Abstract
Tomato is a model species of Solanaceae for studying fruit development and ripening, and its genome is being sequenced. To utilize the genome information, Japan needs to develop its original tomato resources. The University of Tsukuba and Kazusa DNA Research Institute launched the tomato resource development program within the framework of the National BioResource Project (NBRP). In the tomato NBRP, a miniature tomato Micro-Tom is used as the model cultivar. The University of Tsukuba is developing individual-level resources, and Kazusa DNA Research Institute is developing DNA-level resources. In addition, other resources and tools such as TILLING platform, BAC library, and efficient transformation are currently being developed though efforts of Japanese researchers. These resources and tools start providing significant impacts on domestic/international tomato research communities, and are stimulating international/domestic collaborations. Activities mentioned above will contribute Japanese researchers to show an initiative in the international research communities in tomato.
