Genetically modified (GM) crops have been developed to enhance various agronomic traits and increase the production of functional compounds. In the present study, the major agronomic characteristics of protopanaxadiol (PPD)-enriched GM rice, which was developed by introducing dammarenediol-II synthase (PgDDS) and protopanaxadiol synthase (CYP716A47) genes from Panax ginseng into Oryza sativa cv. Dongjin, were evaluated. The stability of the introduced genes was confirmed using PCR and immunostrip tests, which showed consistent expression across multiple generations (T5-T7). Agronomic traits, including days to heading, culm length, panicle length, tiller number, and grain weight per plant, were compared between GM rice and its non-GM counterpart, Dongjin rice. No significant differences were observed for these traits, indicating that genetic modification did not affect the overall plant growth. However, seed morphology analyses revealed that PPD-enriched GM rice had significantly longer brown rice grains. In contrast, other seed traits remained within the natural range of commercial rice varieties. Furthermore, PPD was consistently detected in GM rice, whereas it was absent in non-GM Dongjin rice. These findings suggest that PPD-enriched GM rice maintains a stable agronomic performance while successfully accumulating PPD, supporting its potential as a functional crop. However, further research is required to evaluate its environmental impact, food safety, and efficacy as a functional food source.

The decrease in seed vigor and grain quality during storage has become an increasingly critical issue due to the extended storage periods resulting from declining rice consumption and climate change in Korea. Despite its importance, few studies have investigated rice seed aging in a large number of Korean rice cultivars. In this study, 53 japonica rice cultivars were evaluated for seed germination, vigor, and grain quality-related traits under accelerated-aging conditions. Seed germination rate was evaluated 7 days after imbibition, following accelerated aging treatments at 42℃ and 95% relative humidity for 8, 12, and 16 days. The average germination rates were 72.9% in the control (0 d), 71.7% after 8 days, 59.0% after 12 days, and 5.6% after 16 days of treatment. Grain quality-related traits, including texture and pasting properties, were also evaluated in rice subjected to the accelerated aging treatment. Adhesiveness and stickiness decreased, whereas hardness and toughness increased, as seed aging progressed. Cluster analysis based on germination rates after accelerated aging identified three distinct clusters, with cultivars in Cluster 3 maintaining a high germination rate of 70.6% even after 12 days of aging, showing clear differences from the other clusters. A principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to investigate the relationship between germination rate and grain quality-related traits. The results showed that the germination rate and hardness tended to be negatively associated across all three clusters. These results suggested that cultivars with higher germination rates tend to maintain a softer cooked rice texture after aging. Our results provide insight into the relationship between seed aging and grain quality, highlighting elite cultivars that maintain both germination ability and grain quality during storage as valuable resources for breeding programs.

A comprehensive evaluation of 515 Korean wheat germplasms, including cultivars, experimental lines, and landraces, was conducted over 2 years under upland field conditions to characterize major agronomic and grain traits. Allelic variation at 13 key functional loci was assessed using Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) and PCR-based markers. The winter-type vrn-A1 with a single copy (CNV=1; 40.2%) advanced heading by approximately 5 days compared to multiple-copy genotypes, and winter-type vrn-B1 (88.5%) advanced heading by 2 days compared to the spring-type. The photoperiod-insensitive alleles Ppd-B1a (5.6%) and Ppd-D1a (76.3%) advanced heading by 3 and 4 days, respectively, with a combined effect of up to 6 days. Semi-dwarfing alleles Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b showed reduced culm lengths of 2.1 cm and 4.7 cm, respectively, and the Rht-B1a/Rht-D1b genotype was 6 cm shorter than Rht-B1a/Rht-D1a. The Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1a genotype had the lowest kernel hardness value (32.2), whereas Pina-D1b/Pinb-D1a had the highest (60.5). The thousand kernel weight ranged from 36.1 mg to 42.5 mg depending on the allelic combinations of TaCwi-A1, TaGW2-6A, and TaSus2-2B. Cultivars and experimental lines were clearly distinguished from landraces based on phenotype-based clustering, with the majority of cultivars (81.6%) and experimental lines (68.3%) grouped into cluster III. In contrast, landraces were predominantly distributed in clusters I (55.1%) and II (29.2%). Random forest analysis identified four genes, Ppd-D1, Pina-D1, Pinb-D1, and WAPO-A1, as major contributors to cluster classification. Cluster III was highly enriched with alleles favorable for earliness (Ppd-D1a, 98.3%) and grain hardness (Pina-D1b and Pinb-D1b, 57.9%). WAPO-A1b, an allele associated with an increased spikelet number per spike, was more frequently observed in clusters I (94.6%) and II (79.1%) than in cluster III (58.4%).

Improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is essential for sustainable wheat production, given the global demand for high-yielding and environmentally resilient crop varieties. NUE is a complex trait governed by multiple genetic, physiological, and environmental factors. This review synthesizes recent advances in the genetic dissection of NUE in wheat, focusing on quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and transcriptome analyses. Furthermore, novel approaches such as protein turnover quantification, epigenetic regulation, NIR-based quality prediction, and genomic selection optimization are discussed as emerging strategies to enhance NUE. Key genes identified include nitrate transporters (NRT1, NRT2), nitrogen assimilation enzymes (GS, GOGAT), transcription factors (NLPs, WRKYs, NACs), and signal transduction components (SnRK, CIPK). Integrative studies combining genomics, transcriptomics, and machine learning offer new insights into the dynamic regulation of NUE. This review highlights the importance of multi-layered breeding approaches and provides valuable genetic resources and methodological frameworks for future wheat NUE improvement programs.

Bakanae disease, caused by various Fusarium species, poses a significant threat to global rice production, with its incidence increasing in major rice-producing regions. Currently, no rice varieties exhibit complete resistance to this disease. Enhancing resistance in rice cultivars could serve as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to fungicide application. Developing resistant rice varieties may offer a practical solution to mitigate yield losses and reduce dependency on chemical treatments. ‘Jinokchal’ was derived from the cross between ‘Milyang299’, which harbors bakanae disease-resistant QTL qBK1. and ‘Baekokchal’ in 2014. A promising line, YR31624-5B-2, was then selected and designated as ‘Milyang366’ in 2019. The local adaptability test of ‘Milyang366’ was conducted at five locations from 2020 to 2022, and the cultivar was subsequently named ‘Jinokchal. ’ The heading date of ‘Jinokchal’ was August 13, classifying it as a medium-late maturing cultivar. The culm was 77 cm long and had 108 spikelets per panicle. The 1,000 grain-weight of brown rice is 22.7 g, which is heavier than that of ‘Sinseonchalbyeo’. This variety is resistant to blast, rice stripe virus, and bacterial blight, but susceptible to insect pests. The yield potential of ‘Jinokchal’ was approximately 497 kg/10a at the ordinary fertilizer level in the local adaptability test over three years. ‘Jinokchal’ is moderately resistant to bakanae disease and harbors the qBK1 gene derived from the tong-il type rice ‘Shingwang’ (Registration No. 8135).

‘‘Ssagirang’ is a hulled barley cultivar that exhibits high resistance to lodging and cold stress. It demonstrates high yield potential and superior functional properties in barley sprouts. The heading date of ‘Ssagirang’ was April 24, and its maturity date was June 2. The plant height was 80 cm, which was 4 cm shorter than that of ‘Olbori’ (84 cm), and the spike length was 4.9 cm, which was longer than that of ‘Olbori’ (4.3 cm). The number of grains per spike was 56, higher than ‘Olbori’ (49 grains per spike), and the 1,000-grain weight was 35.2 g, heavier than that of ‘Olbori’ (34.6 g). In relation to disease resistance, ‘Ssagirang’ exhibited resistance to barley yellow mosaic virus (BaYMV), with a disease severity score of 1, and showed similar winter hardiness to ‘Olbori.’ In terms of quality characteristics, protein and β-glucan contents were 10.2% and 4.3%, respectively, similar to those of ‘Olbori’. The potential diastatic power of ‘Ssagirang’ was 107 DP, comparable to that of ‘Olbori’ (99 DP). Polyphenol content of ‘Ssagirang’ was 178 mg/100g, higher than that of ‘Olbori’ (164 mg/100g). The mean grain yield of ‘Ssagirang’ was 557 kg/10a across all regions, which was 21% higher than that of ‘Olbori’ (462 kg/10a). The barley sprout yield of ‘Ssagirang’ was 157 g_dw/m², greater than that of ‘Olbori’ (133 g_dw/m²), and its policosanol content was 448 mg/100g, which was significantly higher than that of ‘Olbori’ (245 mg/100g). On account of its strong cold tolerance, high yield, and excellent processing suitability, it is anticipated that ‘Ssagirang’ will be employed as a raw material for long malt, barley tea, and barley sprouts (Registration No. 9728).

‘Saebom’ is a new vegetable perilla (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton) variety developed at the National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration, in 2020, following a cross made in 2011 between YPL54-2B-36-1-1-1-2-2 and YPL83-2B-5-2-5. It was developed using a pedigree breeding method. YPL156-2B-9-2-1-3-2 was selected and named ‘Milyang 83.’ Subsequently, summer and winter productivity tests were conducted. ‘Saebom’ has small, round-shaped leaves and its maximum leaf length is 13.1 cm, which allows for the distribution of leaf harvesting labor. In addition, the leaves are thick, which is beneficial for storage, and the ratio of the apical leaf length/leaf length is 55.8% (‘Namcheon’ 37.2%). This value is considered high and makes ‘Saebom’ highly marketable. Its leaf yield and leaf number were 10% and 8% higher than those of ‘Namcheon,’ respectively, and its antioxidant activity was also higher. In December 2020, the variety was named ‘Saebom’ by the new variety selection committee for its excellence, and its variety protection rights were registered in 2023 (Registration No. 9305).

The intermediate breeding material ‘JJ625LG’ was developed to diversify the grain shape characteristics of Korean japonica rice cultivars. ‘JJ625LG’ was derived from a cross between ‘HR30198-AC33 (DGS79),’ a japonica breeding material with extra-long and spindle-shaped grains, and ‘Boramchan,’ a high-yielding japonica cultivar with excellent cultivation stability and medium-short and semi-round grains. By employing both bulk and pedigree breeding methods, strong selection pressure was applied to eliminate undesirable traits inherited from ‘DGS79,’ such as very late heading, long awns, and susceptibility to lodging. Consequently, elite lines with long spindle-shaped grains on a japonica background were selected. These lines subsequently underwent yield performance and local adaptability tests, during which their agronomic traits were comprehensively evaluated, leading to the final selection of ‘JJ625LG.’ The heading date of ‘JJ625LG’ was August 16th, three days later than that of ‘Nampyeong’. Its culm length was similar to ‘Nampyeong.’ ‘JJ625LG’ exhibited a higher number of spikelets per panicle, fewer panicles per plant, and heavier 1,000-grain weight than brown rice. Additionally, it showed strong resistance to bacterial blight (races K1, K2, and K3) but was susceptible to viral diseases and insect pests, indicating the need for further improvement in these areas. Its grain yield was comparable to that of ‘Nampyeong.’ With a brown rice grain length of 6.34 mm, ‘JJ625LG’ was classified as a long-grain type and had a grain length-to-width ratio of 2.64, reflecting a spindle-shaped morphology. It carried the GW2-gs3-qSW5 allele combination associated with grain shape, which is a genetic profile not found in existing Korean japonica cultivars. Although its milling recovery rate was similar to that of ‘Nampyeong,’ the presence of many broken rice due to its long grain shape resulted in a lower percentage of head rice. The eating quality of ‘JJ625LG’ was excellent, with its grains exhibiting the sticky and soft texture typical of japonica rice and receiving high scores in sensory evaluation. As the first intermediate breeding material in Korea with long and spindle-shaped grains in a japonica background, ‘JJ625LG’ is expected to contribute significantly to diversifying the traditionally narrow grain shape spectrum of Korean japonica rice cultivars (Registration No. 10166).

‘Ganghan’ is a high-yielding soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) cultivar developed for improved shattering resistance and suitability for mechanized harvesting. It was bred through pedigree selection after an artificial cross between ‘Taeseon’ (female parent) and ‘Cheonga’ (male parent) in 2015. ‘Ganghan’ is a determinate type with an average main stem length of 65 cm and first pod height of 19.6 cm, which is favorable for mechanical harvesting. Compared to the control cultivar ‘Daewonkong,’ it showed stronger lodging tolerance and carried a genetic allele associated with pod shattering resistance. In disease resistance evaluations, it exhibited higher resistance than ‘Daewonkong’ to soybean mosaic virus (G6H), bacterial pustule, and black root rot. Regarding seed quality, it contained 38.8% protein, 17.6% oil, 86.1% unsaturated fatty acids, and 3,124 μg/g total isoflavones. The tofu yield was 232%, with mechanical properties and color comparable to ‘Daewonkong.’ In fermentation processing tests, ‘Ganghan’ recorded a γ-PGA content of 11.4 mg/g and amino nitrogen content of 390 mg%, indicating potential use in traditional fermented soy foods. In regional yield trials (RYT) conducted across 10 locations from 2020 to 2022, ‘Ganghan’ had an average yield of 3.58 tons/ha, 14% higher than that of ‘Daewonkong’. The adoption and expansion of ‘Ganghan’ is expected to contribute to increased domestic soybean productivity, harvest efficiency, and cultivation stability under changing climate conditions, thereby improving the domestic soybean self-sufficiency rate (Registration No. 10459).

A new adzuki bean cultivar, ‘Hongchan’ (Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & H. Ohashi), with a bright red seed coat and large seed size was developed through a pedigree selection by crossing ‘YA0814’ and ‘Milyang9’ from 2009 to 2022. A promising line, ‘YA0912-B-B-6-1-3-3-1-2,’ was selected and designated as ‘Milyang50. ’ From 2020 to 2022, regional yield trials (RYTs) were conducted in four locations (Miryang, Iksan, Cheongju, and Chuncheon). This line demonstrated stable performance and was released under the name ‘Hongchan.’ It has a semi-determinate growth habit, green embryonic color, green stems, yellow flowers, yellow pods, and a white hilum. It is late-maturing, but flowers early; its flowering and maturing dates were August 10 and October 9, respectively, which were 10 days earlier in flowering and 5 days later in maturity than ‘Arari.’ The stem height, number of pods per plant, and number of seeds per pod were 56, 24, and 6.5, respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the L^*, a^*, and b^*values of the seeds and pastes of ‘Hongchan’ and ‘Arari.’ The average 100-seed weight of ‘Hongchan’ was 21.3 g, which was 4.9 g heavier than that of ‘Arari.’ The average yield of ‘Hongchan’ was 2.11 ton/ha, which was 6% higher than that of ‘Arari’ in the 3-year regional yield trial. These results indicate that ‘Hongchan’ is an adzuki bean cultivar suitable for mechanical harvesting and paste processing (Registration No. 5573).

The triploid seedless grape cultivar ‘Heukarong’ was developed in 2002 through artificial hybridization between ‘Black Olympia’ and ‘Campbell Early’ From 2003 to 2013, field trials were conducted under conventional cultivation practices in Chuncheon, Gangwon State, confirming that ‘Heukarong’ possesses strong resistance to both diseases and frost without the need for special protective measures, thereby demonstrating high tolerance to both environmental and biotic stresses. Based on these findings, an intensive three-year comparative evaluation of growth and fruit characteristics between ‘Heukarong’ and the triploid cultivar ‘Sweet Dream’ was conducted beginning in 2014. The results showed that ‘Heukarong’ consistently produced fruit with commercially valuable traits, leading to its final selection in late 2016 for varietal registration. Under standard cultivation, ‘Heukarong’ can produce high-quality fruits averaging 436 g in weight with a soluble solid content of 19.4 °Brix through a single application of gibberellin at full bloom, making it highly competitive in the market. Furthermore, ‘Heukarong’ exhibits strong resistance to frost damage and berry cracking, indicating excellent adaptability and stable productivity even under suboptimal growing conditions (Cultivar Registration No. 7766).