Crops Research in Papua New Guinea

Our project is an interdisciplinary research initiative that brings together anthropologists, botanists, and agricultural scientists to collaboratively study crops in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Focusing on a variety of crops in PNG—particularly bananas and wild rice—our project aims to conduct phylogenetic analyses of species and varieties, with the goal of promoting the active utilization of genetic resources.

PNG is one of the regions of origin for bananas, and identifying the distinction in banana species and varieties across linguistic groups has long been a key challenge for understanding the distribution and diversity of banana use.

In addition, although wild rice species are found in PNG, they have historically not been cultivated. Today, with increasing demand for rice consumption, efforts are underway to explore the possibilities of domesticating these rice species.

Moreover, crop damage caused by wild animals has emerged as an issue in some areas of PNG. By investigating the extent of such damage and the current strategies used to protect garden crops from wildlife, our project also aims to support the exploration of effective responses to wildlife-related crop damage.