In ornamental crops, the color and shape of flowers are one of the important traits. Generally, flower colors are determined by accumulating pigments such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and betalains. Among them, flavonoids are responsible for broad ranges of colors. Chrysanthemums are one of the most popular ornamental crops in the world, and there have been many efforts to change their flower color. In chrysanthemum flowers, cyanidin-based anthocyanin confers pink or red color, whereas terpenoid-based carotenoids are mainly responsible for yellow and green colors. However, blue colored chrysanthemums do not occur in nature. To date, there have been attempts to obtain blue or violet-colored chrysanthemum flowers through the introduction of a novel gene for accumulating delphinidin-based anthocyanins, while other studies have reported changing endogenous metabolites through the reconstruction of flavonoid biosynthesis. Since various transcription factors are involved in the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis, it is important to understand not only the structural genes, but also the transcription factors required for the modification of flavonoid-based flower color. Therefore, in this paper, we describe the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway and its regulation, and review previous studies on the change in flower color through modification of flavonoid biosynthesis. This effort could be an important milestone in successfully achieving the modification of chrysanthemum flower color by means of plant biotechnology.

Hexaploid wheat (common wheat/bread wheat) is one of the most important cereal crops in the world and a model for research of an allopolyploid plant with a large, highly repetitive genome. In the heritability of agronomic traits, variation in gene presence/absence plays an important role. However, there have been relatively few studies on the variation in gene presence/absence in crop species, including common wheat. Recently, a reference genome sequence of common wheat has been fully annotated and published. In addition, advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology provides high quality genome sequences with continually decreasing NGS prices, thereby dawning full-scale wheat functional genomic studies in other crops as well as common wheat, in spite of their large and complex genomes. In this review, we provide information about the available tools and methodologies for wheat functional genomics research supported by NGS technology. The use of the NGS and functional genomics technology is expected to be a powerful strategy to select elite lines for a number of germplasms.

GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR (GRF) genes encode plant-specific transcription factors and play critical roles in regulating the growth and development of lateral organs. In order to explore the agricultural potential of Brassica rapa GRF genes (BrGRFs), we constructed two BrGRF-overexpressing B. napus plants (BrGRF3-1OX and -9OX). BrGRF3-1OX and -9OX developed larger cotyledons, leaves, and seeds than the wild type. The increased organs’ sizes were due to increases in cell number, but not due to cell size alterations. RT-PCR analysis revealed that BrGRFs regulated the expression of a wide range of genes that are involved in gibberellin-, auxin-, cell division-related growth processes. Taken together, our data indicate that BrGRFs act as positive regulators of B. napus growth, thus raising the possibility that they may serve as a useful genetic source for crop improvement with respect to organ size and seed production.

This study was conducted to identify DNA markers related to resistance to herbicide containing mesotrione in Tongil type rice. Two Tongil type elite lines; Milyang154 and Suweon382, showed resistance to mesotrione, whereas the others were susceptible at 20 days after mesotrione application, and severe growth inhibition was observed in the remaining 13 lines. As a result of analysis of mesotrione resistance using 190 F₂ populations derived from a cross of Hanareum2 (susceptible) and Milyang154 (resistant), the mesotrione resistance locus was shown to be a single dominant gene with a 3:1 segregation ratio (X²=1.19, P=0.31). To identify a DNA marker closely linked to the mesotrione resistance gene, bulked segregant analysis (BSA) was adopted. The DNA marker RM3501 was identified on chromosome 2 with a recombinant value of 0.53 to the mesotrione resistance gene. Mst1(t) was located between SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers RM3501 and RM324 with a physical map distance of 10.2 Mb–11.4 Mb on chromosome 2. The band pattern of agarose gel electrophoresis of the SSR marker RM3501 showed the same segregation pattern with respect to mesotrione treatment in 20 Tongil type varieties and a BC₂F₂ segregation population derived from a cross between Unkwang (resistant) and Hanareum2 (susceptible). Thus, the RM3501 DNA marker could be used in breeding programs for Marker Assisted Selection in mesotrione resistant rice breeding.

The areas of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) cultivation in Gangwon-do have increased due to the growing demand for well-being foods. The soybean barcode system is a useful tool for cultivar identification and diversity analysis, which could be used in the seed production system for soybean cultivars. We genotyped cultivars using 202 insertion and deletion (InDel) markers specific to dense variation blocks (dVBs), and examined their ability to identify cultivars and analyze diversity by comparison to the database in the soybean barcode system. The genetic homology of “Cheonga,” “Gichan,” “Daewang,” “Haesal,” and “Gangil” to the 147 accessions was lower than 81.2%, demonstrating that these barcodes have potentiality in cultivar identification. Diversity analysis of one hundred and fifty-three soybean cultivars revealed four subgroups and one admixture (major allele frequency <0.6). Among the accessions, “Heugcheong,” “Hoban,” and “Cheonga” were included in subgroup 1 and “Gichan,” “Daewang,” “Haesal,” and “Gangil” in the admixture. The genetic regions of subgroups 3 and 4 in the admixture were reshuffled for early maturity and environmental tolerance, respectively, suggesting that soybean accessions with new dVB types should be developed to improve the value of soybean products to the end user. These results indicated that the two-dimensional barcodes of soybean cultivars enable not only genetic identification, but also management of genetic resources through diversity analysis.

This study was conducted to develop environmental risk assessments and biosafety guides for insect-resistant genetically modified rice in an LMO (Living Modified Organism) isolation field. In the LMO quarantine area of Kyungpook National University, the species diversities and population densities of non-target insects found on insect-resistant genetically modified rice (Bt-T), rice resistant to Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, and non-GM rice (Dongjin-byeo and Ilmi-byeo) were investigated. The Bt-T plants were, therefore, evaluated under field conditions to detect possible impacts on above ground insects and spiders. In 2016 and 2017, the study compared transgenic rice and two non-GM reference rice, namely Dongjin-byeo and Ilmi-byeo, at Gunwi. A total of 9,552 individuals from 51 families and 11 orders were collected from the LMO isolation field. From the three types of rice fields, a total of 3,042; 3,212; and 3,297 individuals from the Bt-T, Dongjin-byeo, and Ilmi-byeo were collected, respectively. There was no difference between the population densities of the non-target insect pests, natural enemies, and other insects on the Bt-T compared to non-GM rice. The data on insect species population densities were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) without distinguishing between the three varieties, namely GM, non-GM, and reference cultivar, in all cultivation years. However, the PCA clearly separated the samples based on the cultivation years. These results suggest that insect species diversities and population densities during plant cultivation are determined by environmental factors (growing condition and seasons) rather than by genetic factors.

Rice panicle architecture is an important factor affecting yield potential. Korean rice cultivars have a narrow genetic background for panicle architecture. To enhance the yield potential of Korean rice cultivars, we developed and characterized rice lines with new panicle architecture. Rice with improved panicle architecture has clustered spikelets and dense panicles (CD type). CD rice was derived from a cross between “Binhae Col.#1” carrying dense panicles, and “ARC10319” that has the clustered spikelets gene (Cl). CD rice lines had short and semi-erect panicles with two to five high density spikelets clustered at the tips of primary and secondary rachis branches. CD rice lines had dramatically increased numbers of spikelets; almost twice as many as those of Korean rice cultivars. The increase in spikelet number was mainly caused by the increased spikelets and branches on secondary rachises compared to those on primary rachises. The increase in spikelet number was expected to enhance the yield of CD rice by expanding sink capacity. However, the yield of selected lines; CD9, CD27, CD34, and CD39, did not reach the level of the Korean high-yielding cultivars “Boramchan” and “Hanareum2,” due to the reduction in panicle number and grain weight, and poor ripening. Although no substantial yield increase was observed in CD rice, the panicle architecture of CD rice, clustered spikelets, and dense panicles could be new genetic resources as breeding material for diversifying panicle architecture and enhancing yield potential.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is an economically important vegetable crop all over the world, which has functional compounds such as lycopene and citrulline. Gummy stem blight caused by Didymella bryoniae is one of the most devastative diseases in watermelon. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are genetic variations occurring between individuals with respect to a single base, were often used to construct genetic linkage maps and develop molecular markers linked to a variety of horticultural traits and resistance to several diseases. In this study, we developed high-resolution melting (HRM) markers based on SNPs generated from NGS resequencing of two parents in watermelon. Plant materials were C. lanatus ‘920533’ (female and susceptible parent), C. amarus ‘PI 189225’ (male and resistant parent), and their F₁ and F₂ progenies. A total of 13.6 Gbp (‘920533’) and 13.1 Gbp (‘PI 189225’) of genomic sequences were obtained using NGS analysis. A total of 6.09 million SNPs between ‘920533’ and ‘PI 189225’ were detected, and 354,860 SNPs were identified as potential HRM primer sets. From these, a total of 330 primer sets for HRM analysis were designed. As a result, a total of 61 HRM markers that have polymorphic melting curves were developed. These HRM markers can be used for the construction of SNP-based linkage maps and for the analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to gummy stem blight resistance.

High-density genetic linkage mapping is critical for undertaking marker-assisted selection and confirming quantitative trait loci, as well as helping to build pseudomolecules of genomes. We constructed a genetic map using 94 F₁ populations generated from the interspecific cross between Korean cultivar “Wonwhang” (Pyrus pyrifolia, NCBI BioSample SAMN05196235) and European cultivar “Bartlett” (Pyrus communis). We designed a total of 24,267 SSR markers based on the genome sequences of “Wonwhang” for this. To select the markers that are linked to the traits important in pear breeding programs, SSR-containing genomic sequences were subjected to nucleotide sequence homology searches, which resulted in 510 SSR markers with high similarity to genes encoding proteins with putative functions such as transcription factors, resistance proteins, flowering time, and regulatory genes. Of these, 70 markers showed polymorphisms in parents and segregating populations and were used to construct a genetic linkage map, together with the unpublished 579 SNPs obtained from genotyping by sequencing analysis. The genetic linkage map covered 3,784.2 cM and the average distance between adjacent markers was 5.8 cM. Seventy SSR markers were distributed across 17 chromosomes with more than one locus.

In this study, we analyzed the growth characteristics and isoflavone content of 43 soybean varieties highly adaptable to highland areas. The flowering period of each cultivation zone was from July 15 to August 12 at Daewallyeong, from July 18 to August 11 at Jinbu, and from July 23 to August 13 at Gangneung. The accumulated temperature from flowering to maturity was 1,297 °C for Daegwallyeong, 1,391 °C for Jinbu, and 1,685 °C for Gangneung. Forty-three varieties were classified into four utilities; soy sauce and tofu, bean sprouts, cooking with rice, and vegetable and early maturity. The content of isoflavone was highest at 2,579 µg/g in varieties for soy sauce and tofu usage. Five varieties (“Paldalkong,” “Sinpaldal2,” “Ilmikong,” “Sinpaldalkong,” and “Daepung”) cultivated in Daegwallyeong had over 4,000 µg/g of isoflavone. The isoflavone content of the region Daegwallyeong was different at the significance level of 0.1 (p=0.061) compared to Gangneung. There was no significant difference between Gangneung and Jinbu. It is thought that the low temperature of the maturation stage during the growing period affected isoflavone accumulation. The varieties with more than 3,000 µg/g of isoflavone content in Daegwallyeong, Jindu, and Gangneung were “L29,” “Williams82,” “Ilmikong,” and “Daepung.” These were genetically and environmentally stable in isoflavone content. It is expected that this study will be used as basic data for the functional breeding and selection of soybean varieties highly adaptable to a specific region, and to help expand soybean cultivation areas in highlands.

This study was carried out to investigate the utilization value of legume crops collected in tropical and subtropical areas. We examined agronomic traits to assess domestic adaptability and evaluated useful components of foreign legumes. We used a total of 201 genetic resources of three legumes, consisting of 68 lentils, 72 chickpeas and 61 guars. The average number of days to flowering of the three legumes ranged from 56.7 to 60.8 days; the shortest in guar and longest in chickpea. The average number of days to growth of the three legumes ranged from the shortest 86.8 days in lentil, to the longest 163.9 days in guar. The maturation period of the three legumes lasted from the end of May until mid-September, based on sowing in March. However, the average yield of lentil was very low, ranging from 0.5 g to 30.6 g, with an average 16.4 g based on 10 plants per accession. The average 100 seed weight of the three legumes was 2.2 g for lentil, 22.9 g for chickpea, and 3.8 g for guar. The crude protein content ranged from 14.1% to 32.4% with an average of 20.4%, the highest for guar and the lowest for chickpea. The average crude oil content in the three legume crops was generally low, ranging from 0.8% in lentil, to 4.3% in chickpea. The average dietary fiber content in the three legume crops varied from 15.7% to 50.7%. Guar was the highest source of fiber, followed by chickpea (19.3%) and lentil (15.7%). From the agricultural traits analysis, chickpea and guar could grow domestically. However, lentil was difficult to flower and fruit normally during the warmer season after May. Therefore, lentil should be considered for late summer cropping during the cool season. The physicochemical properties of the three legumes seem to be useful as they are similar to, or better than, those of the control common bean.

Perilla is an oilseed crop cultivated in Korea since ancient times. Due to the high α-linolenic acid content in perilla, perilla seed oil can easily become rancid. α-Linolenic acid is synthesized by two enzymes, endoplasmic reticulum-localized Δ15 desaturase (FAD3) and chloroplast-localized Δ15 desaturase (FAD7) in vivo. In order to lower the α-linolenic acid content of the seed oil without disturbing plant growth, we tried to suppress the expression of only the FAD3 gene using RNA interference, whilst maintaining the expression of the FAD7 gene. Seventeen transgenic plants with herbicide (Basta™) resistance were obtained by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation using hypocotyls of perilla plants. The transgenic plants were firstly confirmed by treatment with 0.3% (v/v) Basta™ herbicide, and the expression of FAD3 was measured by Northern blot analysis. The α-linolenic acid content was 10-20%, 30-40%, and 60% in two, seven, and three of the twelve T₁ transgenic perilla plants which had enough seeds to be analyzed for fatty acid composition, respectively. Analysis of the fatty acid composition of T₂ progeny seeds from T₁ plants with the lowest α-linolenic acid content showed that the homozygous lines had 6-10% α-linolenic acid content and the heterozygous lines had 20-26% α-linolenic acid content. It is expected that the reduction in α-linolenic acid content in perilla seed oil will prevent rancidity and can be utilized for the production of high-value functional ingredients such as high γ-linolenic acid.

“Hyangcheola” is a new japonica rice variety developed as a cross between “Joryeong” and “Seolhyangchal” by the rice breeding team at NICS in 2014. The heading date of “Hyangcheola” is July 28 in the middle plain area, which is 8 days earlier than that of “Hwaseong.” “Hyangcheola” has a 76 cm long culm, which is 8 cm shorter than “Hwaseong” and has 86 spikelets per panicle. The viviparous germination rate of “Hyangcheola” was 27.9%. It showed resistance to stripe virus but susceptibility to bacterial blight (K1, K2, and K3 races), dwarf and black streak dwarf viruses and planthoppers. The milled rice of this variety exhibits translucent and medium short grain shape. The protein content of “Hyangcheola” was 8.2%, which was 1.5% higher than that of “Hwaseong.” “Hyangcheola” is a rice with a fragrant aroma. The content of iron in 100 g of brown “Hyangcheola” rice was 15.12 mg, which is 3.69 mg higher than that of “Hwaseong,” and the zinc content was 32.24 mg, which is 8.75 mg more than that of the comparative variety “Hwaseong.” The average milled rice yield of “Hyangcheola” was 4.8 MT/ha at our sites under ordinary cultivation (Registration No. 6807).

A soybean cultivar “Chamol” for double cropping for use as soy-paste and tofu was developed using a pedigree method in 2011 as a cross between “Shinpaldal2” and “Keunol.” A promising line, SS99502-2B-89-1-3-4-1-1, was selected and designated as “Milyang210”. It was promising and showed good results from regional yield trials (RYTs) for 3 years from 2009 to 2011 and released with the name “Chamol.” It has a determinate growth habit, white flowers, gray pubescence, yellow seed coat, yellow hilum, spherical seed shape, and large seeds (27.7 g per 100 seeds). The maturity date of “Chamol” was September 18 (100 day growing period) in RYT and it is suitable for double cropping with winter crops such as onion. “Chamol” was resistant to bacterial pustule and soybean mosaic virus and tolerant to lodging in fields. Furthermore, the average yield of “Chamol” was 2.51 ton/ha in the regional yield trials conducted for 3 years from 2009 to 2011.

A mungbean cultivar “Munpyeong” (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) was derived as a cross between “Keumseong” and “IT163157” at the Jeollanamdo Agricultural Research and Extension Services (JARES) in 2013. “Munpyeong” has an erect growth habit, heart leaflet, green hypocotyls, black and straight pods when matured, and a dull green seed surface. The stem length of “Munpyeong” was 60 cm, which was 6 cm shorter than that of the control cultivar “Owool.” The pod number per plant was 25, which was 3 more than that of the control cultivar. The 1000 seed weight of “Munpyeong” was 45 g, which was 4 g lighter than that of the control cultivar “Owool.” Its field resistance to mungbean mottle virus, cercospora leaf spot, and powdery mildew are similar to the control cultivar, whereas its field resistance to lodging was slightly stronger. The hard seed rate of “Munpyeong” was 3.2%, which was similar to that of the control cultivar. The sprout yield ratio was 7.54 times, which was 9% more than that of the control cultivar. The average yield of “Munpyeong” was 1.93 ton/ha, which was 21% more than that of the control cultivar “Owool” (Cultivar registration number: 5878).

“Samkwang1,” a japonica rice variety, was developed as a cross between “Samkwang” and F1 of Suwon152 (IT008283), which has a medium maturing and lodging resistance and Samkwang (IT284608), a high quality variety with bacterial blight resistance and mid-late maturing property by the rice breeding team at NICS in 2015. The heading date of “Samkwang1” was August 8 in the middle plain area, which was 2 days early than that of “Hwaseong.” “Samkwang1” had a culm length of 77 cm, which was 7 cm shorter than that of “Hwaseong,” and it had 128 spikelets per panicle. The viviparous germination rate of “Samkwang1” was 2.1%. “Samkwang1” showed resistance to blast, bacterial blight (K1, K2, and K3 race) and stripe virus, but was susceptible to the K3a race of bacterial blight, dwarf and black streak dwarf viruses, and plant hoppers. The milled rice of this variety exhibits translucent and medium short grains. The cooked rice grains of “Samkwang1” have an excellent palatability index (0.35) and lower protein content (6.2%) than that of “Hwaseong.” The characteristics related to grain milling were better than those of “Hwaseong,” especially the head rice milling recovery ratio and head rice ratio (94.2%). “Samkwang1” showed 5.62 MT/ha of milled rice productivity at 11 sites under ordinary cultivation conditions (Registration No. 6798).

A strawberry variety ‘Arihyang’ was derived as an artificial cross between ‘Tochiotome’ and ‘Seolhyang’ in 2014. The seedling and line selections were conducted from 2014 to 2015. Preliminary and advanced yield trials of ‘14-5-5,’ which was the final selected line, were conducted from 2015 to 2017. ‘Arihyang’ is suitable for forced cultivation and has strong plant vigor, uniformly large-sized fruit, and a high yield compared to those of the check variety, ‘Seolhyang’ and ‘Maehyang.’ Especially, vitamin C was at a significant level, which was approximately 15% higher than that of ‘Seolhyang.’ The average number of flowers per first flower cluster was 10.5, which could reduce the labor of thinning fruit. Its fruit has a conical shape, dark red color, and glossy skin. The fruit was of good quality but has recommendations for harvest at the fully ripened stage. ‘Arihyang’ has intermediate resistant to phytophthora crown rot, but is susceptible to powdery mildew, gray mold, anthracnose, and fusarium wilt. It is reguired to manage major diseases and pests using optimum cultivation techniques and chemical control.

A new black barley variety, “Heuksoojeongchal,” was developed as a cross between “Keunalbori 1” and “Masankwamaek/Mortoni” at the National Institute of Crop Science, RDA in 2014. Heuksoojeongchal had a longer culm length (89 cm) and a later average heading date and maturity than Seodunchalbori. It also had a spike length of 5.0 cm, 543 spikes/m², and 54 grains/spike. The 1000-grain weight of Heuksoojeongchal (36.0 g) was heavier than that of Seodunchalbori. Heuksoojeongchal showed resistance to barley yellow mosaic virus (BaYMV). The yield potential of Heuksoojeongchal was approximately 7% higher than that of Seodunchalbori upland, but the average yield potential was similar in upland and paddy fields. Among the quality characteristics, the β-glucan content (6.7%) was higher and the amylose content (5.5%) was lower than those of Seodunchalbori. The whiteness of the black barley was low, and its absorption rate and spreadability were similar to those of Seodunchalbori.

Hwangmichal, a yellow waxy corn hybrid, is a single cross hybrid developed in 2014. This hybrid was created by crossing the seed parent KY30 and pollen parent KY9. Hwangmichal has yellow kernels with a conico-cylindrical ear shape. The days to silking of Hwangmichal were similar to that of Ilmichal, a check hybrid. The ear height ratio of Hwangmichal was 50%, which was lower than that of Ilmichal, and its number of tillers was less than that of Ilmichal. The ear size of Hwangmichal was smaller than that of Ilmichal and the kernel set ratio was 89%. Its sensory evaluation was better than that of Ilmichal. The carotenoid content of Hwangmichal was 32.2 µg/g, which was much higher than that of Ilmichal. Lodging resistance of Hwangmichal was better than that of Ilmichal. Although the number of fresh ears of Hwangmichal was more than that of Ilmichal, the weight of fresh ears was lower than that of Ilmichal. The flowering period of its parent lines was well matched and seed production was 3:1 at a planting density of parent lines of more than 2:1. It is adaptable to the whole country except for Jeju-do. The plant variety protection right of Hwangmichal was registered in June 2017, and its grant number is 6728.

“ Nulichal” was developed by the National Institute of Crop Science, RDA, in 2010. The initial cross was conducted in 2000, and an elite line (HB15305-B-B-31-2) was selected in 2005. Subsequently, preliminary yield and advanced yield trials have designated it as “Iksan 95.” It showed good agronomic performance in regional yield trials from 2008 to 2010 and was released as “Nulichal,” with resistance against the barley yellow mosaic virus (BaYMV) and high yields with a waxy endosperm. The average heading and maturation dates of “Nulichal” were April 24 and May 30, respectively in paddy fields, which were 1 day later than those of the check cultivar “Saechalssalbori.” It had culm and spike lengths of 82 and 4.0 cm, respectively. It showed 774 spikes/m², 63 grains/spike, 25.0 g of 1,000-grain weight, and 793 g of test weight. “Nulichal” showed higher levels of resistance to BaYMV than the naturally occurring Iksan (type III strain), Naju (type Ⅰ), and Jinju (type II). The expansion rate was higher than that of “Saechalssalbori” and its hardness, gumminess, and chewiness were lower than those of “Saechalssalbori.” Its average pearled grain yield in the regional yield trial was 4.00 MT/ha in paddy fields, which was 10% higher than that of the check cultivar. The combined availability of “Nulichal” was improved by its increased culm length compared with that of “Hinchalssal.”

Saemimyeon, a Tongil type, medium-late maturing rice variety, is especially used for preparing rice noodles. Its high amylose content was developed to fit market demands and to be affordable for rice processing industries. One of the high yielding lines, Milyang181 (Hanareum), was used in the final three-way cross of IR50*2/YR18241-B-B-115-1-1 for yield improvement and cultivation stabilization, including disease resistance. YR24235-10-1-3, a high yielding and compact plant type, was selected and named Milyang278 after yield test at NICS (RDA, Miryang) in 2010. It was subjected to regional yield test at six sites in the middle and southern plain areas of South Korea. Saemimyeon heading occurs on August 12 and is a mid-late maturing cultivar, with resistance to leaf blast, rice stripe virus, and bacterial blight (K1-K3a), but it is susceptible to major diseases and insect pest infestation. Saemimyeon showed a high amylose content of 26.7%, with a relatively low KOH digestion value of 3.5, which are key factors in rice noodles and pasta processing. In the local adaptability tests, the yield of Saemimyeon was 7.08 MT/ha—an increase of approximately 106% compared to that of Dasan. Thus, Saemimyeon is suitable for cultivation in the southern and middle plain areas of South Korea.

Hyowon6, a mid-late maturing, good eating quality rice variety with multi-resistance, was developed by the rice breeding team of Pusan National University in 2013. This variety was derived from a cross between Hwayeong (as a multi-resistant parent) and Koshihikari (as a good eating quality parent). Selection by the pedigree breeding method was carried out until the F₈ generation. A promising line, JS14-12-36-8-5-3-1-1-1, was developed and designated as HY103 in 2013. This variety headed on August 22, which was 11 days later than that of Hwayeong. The culm length and panicle length of Hyowon6 was 85.7 cm and 21.1 cm, respectively. The number of panicles per hill was 14.5 and the number of grains per panicle was 101.7. The ratio of ripened grain was approximately 92% and the 1,000-grain weight was approximately 21.36 g for brown rice, which were similar to those of Hwayeong. Hyowon6 was moderately resistant to lodging and also to neck blast, leaf blight, and stripe virus. The glossiness value of Hyowon6 was 83, which was considerably higher than that of Hwayeong.

‘Hwawang’ is an early maturing and short statured rice cultivar adaptable to the rice–cash crop rotation system that was developed by the rice breeding team of the Department of Southern Crop, National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA), Korea, in 2012. This cultivar was derived from the cross of YR25867 (Hitomebore//YR21247-B-B-B-49-1/Sasanishiki BL4) and YR25866 (Akidagomachi//YR21247-B-B-B-49-1/Sasanishiki BL4) during the 2005/2006 winter season and was fixed as a homozygous line by a doubled haploid breeding system. In the replicated yield trial in 2009, a promising line (YR26253Acp26-1) showed a good phenotype and high yield potential, and so it was selected and designated as ‘Milyang256’. The local adaptability test of ‘Milyang256’ was carried out at three locations from 2010 to 2012. It was named ‘Hwawang’ and had a high head rice ratio and good eating quality. The culm length of ‘Hwawang’ averaged 62 cm during the yield trials and was 10 cm shorter than that of ‘Keumo’. The number of spikelets per panicle of ‘Hwawang’ was significantly lower than that of ‘Keumo’, but the number of tillers per hill was higher. This variety showed resistance to bacterial blight disease but was moderately susceptible to both leaf and neck blast. The milled rice yield of ‘Hwawang’ was 452 kg/10 a at the late transplanting stage of the local adaptability test. Thus, ‘Hwawang’ is well adapted to the rice–cash crop rotation system in the southern plain area. (Registration No. 5106)