In 2012, the Plant Nutrition Physiology Lab was merged into the newly formed Molecular Analysis & Genetic Improvement Center (MAGIC).

　　Plant growth, productivity and seed yield depend on the efficient uptake, metabolism, and allocation of nutrients including nitrogen. Plants have evolved efficient and selective transport systems for nitrogen uptake and translocation within the plant to sustain development, growth, and finally reproduction. Development of genetic varieties with improved nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is essential for sustainable agriculture. NUE can be divided into two parts. First, assimilation efficiency involves nitrogen (N) uptake and assimilation; and second, utilization efficiency involves N remobilization. Understanding the mechanisms regulating these processes is crucial for the improvement of NUE in crop plants. Now, we are focusing on:

　　(1) Roles of peptide transporter/low affinity nitrate transporter family (PTR/NRT1 family) in N uptake from the soil and in N remobilization in the plant.

　　(2) Roles of rice autophagy in N recycling.

　　(3) Roles of microRNAs in root development and NUE.　　

Rice breeding

　　Breed new hybrid rice with combination of molecular breeding and traditional breeding. We are focusing on breeding: new cytoplasmic male sterile line, restorer line, and the hybrid rice combination for farmers.