Chiba University and CULTA Launch Joint Research on Environmental Adaptability and Fruit Quality Evaluation of New Strawberry Varieties

Chiba University (Headquarters: Inage-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture; President: Koutaro Yokote) and CULTA Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koganei City, Tokyo; CEO and President: Shuhei Noshiku) have signed a joint research agreement, mediated by Chiba University Connect Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Inage-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture; President and CEO: Tomohisa Yamamoto), to evaluate the ecological traits, environmental adaptability, yield performance, and fruit quality of new strawberry varieties. The research officially commenced in April 2026.

Research Background

In the field of protected horticulture, scientifically evaluating the environmental adaptability and stable productivity of crop varieties has become increasingly important due to climate change and the diversification of production environments. Strawberries, in particular, are a high-demand crop, and there is a growing need for variety evaluation based on data collected under actual cultivation conditions.

Research Overview

This study will conduct cultivation trials at Chiba University's Center for Environmental Health and Field Sciences using solar-powered greenhouse facilities, focusing on new strawberry varieties developed by CULTA Co., Ltd. The research will compare the new varieties with existing ones in terms of environmental adaptability, flower bud differentiation characteristics, disease resistance, yield performance, and fruit quality, aiming to clarify varietal traits and identify optimal cultivation conditions.

Research Structure

Principal Investigator: Satoshi Tsukagoshi, Associate Professor, Center for Environmental Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University

Collaborating Institution: CULTA Co., Ltd. (Research Supervisor: Taito Watanabe, Manager, Research and Development Division)

Research Period and Location

Research Period: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2028

Research Site: Center for Environmental Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University

Future Outlook

The insights gained from this research are expected to deepen understanding of the characteristics of new strawberry varieties and contribute to the development of stable production technologies in protected horticulture.

CULTA's indoor cultivation research environment

[About CULTA Co., Ltd.]

CULTA Co., Ltd. is a startup with the mission of "creating happiness for producers and consumers through 'future-appropriate crops and cultivation practices'" and aims to transform the agricultural industry by pioneering next-generation crop varieties.

Through its proprietary breeding process, CULTA has reduced the development time for new strawberry varieties from the conventional 10 years to just 2 years. The company is commercializing unique varieties with superior heat tolerance, transportability, and high sugar content. Additionally, CULTA has established a "vertically integrated model" in which it contracts production to partner farmers, purchases 100% of the harvest, and manages quality control and sales in-house.

Beyond Japan, CULTA is expanding production in Malaysia and selling in Southeast Asian urban centers, particularly Singapore, aiming to establish a globally recognized "premium agricultural product brand" to drive agricultural transformation.

URL: https://culta.jp/

[About the Center for Environmental Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University]

Established in 2003 as a hub bringing together experts in plants and human health, the Center for Environmental Health and Field Sciences at Chiba University serves as a multidisciplinary research and education center focusing on plant factories, agriculture-welfare collaboration, and environmental conservation. In addition to supporting practical training for the university's Faculty of Horticulture, the center runs programs for working professionals and overseas training, cultivating talent to meet diverse societal needs. As an "experimental field" for applying research to real-world challenges, the center develops technologies and cultivars to solve horticultural production issues and contributes to the future of agriculture through collaboration with industry, government, and local communities.

URL: http://www.fc.chiba-u.jp/

[About Chiba University Connect Co., Ltd.]

Chiba University Connect Co., Ltd., a 100% subsidiary of Chiba University, serves as a university-industry-government collaboration organization. Its mission is to deliver the university's outstanding research outcomes to society by bridging the gap between academic innovation and practical application for businesses.

URL: https://chiba-u-connect.com/