friday (31/8) at Faculty of Biology UGM, opened by Vice-Dean, Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc.
Dr. Niken said the event could be a medium for strengthening international cooperation between Faculty of Biology UGM and Graduate School of Science dan Graduate School of Bioagriculture of Nagoya University.
Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc. from Biotechnology Lab of Faculty of Biology UGM explained the research exchange programme was the continuation of research between UGM and Nagoya University that had been initiated since 1995. She further explained the two Nagoya University students who came to UGM to apply the genome editing technique in genetic engineering. Endang mentioned that the technique was a new method in the molecular biology development in genetic engineering, using CRISPR/Cas 9 system which is effective to cut the inhibiting genes of growth and flowering so as to produce orchids that bloom quickly.
Dr. Endang Semiarti has conducted the genome editing research, collaborating with Nagoya University researchers, Dr. Yasushi Yoshioka and Prof. Dr. Shogo Matsumoto, which had received grants from JSPS-BJRP from 2017-2019.
Apart from the research exchange, Prof Matsumoto gave a guest lecture on Tuesday (21/8) that described the research in horticulture plant engineering, particularly apple and orchid in the Faculty’s Auditorium.
Previously on 19-20 August, JSPS- BJRP team also visited the location of the orchid conservation at Gunung Merapi National Park (TNGM) in Turgo Village, Bidiodiversity Park in Telaga Sengon and Gunung Bajo, Purwodadi, Tepus, which are managed by Sari Indah group.