Interspecific hybridization has long been used to produce Phalaenopsis hybrids with superior traits such as flower size, color, lip morphology, heavy pigmentation spots, spike number, plant height, floret number and size, inflorescence angle, and branching. For a successful breeding program, superior parents with desirable horticultural traits must be selected for hybridization based on market preferences. However, many existing hybrids produce triploids or aneuploids and are almost completely sterile. A database of the cytogenetic backgrounds of species and cultivars is essential for formulating systematic breeding programs. However, this information is limited to the Phalaenopsis cultivars. Therefore, chromosome composition, pollen viability, and meiotic abnormality of two Phalaenopsis yellow cultivars, namely Phalaenopsis ‘Fuller’s Sunset’ and Phalaenopsis ‘Geumgongju,’ were analyzed in this study. Cytogenetic analyses revealed that both cultivars had hypotetraploid and asymmetrical chromosomes. Assessment of pollen viability using the 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining test and in vitro pollen germination in five flower developmental stages demonstrated that P. ‘Fuller’s Sunset’ pollinia were viable because it were stained in all stages with pollen tube growth. In contrast, unstained pollinia and the absence of pollen tubes were observed in P. ‘Geumgongju.’ Sporad stage analysis showed that P. ‘Geumgongju’ contained predominantly abnormal sporads with micronuclei compared to those of P. ‘Fuller’s Sunset.’ The results of this study provide vital information for breeding programs for Phalaenopsis cultivars and emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate parents for hybridization.

In this study, we investigated the variety-dependent survival of citrus seedlings and analyzed the pomological characteristics of fruits and thorn lengths following irradiation with gamma rays. Scions from the seedlings of the following citrus varieties, ‘Yuzu’, ‘Noeulhyang’, ‘Sarahyang’, ‘Namgam’ (nucellar), and ‘Meiwakumquat’ irradiated with gamma rays at 0, 60, 80, and 100 Gy were grafted onto trifoliate orange. At 6 months after grafting, the survival rates of ‘Yuzu’ and ‘Noeulhyang’ exposed to 100 Gy were 49.5% and 34.8%, and that of ‘Sarahyang’ and ‘Namgam’ (nucellar) exposed to 80 Gy were 51.6% and 46.8%, respectively. ‘Meiwakumquat’ exhibited the lowest survival among the varieties used in this study. Therefore, we classified ‘Meiwakumquat’ as highly susceptible to gamma radiation; ‘Noeulhyang’, ‘Sarahyang’, and ‘Namgam’ (nucellar) as intermediately susceptible; and ‘Yuzu’ as the least susceptible. We assessed the effects of gamma radiation on the pomological traits in irradiated ‘Tambit1ho’ and ‘Yuzu’. Among the 72 irradiated ‘Tambit1ho’ seedlings, the average seed number (number of seeds per fruit) varied between 0 and 18.6, whereas that in the unirradiated seedlings was between 8 and 18. Among the irradiated seedlings, the average seed number was less than 1.0 in eight seedlings. In addition, we observed variations in weight, rind and segment hardness, and sugar and acid contents. The thorn length of the flush in unirradiated ‘Yuzu’ was between 1.3 and 6.0 cm, whereas that of flush in gamma-irradiated seedlings was between 0.1 and 6.1 cm. Among the irradiated ‘Yuzu’ seedlings, the thorn length was less than 0.1 cm in two seedlings.

The use of digital cameras in plant phenotyping studies using RGB sensors has increased. However, the need for standardization has become apparent because of the diverse analytical approaches used by individual researchers. In this study, we optimized the image acquisition conditions for apples, including scaling tool positioning, lighting conditions, and background color selection. In addition, we developed an ImageJ-based automated image acquisition and analysis program. We generated 240 images of four apple cultivars (Hongan, Hongro, Fuji, and Hwangok) and used 12 image indices to analyze the fruit size, width, length, and shape. We measured the accuracy by comparing the results with actual measurements. Significantly high correlation values were observed between fruit width and the major index (R²=0.947-0.993) as well as between fruit length and the height index (R²=0.964-0.984) based on the analysis using R-squared values to assess accuracy. These findings are expected to enhance the efficiency of apple fruit sorting in the future and can be applied to investigate the shapes of other fruits.

To promote the expansion of rice consumption, we examined the nutritional components and qualities of five Tongil-type rice varieties. Regarding texture properties, ‘Dasan’ showed the highest viscosity at 0.43 kgf, whereas ‘Hanareum3’ displayed the lowest at 0.20 kgf. Regarding pasting properties, ‘Hanareum4’ exhibited the slowest aging speed of rice flour dough with a value of -42.34 RVU, and ‘Hanareum3’ had the slowest aging speed of cooked rice with a final viscosity of 258.62 RVU. Regarding proximate compositions, ‘Hanareum3’ had the highest crude ash content at 1.17 g/100 g, and ‘Hanareum2’ had the highest crude protein content at 8.39 g/100 g. Regarding amino acids, at 0.17–0.18%, ‘Dasan’ had a methionine content 0.13% lower than the other varieties. Regarding mineral contents, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium contents were the highest in ‘Hanareum3’ at 263.08, 354.85, and 109.18 mg/100 g, respectively. ‘Dasan’ showed the highest contents of iron, manganese, and zinc, measured at 0.94, 2.17, and 1.43 mg/100 g, respectively. Of the 36 fatty acids measured, only 9 were confirmed. Myristic acid, linoleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid were highest in ‘Hanareum3’ at 0.27, 9.91, and 0.48 mg/g, respectively. ‘Hanareum4’ had the highest levels of palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids, with contents of 6.69, 0.79, and 9.64 mg/g, respectively. Arachidic, eicosenoic, and lignoceric acids were detected at high levels in ‘Geumgang1,’ ‘Hanareum2,’ and ‘Dasan,’ with contents of 0.16, 0.13, and 0.3 mg/g, respectively.

In this study, we constructed a reference transcriptome database for the special crops Codonopsis lanceolata (known as “deodeok” in Korean) and Ixeridium dentata (known as “sseumbagwi” in Korean). The reference transcriptome sequence based on PacBio Iso-Seq technology was rapidly analyzed using various programs on a supercomputer at the Rural Development Administration to determine homologous gene searches, domain searches, and metabolic pathway-related information. Transcriptome information was organized into a single file database (DB) with a simple user interface using Microsoft Access, enabling efficient access and management of transcriptome sequences and functional prediction information. The deodeok reference transcriptome DB included 49,677 transcriptome sequences, whereas the sseumbagwi reference transcriptome DB included 73,757 transcriptome sequences. These reference transcriptome DBs can be utilized for various genomic analyses, such as gene discovery, gene expression analysis, inter-and intraspecies comparisons, and marker development, with particular potential for use in secondary metabolite research. The reference transcriptome DBs constructed in this study are expected to contribute to enhancing the agricultural value and industrial applicability of deodeok and sseumbagwi.

Since iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) are essential micronutrients for human immunity and metabolic activities, it is important to biofortify major food crops such as wheat and improve the bioavailability of Fe and Zn. In this review, we focused on analyzing studies conducted to identify and evaluate QTLs, genes, and associated molecular markers related to Fe and Zn content in wheat, their absorption mechanisms, and bioavailability in terms of genetics and breeding. Because bread wheat has a limited Fe and Zn content in its grains, many studies have used wild, synthetic, or mutant wheat resources with high Fe and Zn contents. Many studies have been conducted to characterize related genes, of which Gpc-B1 is the major gene that increases the final content of Fe, Zn, and protein in association with an Gpc-B1 increase in Fe uptake and regulate Zip and YSL expression. Research determining the appropriate phytic acid content and increasing phytase activity to improve bioavailability was also highlighted.

Preserving and utilizing genetic diversity is crucial in crop breeding to address unpredictable situations such as climate change and evolving consumer demands. It serves as a source of new traits and alleles. Core collections are established from approximately 10-20% of conserved resources, and they are not only used for efficient management of genetic resources in seed banks but also applied in crop improvement programs and new gene discovery. These core collections demonstrate diversity based on the geographic origin of genetic resources and provide information on genetic similarity among resource types and collection regions. Recent advances in high-throughput genotyping has enabled high-resolution association mapping, allowing for the precise discovery of new genes and QTLs. The wheat genetic diversity and population structure of core collections are important in determining appropriate GWAS statistical methods for detecting these novel genes and QTLs. To maximize their utility, collecting detailed phenotypic data is crucial. This will expand their application in gene discovery, marker development, and more. In this study, we provided reviews for wheat core collection in the world to face the digital breeding era, where precise gene detection and manipulation are possible. The accumulation of genetic diversity, and phenotypic and genotypic information by core collections will contribute to breeding cycle acceleration and trait selection optimization.

The white sesame variety, ‘Kangyou’ (Sesamum indicum L.) with disease resistance and high yield was developed in 2019. It was developed through a cross between ‘China Black’ and ‘SI982849’, in 2006. The ‘Kangyou’ variety has a few branches and triple capsules per node. ‘Kangyou’ exhibited resistance to Phytophthora blight and Fusarium wilt disease in the field. The yield from ‘Kangyou’ was about 1.37 ton per hectare, 13% higher than that of ‘Goenbaek’. ‘Kangyou’ showed a crude fat content of 53% and a lignan content of 4.8 mg/g. This variety will contribute to the increase in sesame production in Korea and will be used in sesame breeding programs.

‘Aram’ is a high-quality, medium-late maturing rice variety adapted to the Gyeongnam province. It was developed through a cross between, ‘Yeonghojinmi,’ a good quality cultivar, and ‘Saenuri,’ a disease-resistant cultivar, in 2016. Anther culture was used for developing ‘Aram’. Its average heading date was August 16, which is 2 days later than that of the check cultivar, ‘Nampyeong’. The culm length of ‘Aram’ was 82.3 cm, and it had 17 panicles per hill. The ratio of ripened grain was 85%, which was 3% higher than that of ‘Nampyeong’. ‘Aram’ shows resistance to bacterial blight and rice stripe virus and moderate resistance to bakanae disease. However, it is susceptible to the K3a race of bacterial blight, other viral diseases, and plant-hoppers. ‘Aram’ has strong resistance to viviparous germination (4.9%) before harvest, and it shows strong resistance against field lodging. ‘Aram’ has a milling ratio of 74.6%; in addition, it has a high head-rice ratio and Toyo value. In the sensory test of cooked rice, ‘Aram’ had better scores for grain appearance, texture, and other items, compared to that for the check cultivar, ‘Nampyeong’. Therefore, ‘Aram’ could be used as a raw material for brand rice in Gyeongnam province because of its improved production stability and high quality (Registration No. 9628).

‘Dahongmi’ was developed to enhance the quality of colored rice by crossing ‘Jeogjinju’, Korea’s red-brown colored rice variety, with ‘Junam’, a variety known for excellent cultivation characteristics. ‘Dahongmi’ is a mid-maturing cultivar harvested approximately 15 days later than ‘Jeogjinju’, suitable for the mid-central plains. Each ‘Dahongmi’ plant bears 14 panicles, similar to that in ‘Jeogjinju’ but with an additional 22 grains per panicle and a heavier 1000-grain weight compared to that of ‘Jeogjinju’. ‘Dahongmi’ exhibited superior low-temperature germination rate (85.1%) and a higher percentage of fertile grains at a cold-water irrigated nursery (36.2%) compared to ‘Jeogjinju’. The stem height of ‘Dahongmi’ is 89.7 cm, similar to that of ‘Jeogjinju’. However, ‘Dahongmi’ has a third node height 9 cm shorter than that of ‘Jeogjinju’, enhancing its resistance to lodging. Furthermore, it displayed resistance to leaf blast, bacterial leaf blight (K1, K2, and K3 strains), and rice stripe virus, ensuring stability during cultivation. The protein and amylose content of ‘Dahongmi’ are 5.5% and 18.9%, respectively, similar to that of ‘Jeogjinju’ (5.9%, 18.3%). The levels of antioxidant components such as total polyphenols and flavonoids are comparable to that of ‘Jeogjinju’. However, ‘Dahongmi’ does not exhibit resistance against bacterial leaf blight strain K3a and delphacidae, underscoring the importance of timely and balanced fertilization for effective early-stage management. ‘Dahongmi’ exhibits better yield, straw strength, and plant architecture compared to ‘Jeogjinju’. It has immense potential for augmenting the yield of high-antioxidant-pigmented rice varieties. In addition, it could provide valuable foundational data for the brown rice processing industry (Registration Number: 8680).

The rice cultivar ‘Namchan’ was developed to achieve high yields under low-nitrogen fertilizer conditions and enhance cultivation stability. ‘Namchan’ was derived from a cross between ‘Nikomaru’, a Japanese rice cultivar known for its excellent ripening ability in high-temperature conditions, and ‘Saenuri’, a Korean mega rice cultivar renowned for its high cultivation stability. To shorten the breeding period, anther culture was applied to F1 plants. ‘Namchan’ was selected through the pedigree method, yield trials, and local adaptability tests, with high selection pressure for ripening ability and cultivation stability. The heading date of ‘Namchan’ was August 16, four days later than that of ‘Nampyeong’. ‘Namchan’ exhibited strong tolerance to lodging and preharvest sprouting, indicating high cultivation stability. Despite having more grains and panicles compared to that in ‘Nampyeong’, ‘Namchan’ exhibited excellent ripening ability, presumed to be inherited from ‘Nikomaru’. ‘Namchan’ showed intermediate resistance to rice blast and resistance to bacterial blight and rice stripe virus. ‘Namchan’ had excellent grain appearance, improved milling performance, and superior taste compared to ‘Nampyeong’. ‘Namchan’ exhibited a yield of 6.34 MT/ha under normal nitrogen fertilizer conditions, and its index at 115%, when compared to that of ‘Nampyeong’, is the highest among Korean japonica rice varieties. It exhibited a high yield of 5.45 MT/ha even under low-nitrogen fertilizer conditions. ‘Namchan’ is promising as an outstanding cultivar that can contribute to carbon neutrality through the reduction of nitrogen fertilizers and greenhouse gases (Registration No. 8134).

The lemon cultivar ‘Jeramon’ is a nucellar seedling obtained through controlled pollination, with ‘Frost Lisbon’ as the seed parent and ‘Meyer’ as the pollen parent. ‘Jeramon’ had its first fruit set in 2012 and was selected in 2015 after evaluating its characteristics for three consecutive years. The ‘Jeramon’ tree was vigorous, upright-spreading, and flowered three times a year (mid-May to Early June, late June to early August, and early September). The average fruit weight was 120 g. The rind thickness was approximately 5 mm, which was thicker than that of common citrus cultivars, including Satsuma mandarin and late-maturing cultivars. The rind and pulp were pale yellow at full maturity. Total soluble solid ratio and acidity were 8.5% and 11°Brix, respectively, which were higher than that of ‘Frost Lisbon’. ‘Jeramon’ is self-compatible, producing approximately 10 polyembryonic seeds per fruit (Registration No. 9060).

As the rural farming population decreases and ages, there is a gradual decrease in watermelon cultivation. Although the production of small- and medium-sized watermelons is increasing, typical large-sized watermelons are still, which culminates in their cultivation being a burdensome task for elderly farmers. To address this issue, we developed a watermelon variety, namely, ‘Soonzero,’ that does not require pruning, as its secondary lateral branches do not occur in primary lateral branches after the growing point it cut. ‘Soonzero’ is a diploid and broad, elliptical watermelon; its uniqueness lies in its green skin and pinkish-red flesh. The conspicuousness of veining on the skin is weak, and the width of the fruit's stripes is similar to that of ‘Sambokggul.’ In terms of variable characteristics, in this study, this variety produced 452 seeds, a yield similar to that of ‘Sambokggul,’ with the length and width of the resultant fruit being 25.5 and 24.2 cm, respectively. Additionally, the pericarp of ‘Soonzero’ had a thickness of 1.0 cm and a total soluble solid content of 11.8 °Bx. The yield of ‘Soonzero’ was found to be 6,150 kg per 10 acres, similar to that of ‘Sambokggul.’ However, ‘Soonzero’ differs from the control in terms of the following traits: fruit stripe width, flower spot shape, and the conspicuousness of veining on the fruit. In conclusion, the secondary lateral branchless varieties developed at the Watermelon Research Institute are expected to be quickly distributed to farmers with excellent quality by making up for their shortcomings by transferring technology to breeding companies and giving consumers the opportunity to choose according to their purchasing preferences. Above all, since it can reduce the labor required to remove lateral branches, it will help farmers grow watermelons more easily by solving aging and labor issues, which are chronic problems in rural areas (Grant number 8807).

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a highly adaptive, short-duration crop that is grown in Korea for food, feed, and fodder. ‘Yeonheechal’ is a variety of proso millet that was developed in 2013. This variety is a cross between Hwanggeumgijang (K263691) and IT297382. In terms of its phenotype, ‘Yeonheechal’ is erect and possesses drooping panicles. Regarding its growth-related outcomes, ‘Yeonheechal’ was found to have a growth period of 90 days. The culm and panicle lengths of this variety were 144 and 33.6 cm, respectively. These structures were both shorter than those of ‘Leebaekchal.’ Additionally, the weight of 1,000 seeds was 5.3 and 4.5 g in terms of husked and dehusked grains, respectively. The husked and dehusked grains were white and yellow, respectively, consisting of a characteristically glutinous endosperm. The yield potential of ‘Yeonheechal’ was approximately 2.67-ton ha-1 in the regional yield trials conducted from 2017 to 2019. The hardness of this variety’s grain was 1,749 gf, making it softer than that of ‘Leebaekchal’ (i.e., 2,158 gf) (Registration number: 9104).

To improve farmers’ incomes by diversifying produce, Gyeongsangnam-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services developed a highly productive mini paprika, namely, ‘Raon red.’ Since 2007, various genetic resources have been collected and bred to obtain pure line separations for crossbreeding purposes. In 2012, a cross combination between an orange-colored female parent ‘MBO 008’ and a red-colored male parent ‘SBR 970’ was selected among the diverse crossings. The characteristics of the resultant F1, named ‘Raon red’ in 2014, were verified through field tests conducted from 2013 to 2014. ‘Raon red’ plants grew with a similar vigor to ‘RD Glory’ (control). The fruit of this variety weighed 56 g, twice that of the control; in addition, it had a stable shape with a bright red color. The soluble solids of the fruits averaged 10.2 °Bx and 1.6 °Bx lower than those of the control. Additionally, the fruit was 29% firmer than that of the control, and its pericarp was 29% thicker. The yield per 10a of ‘Raon red’ was 5,035 kg, twice that of the control. Overall, this new cultivar is expected to increase the income of mini paprika growers because of its high productivity (Registration No. 6375).