This study aimed to delineate the seed transfer zone of Pinus densiflora. After generating transfer functions based on growth characteristic data from 10 pine test sites for 36 seed sources and six bioclimatic variables, the critical seed transfer distance for each climate variable was calculated. Based on our results, seed transfer zones were delineated by overlaying maps for all climate variables. In the pine provenance test, seeds from eastern Korea generally showed superior growth at each test site. Temperature-related variables accounted for a higher proportion of the selected bioclimatic variables than precipitation-related variables. Additionally, warm-to-cold seed transfer in eastern Korea and cold-to-warm seed transfer in central and southern Korea were overestimated, widening the seed-transfer zone. Examining the long-term growth of the trees, introducing additional variables, and applying a model with a higher level of rationality to the transfer function are necessary for delineating the optimal seed-transfer zone.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a severe disease of wheat, mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum, which greatly reduces wheat production and directly affects human and animal health due to the mycotoxins produced in wheat grains. To develop high-quality, stable yields, and mycotoxin-free crop, it is essential to first understand the genetic basis of wheat FHB-resistance, and to design molecular markers facilitating the selection of FHB-resistant varieties. However, despite extensive global research efforts, genetic research and marker development for the selection of FHB-resistant varieties, in Korea, are insufficient. Here, we summarize recent studies on FHB-resistance genes, resistance resources, quantitative trait locus analysis, and genome-wide association studies to enhance our understanding of FHB and the breeding of FHB-resistant domestic wheat cultivars.

Powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici) significantly affects wheat yield and flour quality. Plant resistance to powdery mildew has been investigated for decades, and numerous resistance genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for molecular markers have been discovered. In Korea, powdery mildew occurs initially in spring, due to frequent rain and low temperatures, becoming severe during the harvest season. In Korea, systematic monitoring and quantitative and qualitative impact assessments of powdery mildew outbreaks have never been conducted properly. Herein, the lifecycle of powdery mildew, resistance genes, QTLs, and selection markers in wheat were examined to elucidate powdery mildew resistance, develop resistant varieties, and genetic markers suitable for the domestic environment.

The ‘Minihyang’ mandarin is a new hybrid of ‘Kinokuni’בPonkan’ bred at the Citrus Research Institute, National Horticultural and Herbal Science, Korea. It has a small fruit size (30-40 g) and a high sugar content (12-14°Brix). Herein, a chemical characterization of ‘Minihyang’ was conducted. Free sugar, which determines sweetness, is a key component of food taste. Analysis of free sugar showed that the most abundant component was sucrose (8.81±0.45 g/100 g), followed by glucose (1.23±0.11 g/100 g), and fructose (1.23±0.08 g/100 g). Among the 20 free amino acids analyzed, arginine and asparagine accounted for 71% of the total amino acid content, displaying both amino acids at the highest content of 77.14 mg/100 g. The major flavonoids in citrus fruits differ between varieties, showing the differences among cultivars. The flavonoid contents of ‘Minihyang’ were higher in the peel than in the flesh, and hesperidin was identified as the major flavonoid, with 1,133.7 and 689.8 mg/100 g extracted from the peel and flesh, respectively. Furthermore, nobiletin and tangeretin, which are only present in citrus species, were identified in the peel. Volatile component analysis revealed that limonene content, a characteristic component of citrus fruits, was highest in the flesh of ‘Minihyang,’ accounting for approximately 75-80% of all volatile compounds. Notably, the order was fresh limonene>terpinene>terpinolene. Overall, this study revealed many functional compounds in the ‘Minihyang’ mandarin hybrid.

Perilla frutescens var. crispa has a unique aroma, purple leaves, and is similar in appearance to perilla. It is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, in addition it is known to have various pharmacological effects. In 1995, 200 Gy of gamma rays were irradiated to ‘Chookyoupjaso’ landrace seeds, and 6 candidate mutant lines with optimal agronomic traits were selected in the first round. Of them, one of mutant lines which had an increased isoegomaketone content and an anti-inflammatory component, were selected and cultivated. Subsequently, the variety protection right was registered in 2022 under the varietal name 'Antisperilll'. The main characteristics of 'Antisperilll' were that the leaf color changed from purple to green, the seed color from brown to gray, and the 1,000 seed weight was 3.29 g, which was approximately 1.7 times heavier than the original wild type (1.94 g). The isoegomaketone content, which exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, was increased and is expected to be used as a new health food and raw material to improve inflammatory diseases (Registration No. 8812).

Removing secondary branch to produce commodity watermelons is labor-costing and time-consuming work in traditional watermelon cultivation. Moreover, because elderly farmers work for a long time with their backs bent, musculoskeletal disorders reduce the quality of life of farmers. To improve this working condition, we developed the watermelon 'Soonless' variety that does not need to be pruned because there is no secondary branch. For diploid oval watermelons, the stripe width of the fruit is wide, the color of it's skin is green, and the flesh is pinkish-red. It contains 480 seeds of ‘Soonless’, and the fruit weight is 8.6 kg, which is heavier compared to ‘Sambokggul’. The thickness of the pericarp is 1.3 cm, and the total soluble solids content is 12.0 °Bx, which is similar to ‘Sambokggul’. The characteristics which distinguish it from the control variety include the leaf blade length and width, the ovary size, the width of the fruit stripes, and the thickness of the pericarp. The yield was 6,450 kg/10a, an increase of 5.3% compared to ‘Sambokggul’. As a result of this research, ‘Soonless’ has been registered as a variety with the Korea Seed and Varieties Service in 2022 as it was filed for breed protection in 2019 (Registration No. 8808).

‘Dabokchal, a glutinous rice variety (Oryza sativa L.) with a medium late maturation period was developed by the Department of Crops and Food, JARES in 2020. It was derived from a cross between the glutinous cultivar ‘Shinmyeongheugchal’ with the good glutinous properties and ‘Hwangkumnodeul’ as a high yielding source. The progenies of the cross were selected by bulk and pedigree breeding method until the F₈ generation. As a result, a promising line, JR53-28-4-10-5-3, was advanced and designated as the name of ‘Jeonbuk12’ in 2018. The ‘Jeonbuk12’ local adaptability test was carried out at four locations during 3 years from 2018 to 2020. This variety headed on August 13, which was eight days later than ‘Sinseonchal’ in Honam plane. The culm and panicle length of this variety was 70 cm and 22 cm, respectively. This variety has about 16 tillers per hill and 92 spikelets per panicle. The ratio of ripened grain is approximately 84.9% and 1000-grain weight was 24.9 g in brown rice. This variety has a higher amylose content compared to that of ‘Sinseonchal’. The yield performance of brown rice was 591 kg/10a in the local adaptability test. This cultivar is considered to be adaptable to the Honam plain area of Korea (Registration No. 9602).

A new winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar “Hwanggeumal” was developed by the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS) Rular Development Administration (RDA) in 2019. Its heading date was April 20, and its maturity date was June 1, which was similar to that of Jokyung. “Hwanggeumal” had a shorter culm length (75 cm) and spike length (7.1 cm). However, it had lower spikes per m² (699) and 1,000-grain weight (44.2 g) than “Jokyung” (78 cm, 8.2 cm, 776, 46.6 g, respectively). “Hwanggeumal” displayed stronger winter hardiness than “Jokyung”, and was susceptible to powdery mildew (PM) and fusarium head blight (FHB). The average grain yield in the advanced yield trial (AYT) was 6.20 MT/ha, which was 11% more than “Jokyung”. In the regional yield trial (RYT) it was 5.13 MT/ha in upland and 4.77 MT/ha in paddy field, which were 16% and 13% less than “Jokyung”, respectively. “Hwanggeumal”s flour yield (71.4%) and flour lightness (91.82) was similar to that of “Jokyung”, while the protein content (14.0%), gluten content (10.3%), and SDS-sedimentation volume (60.3 ml) were higher than that of “Jokyung”. These results display that the “Hwanggeumal” dough strength of flour is stronger than “Jokyung”. High molecular weight gluten subunit (HMW-GS) composition is Glu-D1d (5+10), the granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) composition are Wx-A1a, Wx-B1b, and Wx-D1a, and the composition of puroindolines are Pina-D1a and Pinb-D1b (Registration No. 9173).

We report the development of a high quality red waxy corn ‘Mihongchal’, containing anthocyanin. Mihongchal was produced by crossing two inbred lines, ‘HW9’ as seed parent and ‘HCW5’ as pollen parent. The hybrid was created in 2016 and evaluated in Hongcheon, Pyungchang, and Yeongwol for 3 years. Mihongchal days to silking was 72 days and the other agronomic characteristics were similar to ‘Mibaek 2ho’. Mihongchal yield was slightly lower than ‘Mibaek 2ho’. Fresh ears number and weight were 93 and 91% compared to ‘Mibaek 2ho’, respectively but anthocyanin content was 1,160 mg/kg, which is higher than ‘Mibake 2ho’. Resistance to insects, diseases, and lodging was similar to ‘Mibaek 2ho’. Due to the analysis, it was recognized as functional waxy corn with high quality characteristics and anthocyanin content. Since regional yield tests was performed in only Gangwon State, it is recommended only in that region for cultivation. Mihongchal is a resource with excellent taste and functionality that can increase the value of waxy corn. The chosen variety was termed ‘Mihongchal’, its plant variety protection right was registered in February 2023 (Registration No. 9354).