The composition of high-molecular-weight-glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) is a key determinant of wheat baking properties. These subunits are encoded by the GLU-A1, GLU-B1, and GLU-D1 loci on the long arm of chromosome 1 and consist of x- and y-type subunits. Allelic variations in composition are a major factor influencing bakery quality. Unlike sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) or ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), which often fail to resolve closely related allelic variants, PCR-based markers allow for clear and definitive discrimination at the DNA level. Building on the results of a previous study that determined the GLU-B1 allele composition, we aimed to confirm—through the use of PCR markers—the allele compositions of GLU-A1 and GLU-D1 in 44 domestic wheat varieties. The results showed that “Jonong” and “Sinmichal1” contained the Glu-A1b (A1x2*) allele rather than Glu-A1a (A1x1) or Glu-A1c (A1x-null). Additionally, “Jonong” and “Sinmichal1” exhibited the allelic composition Glu-D1a (D1x2+D1y12), rather than Glu-D1d (D1x5+D1y10) or Glu-D1f (D1x2.2+D1y12). These results were compared with those obtained by SDS-PAGE and UPLC. The PCR-based markers used to identify GLU-A1 and GLU-D1 alleles in this study will be valuable for determining the allelic composition at the GLU-A1 and GLU-D1 loci in domestic wheat varieties. Furthermore, the re-evaluated genetic composition is expected to improve the precision of assessments related to the baking quality of domestic wheat.

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• Evaluation of Wheat’s (Triticum aestivum L.) Agronomic and Grain Traits and Protein and Starch Characteristics Under Cultivation Environments in Korea
  Hyeon-Seong Yoo, Hyun-Jin Jung, Na-Yun Lee, Eun-Chae Bae, Eun-Bin Hwang, Eun-Seong Baek, Se-Jin Oh, Yu-Mi Lee, Sang-Cheol Gwak, Moon-Sub Lee, Seong-Woo Cho, Tae-Young Hwang
  Agriculture.2026; 16(11): 1131.     CrossRef

Climate change caused by global warming, is predicted to have severe consequences for ecosystems and economic sectors. In the agricultural industry, it is predicted that there will be decreased crop yields resulting from shifting planting seasons, as well as higher temperature and water stress which significantly reduce crop productivity. Kimchi cabbage, a cold-loving plant, is particularly vulnerable to high-temperature stress which can lead to stunted growth, increased susceptibility to pests like soft rot, reduced yield, and lower quality that will negatively impact the Kimchi cabbage market. Kimchi cabbage can be cultivated in highland regions with low summer temperatures and reduced pest occurrence, but rising temperatures and water stress are expected to increase pest pressure, resulting in a rapid decrease in the potential cultivation area of Kimchi cabbage. Currently, research is being conducted around the world to identify physiological mechanisms of heat tolerance at the molecular level, selection of heat-tolerant material, and studies on cellular responses of plants under high-temperature conditions. Despite numerous studies on physiological and biochemical responses of Brassica crops to high temperatures, there is a need to develop heat-tolerant Kimchi cabbage cultivars that can adapt to rapidly changing climates, new strategies for pest control under high-temperature conditions, and mitigation measures to ensure stable cultivation and production.

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• Effect of Micro-Sprinkler Irrigation and Cooling Mulch Film on The Microclimate and Productivity of Kimchi Cabbage During High-Temperature Periods
  Hyo In Yoon, Jin Yu, Seung Hwan Wi, Tae Cheol Seo, Hye Jin Lee, Jin-Hyoung Lee, Me Hea Park, Su-Hyun Choi, Gyu-Hyeon Park
  Journal of Bio-Environment Control.2025; 34(4): 526.     CrossRef
• Projections of cultivation area for summer Kimchi cabbage in South Korea under different global warming levels
  Su-Jeong Kang, Hyun Min Sung, Jin-Uk Kim, Jae-Hee Lee, Chu-Yong Chung, Kyung-On Boo
  Journal of Climate Change Research.2025; 16(5-1): 919.     CrossRef
• Optimizing fertilizer use efficiency for Kimchi cabbage production in Highland Agriculture: Comparing slow and fast release fertilizers on varying slopes
  Mavis Badu Brempong, Yang-Min Kim, Gye-Ryeong Bak, Jeomsoon Kim, Sumi Kim, Jeong-Tae Lee
  Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer.2025; 58(2): 177.     CrossRef

South America, particularly the Southern Cone region, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, serves as a global hub for soybean production, accounting for more than 56% of global supply. However, this region experiences recurrent and severe drought risks driven by climate variability associated with the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), resulting in significant economic losses. Consequently, biotechnology- based drought-tolerant soybean breeding has emerged as a critical national strategy across these countries. Argentina has positioned itself as a primary technology originator with the development of the HB4 soybean, the world’s first commercial drought-tolerant trait, utilizing the sunflower-derived transcription factor HaHB4. Brazil is advancing beyond single-trait approaches by developing multistacked biotech varieties that integrate drought tolerance with herbicide resistance, insect resistance, and oxidative stress mitigation. Furthermore, Paraguay and Uruguay are rapidly emerging as international hubs for field testing and commercialization, supported by streamlined regulatory frameworks and a “dual-track” strategy for both genetically modified (GM) and genome-edited (GE) crops. This review integrates molecular strategies, national regulatory systems, and commercialization trends in South America and discusses strategic implications for Korea. Despite Korea’s limited domestic experience in large-scale commercial cultivation owing to regulatory constraints, it possesses internationally competitive expertise in transcription factor engineering, CRISPR-based precision breeding, and AI-driven stress phenotyping. We propose a strategic technology export model that leverages Korea’s advanced R&D capabilities as a “technology provider” and “joint developer,” in partnership with South American countries. Such collaborations can foster a climate-resilient agricultural ecosystem and secure Korea’s position in the global biotech seed market.

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus L.) blooms in summer and is widely used as an ornamental tree because of its beautiful flowers and long flowering periods. To develop a new cultivar suitable for pot cultivation, the artificial crossing of H. syriacus cv. Hansŏ, a seed parent, and H. syriacus cv. Hongtanshim, a pollen parent, was established in 2011. Among the 19 artificially bred seedlings that bloomed in 2014, three individuals were selected by the characteristics based on flower shape, flower size, petal color, presence and size of the red eye zone, leaf characteristics, tree form, and growth of the current-year branch. After the second test on its traits for three years, one individual (NFHH05) with a unique flower shape and slow growth was selected. This individual was investigated again for uniformity and stability of trait expression, and was registered as a new cultivar under the name ‘Huiwon’ in 2022. ‘Huiwon’ has bright pink flowers with thick petals and distinct petal veins. The flowers were in full bloom and were shaped like a plate, with the tips of the petals curling outward. It begins to bloom at the beginning of July, and the average flowering period is approximately 63 d. ‘Huiwon’ has a slightly straight tree form and is a slow growing cultivar, which makes it suitable for medium-sized pot cultivation or flower gardening (Grant number 8875).

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• ‘Laon’: A Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus L.) Cultivar with a Large and Distinct Eye Zone Developed for Pot Cultivation
  Young-bum Moon, Hanna Shin
  Flower Research Journal.2025; 33(1): 53.     CrossRef
• Development and Comparison of Allometric Equations for Estimating Carbon Storage of Two Hibiscus syriacus Cultivars with Different Growth Forms in Urban Areas of Republic of Korea
  Hak-Koo Kim, Hanna Shin, Jeong-Min Lee, Seo-Hyeon Joo, Go-Eun Bang, Hyun-A Kim, Jun-Seop Lee, Seonghun Lee, Yun-Kyung Lim, Hyun-Chul Kim, Yong-Jin Kwon, Chan-Beom Kim
  Forests.2025; 16(12): 1845.     CrossRef

Plant-based production of recombinant proteins has emerged as an efficient and cost-effective alternative to microbial fermentation and mammalian cell culture systems. Chloroplasts harbor high plasmid copy numbers and can be stably transformed, making them efficient platforms for protein production. In the present study, we used green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter to compare the three major chloroplast promoters (rrn, psbA, and rbcL) involved in protein production in Nicotiana tabacum cv. “Petit Havana.” Three chloroplast transformation vectors were constructed, each regulated by a different promoter, and the transformation was performed via biolistic particle bombardment. Transformants were selected based on spectinomycin resistance and were confirmed by PCR. Among the three promoters, psbA showed the highest transformation efficiency and protein expression levels. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR showed that the mRNA levels (relative to Actin) for psbA (218.21±19.64) were nearly twice that of rbcL (126.60±8.78), and five times that of rrn (43.27±1.57). This transcriptional hierarchy was also observed at protein level. Immunoblotting showed the GFP levels (relative to psbA) were: psbA (1.00), rbcL (0.87), and rrn (0.77), whereas quantification through ELISA revealed relative GFP concentrations of: 616.2±28.7 ng/g LFW for psbA, 510.3±32.4 ng/g LFW for rbcL, and 338.9±100.2 ng/g ng/g LFW for rrn. These quantitative results demonstrate the importance of promoter selection for efficient expression of recombinant proteins in chloroplasts and show that the psbA promoter is suitable for high-efficiency chloroplast expression systems, providing a foundation for advancing plant-based molecular farming.

Most paprika farmers in Korea have grown bell-type paprika, mostly for export to Japan. However, continued long-term yen depreciation has worsened the export profitability of paprika, increasing domestic sales and decreasing farmers’ income. Gyeongsangnam-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services developed ‘New Daon Red’ as a new mini paprika to replace some bell-type paprika cultivation to cope with the change. The maternal line, Trirosso, has deep orange conical fruits with good fruit set, while the paternal line, SBR970, exhibits red fruits and stable fruiting with strong vegetative growth. F₁ ‘New Daon Red’ was selected as an excellent cultivar for fresh consumption in 2018 from the on-site test that lasted 2 years starting in 2017. This cultivar showed similar plant height to the control ‘Raon Red’ but had larger leaves. The fruit weighed 71 g, 8% heavier than that of the control, with a longer and narrower shape. Fruits of ‘New Daon red’ had a sweetness level of 9 °Brix and were soft. The occurrence rates of blossom-end rot and skin cracking were 1.4% and 2.4%, respectively, in ‘New Daon Red,’ while they were 0.2% and 0.8% in ‘Raon Red.’ However, ‘New Daon Red’ had a 26% higher yield per land unit due to its better fruit set than the control cultivar. Therefore, it is expected that the high productivity of this cultivar, along with good fruit quality, could contribute to increasing farmers’ income (Registration No. 9684).

Male sterility is used to mass-produce F₁ hybrid seeds in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). In particular, the development of genetic male sterility (GMS)-linked molecular markers may play a crucial role in hybrid breeding of pepper. To date, approximately 20 GMS genes have been identified in pepper. Among these, several molecular markers for the ms₃ gene have been developed in previous studies; however, they are not completely linked and thus have limitations for use in selection. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to develop molecular markers for ms₃ selection using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis. Chi-square test was conducted using three F₂ segregating populations, and the results confirmed a 3:1 segregation ratio between male-fertile and male-sterile plants. A total of 128 primer sets were designed by selecting SNPs near the ms₃ gene, and 25 HRM markers were successfully developed. Using 420 individuals from the F₂ segregating population ‘GMS3,’ a high-density genetic linkage map of pepper chromosome 1 was constructed, with eight HRM markers found to be co-segregated with the ms₃ gene. Subsequent experiments using various plant materials validated these eight markers, ultimately identifying two HRM markers, HRM119655681 and HRM135273656, for the final selection. These two markers showed co-segregation between the phenotype and genotype of ms₃ across all plant materials used in the study. The markers developed in this study are expected to be effective for maternal line development and large-scale F₁ hybrid seed production using ms₃ in pepper.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major cereal crop grown worldwide, providing approximately 20% calorie and 25% protein intake. Wheat productivity is significantly affected by high temperatures, particularly during the grain-filling period. Heat stress accelerates leaf senescence, impairs photosynthesis, reduces starch accumulation, and alters protein synthesis, ultimately leading to a decrease in grain yield and quality. To mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress, wheat utilizes adaptation mechanisms, including the expression of heat shock proteins, activation of antioxidant defense systems, osmotic regulation, and transcription factor-mediated gene regulation. Stay-green traits also play a role in maintaining photosynthetic efficiency at high temperatures. Breeding strategies such as traditional breeding, marker-assisted selection , genomic selection , and genome editing are being explored to improve heat tolerance. Recent advances in the CRISPR-Cas9 technology enable precise gene editing, thereby enhancing the resilience of wheat to heat stress. Additionally, quantitative trait locus mapping and genome-wide association studies facilitated the identification of genetic regions associated with heat tolerance, thereby accelerating the development of climate-resilient wheat varieties. Future research should focus on integrating genetic and molecular approaches with sustainable agronomic practices and crop modeling strategies to optimize wheat productivity under rising temperatures. The integration of advanced breeding techniques and improved crop management can facilitate the development of wheat varieties that are more resilient to climate change.

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• Evaluation of Wheat’s (Triticum aestivum L.) Agronomic and Grain Traits and Protein and Starch Characteristics Under Cultivation Environments in Korea
  Hyeon-Seong Yoo, Hyun-Jin Jung, Na-Yun Lee, Eun-Chae Bae, Eun-Bin Hwang, Eun-Seong Baek, Se-Jin Oh, Yu-Mi Lee, Sang-Cheol Gwak, Moon-Sub Lee, Seong-Woo Cho, Tae-Young Hwang
  Agriculture.2026; 16(11): 1131.     CrossRef

This study aimed to develop a novel tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivar enriched in phytoene and phytofluene, colorless carotenoids known for their health-promoting properties. Parental lines with diverse fruit colors and morphological traits were selected and crossbred to generate three F₁ hybrids: ‘Rubybell’, ‘INDIGO-G’, and ‘BLACK-B’. The phytoene and phytofluene contents of the hybrids were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Among them, ‘Rubybell’ exhibited the highest concentrations of phytoene (0.105 mg/g) and total phytofluene (0.118 mg/g), representing increases of 51% and 29% compared to the maternal line APR-52-MU, and 14% and 1% compared to the paternal line CAPP1745, respectively. Compared to commercial tomato cultivars, ‘Rubybell’ exhibited 76- and 23-fold higher levels of phytoene and phytofluene, respectively. Furthermore, ‘Rubybell’ accumulated higher levels of these functional compounds when cultivated in March and October, underscoring the influence of the planting season on carotenoid biosynthesis. These findings offer valuable insights into the breeding of high-value functional tomatoes and support their potential use in health-promoting food applications (Registration number: 10514).

Image-based digitalization of germplasm stock holds significant promise for accelerating plant breeding and crop improvement. This technology facilitates efficient germplasm characterization, evaluation, and management through the capture and analysis of visual phenotypes. However, widespread adoption is hindered by challenges that include image quality control, data analysis complexity, and phenotypic representation limitations. This study investigated these constraints and proposed strategies to address them. By managing technical challenges, refining phenotypic data extraction, and developing robust data analysis pipelines, researchers can fully leverage image-based digitalization to enhance germplasm utilization and contribute to sustainable agriculture.

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• Phenotypic variation across Lactuca species and genome-wide association analysis in L. sativa and L. serriola
  Sarah Mehrem, Guido van den Ackerveken, Basten L. Snoek
  Euphytica.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Leveraging sensor technologies for seed phenotyping by genebanks
  Kioumars Ghamkhar, David Rousseau
  Frontiers in Plant Science.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Machine Learning Method to Select Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers for Protein Content, Grain Filling Rate, Height, and Panicle Length in Korean Rice
  Jeong-Gu Kim, Minwoo Kim, Gyu-Hwang Park, Jinhyun Kim, Jinho Jung, Tae-Ho Lee
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2025; 57(4): 403.     CrossRef
• Metabolome selection for enhancing abiotic stress resilience: advances in phenomics, prospects and challenges for breeding applications
  Raveendran Muthurajan, Raja Ragupathy, Rajendran Sathishraj, Veera Ranjani Rajagopalan, Shobica Priya Ramasamy, Rakshana Palaniswamy, Sudha Manickam
  Plant Physiology Reports.2025; 30(2): 207.     CrossRef

In the present study, we conducted a detailed analysis of the genetic diversity and structural organization of 96 domestic Korean rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.) using 2,565 high-resolution TCS-based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Genetic structural variations were investigated using diversity indices, PCA, genetic similarity, and network analysis. Genetic diversity analysis revealed a significant expansion of the genetic foundation after the 1980s, marked by a sharp increase in the number of alleles (Na) from the 2000s. Despite this, high genetic homogeneity was maintained, with an average similarity of 77.7%. The observed 10% difference among same-cross varieties suggests that critical genetic variations are fixed by strong selection pressures for quality traits. Network analysis (85% similarity threshold) confirmed that the Korean rice breeding population followed a distinct core-periphery model (eight communities). The connected 84 varieties had a centrality range of 0.01 0.39. Core Variety Groups (e.g., ‘Junam’ and ‘Sindongjin’) exhibited the highest centrality (up to 0.39), indicating their extensive use as key breeding parents and their function as the central axis of the genetic network. Bridge Variety Groups (e.g., ‘Hwayeong’ and ‘Samkwang’) played an intermediary role linking clusters. Crucially, 12 ‘isolated accessions’ showed zero centrality (0.00), representing a genetic disconnect from the main pool. This quantitative network-based assessment provides essential fundamental data for breeders to select appropriate germplasms. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the current cultivar naming system, which inadequately reflects genetic relationships, requires reassessment, and that the establishment of objective management standards based on this research is warranted.

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• QTL Analysis for Heading Date and Yield-Related Traits Using the Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from a Cross between ‘Koshihikari’ and ‘IS592BB’
  Hyun-Su Park, Jeonghwan Seo, Songhee Park, Jae-Ryoung Park, Keon-Mi Lee, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2026; 58(2): 147.     CrossRef

‘Chamdongjin’ is a near-isogenic line with enhanced disease resistance compared to ‘Sindongjin,’ a mega-cultivar in Korea. ‘Younghojinmi’ is the rice cultivar with the highest taste quality among the premium cultivars. This study conducted quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis on yield-related traits using the recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between ‘Chamdongjin’ and ‘Younghojinmi’ to elucidate genetic interaction. We utilized KASP markers and a target-capture sequencing SNP genotyping platform to address the insufficient genetic diversity of the population using Korean japonica cultivars. A QTL associated with heading date (HD), qHd8, was detected, and the candidate gene Hd18 was identified. The hd18 allele delayed HD by 3 days and reduced the brown/rough rice ratio (BRR) by 0.3%. QTLs associated with culm length (CL), panicle length (PL), and yield (g/plant), namely qCL1, qPL1_2023, and qYield1_2023, respectively, were detected, and the candidate gene SD1 was identified. The sd1 allele shortened CL and PL by 11 and 0.8 cm, respectively, and reduced the yield by 2.3 g. It also reduced the number of spikelets per panicle (NS) by 10 and decreased the ratio of ripened grains (RRG) by 2.6 %. QTLs associated with 1,000-grain weight (TGW), NS, and BRR, namely qTGW3, qNS3, and qBRR3_ 2023, respectively, were detected, and the candidate gene GS3 was identified. The gs3 allele increased TGW and BRR by 3.8 g and 0.4%, respectively, and reduced NS by 12. It also reduced RRG content by 1.9% and increased the yield by 1.7 g. The QTL associated with the number of panicles per hill (PN), qTN3, and the candidate gene, OsTB1, were identified. The OsTB1^TGTG allele reduced PN by 1.3 and affected the increase in NS and RRG by 10 and 1.4%, respectively. The allele combinations of SD1, GS3, and OsTB1 were analyzed to assess their effects on yield-related traits. NS and RRG were influenced by trait variations, depending on the combination background of other alleles during allele substitution. ‘Jeonju 697,’ an elite breeding line exhibiting improved lodging resistance with shortened CL, was selected by substituting SD1 with sd1 while maintaining the Hd18-gs3-OsTB1^TGTG allele combination of ‘Chamdongjin.’ This is expected to be a practical alternative for addressing the lodging problem in ‘Chamdongjin.’

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• QTL Analysis for Heading Date and Yield-Related Traits Using the Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from a Cross between ‘Koshihikari’ and ‘IS592BB’
  Hyun-Su Park, Jeonghwan Seo, Songhee Park, Jae-Ryoung Park, Keon-Mi Lee, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2026; 58(2): 147.     CrossRef
• ‘Amissal’: A Region-specific, Mid-late Maturing Long-grain Japonica Rice Cultivar
  Hyun-Su Park, Chang-Min Lee, Ki-Young Kim, O-Young Jeong, Ji-Ung Jeung, Su-Keyong Ha, Sang-Chul Park, Sang-Hyeok Lee, Jung-Pil Suh, Mina Jin, Hyun-Sook Lee, Jeonghwan Seo, Songhee Park, Jae-Ryoung Park, Kyeongmin Kang
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2025; 57(4): 547.     CrossRef
• Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis for Quality-Related Traits Using the Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from a Cross between “Boramchan” and “Pecos” Japonica Rice
  Hyun-Su Park, Chang-Min Lee, Jeonghwan Seo, Songhee Park, Hyeonso Ji, Keon-Mi Lee, Jae-Ryoung Park, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2025; 57(4): 373.     CrossRef
• QTL Analysis for Yield and Grain-Related Traits Using the Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from a Cross between ‘Boramchan’ and ‘Pecos’
  Hyun-Su Park, Chang-Min Lee, Jeonghwan Seo, Songhee Park, Keon-Mi Lee, Jae-Ryoung Park, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2025; 57(2): 131.     CrossRef
• Analysis of Agricultural Traits of O. sativa and O. glaberrima under Korean Climatic Conditions
  Jae-Ryoung Park, Hyun-Su Park, Jeonghwan Seo, Chang-Min Lee, Songhee Park, Mina Jin, Keon Mi Lee, Keunpyo Lee, Sukyeung Lee, Ebrima Jallow, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2024; 56(2): 97.     CrossRef
• QTL Analysis for Pre-Harvest Sprouting and Low-Temperature Germinability Using Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from a Cross between ‘Chamdongjin’ and ‘Younghojinmi’
  Hyun-Su Park, Jeonghwan Seo, Heyonso Ji, Gileung Lee, Chang-Min Lee, Jae-Ryoung Park, Songhee Park, Keon-Mi Lee, Mina Jin, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2024; 56(2): 79.     CrossRef
• Quantitative Trait Loci Analysis of Quality-Related Traits Using Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from a Cross between ‘Chamdongjin’ and ‘Younghojinmi’
  Hyun-Su Park, Jeonghwan Seo, Chang-Min Lee, Songhee Park, Keon-Mi Lee, Jae-Ryoung Park, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2024; 56(4): 395.     CrossRef

Mung bean (Vigna radiata) is a rich natural source of vitexin and isovitexin—flavonoids known for their potential anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate, through the use of RAW 264.7 macrophages, the anti-inflammatory effects of extracts from mung bean seeds containing vitexin and isovitexin. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to quantify the levels of these compounds in various mung bean cultivars: “Jinhwang,” “Samhwang,” “Seonhwa,” and “Jangan,” as well as “Dahyeon,” and “Sanpo,” two of the most widely cultivated varieties in Korea. Cytotoxicity assays revealed no significant toxicity at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL, allowing further analysis at these levels. In nitric oxide (NO) inhibition assays, “Samhwang” (10.61 µM) and “Seonhwa” (9.7 µM) demonstrated the highest NO-suppressing activity at 50 µg/mL. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were significantly reduced by “Seonhwa” (83.6 pg/mL) and “Jangan” (72.3 pg/mL), with “Jangan” showing the strongest inhibitory effect. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) analysis revealed notable suppression in “Samhwang,” “Seonhwa,” and “Jangan” at 50 µg/mL, with “Samhwang” exhibiting the most potent effect (78.6 pg/mL). These findings suggest that the “Samhwang” cultivar, in particular, possesses significant anti-inflammatory potential and may serve as a valuable candidate for the development of natural anti-inflammatory agents.

‘Chamdongjin’ is a rice cultivar with a distinctively large grain size and good palatability, similar to ‘Sindongjin,’ which is a mega-cultivar in Korea. ‘Younghojinmi’ is a rice cultivar known for having the highest taste value among premium quality cultivars. In this study, we conducted quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of quality-related traits using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between ‘Chamdongjin’ and ‘Younghojinmi’ to elucidate their genetic interactions. We analyzed 20 traits, including protein content, amylose content, glossiness of cooked rice, 7 traits related to grain appearance, 6 traits related to pasting properties, and 4 traits related to texture. Quality-related QTL were primarily detected on chromosome 3. In particular, GS3, one of the candidate genes for QTL, significantly influenced quality by affecting 14 different traits, including appearance traits such as head rice and the texture of cooked rice. Furthermore, RILs with the gs3 allele, which exhibited the large grains of ‘Chamdongjin,’ showed a lower protein content and higher amylose content than RILs with the GS3 allele. These lines also had lower head rice percentages and higher percentages of whiteness, opacity, and broken rice, indicating an inferior appearance quality. In terms of pasting properties, RILs with the gs3 allele showed a lower pasting temperature, peak viscosity, and breakdown, but a higher setback than RILs with the GS3 allele. Although the gs3 allele did not affect the glossiness, hardness, or toughness of the cooked rice, it resulted in higher adhesiveness and stickiness. Allelic alteration of the preharvest sprouting gene qLTG3-1 was found to affect seven quality-related traits, including pasting properties. Genes related to heading date (Hd18), culm length (SD1), and tiller number (OsTB1) were also associated with quality-related QTL. Alterations in the alleles of these genes caused variations in quality-related traits. Our identification of the association between quality-related traits and key agronomic genes is expected to support the effective development of rice cultivars with improved quality.

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• Allele‐informed QTL‐seq identifies Hd18 as a minor modifier of heading date in elite rice cultivars
  Hayeong Lee, Mina Kim, Jiheon Han, Hyun‐Su Park, Seung Young Lee, Youngjun Mo
  The Plant Genome.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• QTL Analysis for Heading Date and Yield-Related Traits Using the Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from a Cross between ‘Koshihikari’ and ‘IS592BB’
  Hyun-Su Park, Jeonghwan Seo, Songhee Park, Jae-Ryoung Park, Keon-Mi Lee, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2026; 58(2): 147.     CrossRef
• QTL Analysis for Yield and Grain-Related Traits Using the Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from a Cross between ‘Boramchan’ and ‘Pecos’
  Hyun-Su Park, Chang-Min Lee, Jeonghwan Seo, Songhee Park, Keon-Mi Lee, Jae-Ryoung Park, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2025; 57(2): 131.     CrossRef
• Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis for Quality-Related Traits Using the Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from a Cross between “Boramchan” and “Pecos” Japonica Rice
  Hyun-Su Park, Chang-Min Lee, Jeonghwan Seo, Songhee Park, Hyeonso Ji, Keon-Mi Lee, Jae-Ryoung Park, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2025; 57(4): 373.     CrossRef

‘Eunhyang’ is a new strawberry cultivar developed in 2021 by the Strawberry Research Institute of the Chungcheongnam-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services for forcing culture. The cultivar was bred to diversify the domestic market dominated by the single cultivar ‘Sulhyang’ and to improve fruit quality, including sweetness, firmness, and flavor. ‘Daewang,’ characterized by excellent flavor, aroma, and high firmness was used as the female parent, while ‘Durihyang,’ bred by the same institute with large fruit size, strong vigor, and good taste, was used as the male parent. Artificial crossing was conducted in 2017, followed by seedling selection, evaluation of characteristics, and productivity testing from 2018 to 2020. The selected line, initially designated ‘Nonsan 16,’ was officially named ‘Eunhyang’ in 2021. ‘Eunhyang’ exhibits semi-spreading growth, strong plant vigor, and elliptic leaves. Its flowering date is slightly earlier than that of ‘Sulhyang,’ and it shows excellent continuous flowering ability. The first harvest date was similar to that of ‘Sulhyang.’ The fruits are conical and bright light red. The first flower cluster has 8.6 flowers, fewer than ‘Sulhyang’ (16.8), reducing labor for flower thinning. It demonstrates higher soluble solids content (11.0 °Brix), stronger fruit firmness (14.1 g/mm²), and a higher sugar-to-acid ratio (19.0) than ‘Sulhyang.’ The average fruit weight is 17.7 g, which is heavier than ‘Sulhyang’ (15.4 g). Total yield is 3,945 kg/10a, which is 93% of ‘Sulhyang’ (4,236 kg/10a). ‘Eunhyang’ is relatively susceptible to anthracnose, powdery mildew, and two-spotted spider mites. ‘Eunhyang’ was registered for plant variety protection in 2023 (Registration No. 9751).

Risotto is an Italian rice dish cooked in broth until it reaches a creamy consistency. This is one of the most common rice preparation methods in Italy. The famous rice varieties for risotto are ‘Carnaroli,’ ‘Arborio,’ and ‘Vialone Nano.’ This study was conducted to provide essential data for breeding risotto rice varieties suitable for Korea by analyzing the agricultural traits of three risotto varieties and ‘Cheolweon96’ (Carnaroli SA-mutant line) under Korean environmental conditions. The risotto varieties and the mutant line showed early maturation, similar to ‘IS592BB.’ They had longer culm lengths and fewer panicles per hill and spikelets per panicle than to the Korean rice varieties, ‘i.e., Sindongjin’ and ‘IS592BB.’ They also exhibited lower ratios of ripened grains, brown/rough rice ratios, and lower yields. The risotto rice varieties and the mutant line other than ‘Vialone Nano,’ represented longer, wider, and heavier grain characteristics. The rice varieties and the mutants line had high levels of chalky rice, which absorbs water rapidly during cooking. Because broth absorption is important in risotto preparation, chalkiness can be considered an important characteristic of risotto rice varieties. In the analysis of pasting properties, ‘Carnaroli,’ ‘Cheolweon96,’ and ‘Vialone Nano’ showed similar characteristics, whereas ‘Arborio’ was grouped with ‘IS592BB.’ The cooked rice of ‘Carnaroli,’ ‘Cheolweon96,’ and ‘Vialone Nano’ exhibited a hard and non-sticky texture, while that of ‘Arborio’ was softer and stickier than that of the Korean rice varieties. The risotto rice varieties showed a larger grain size, higher chalkiness, pasting temperature, setback viscosity, and harder texture than the Korean rice varieties. These characteristics are expected to be useful selection indicators for breeding Korean risotto rice varieties.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) causes yield reduction, quality deterioration, and mycotoxin contamination in wheat, highlighting the need for resistant wheat varieties. In this study, we evaluated FHB resistance genes and infection rates in 44 domestic wheat varieties. Among them, 42 had the Type I resistance gene Fhb4, 37 had Fhb5, and 35 possessed both. For Type II resistance, 14 had Fhb1, 11 had Fhb2, and five had both. Twenty cultivars had both type I and type II resistance genes, and among them, Chungkye, Dahong, Gobun, Namhae, and Ol had all of the Fhb1, Fhb2, Fhb4, and Fhb5 genes. The average infection rate over three years was 42.6% in cases with both Type I and Type II resistance genes and 44.3% in cases without Type II resistance genes. The infection rate was very high in 2020 and very low in 2021, complicating the analysis of the three-year average. However, when the infection rate was evenly distributed in 2019, there was a tendency for increased resistance among the varieties carrying Type II resistance genes. This suggested that external factors may influence infection rates, emphasizing the need for a precise evaluation system suitable for selecting additional resistance genes. In addition, it is necessary to develop resistant varieties suited to the domestic environment through additional resistance gene selection and integration of resistance genes. This study contributes to understanding FHB resistance genes in domestic wheat varieties and developing resistant domestic wheat varieties.

Wheat, in conjunction with rice and maize, constitutes one of the three most significant staple crops worldwide, sustaining over 40% of the global population. In Korea, the annual per capita wheat consumption exceeds 30 kg, totaling approximately 4 million tons nationwide. However, more than 95% of this demand is met through imports, resulting in a meager self-sufficiency rate of approximately 0.7%, raising concerns regarding supply stability and price fluctuations. Enhancing wheat self-sufficiency in Korea requires addressing yield reductions caused by abiotic stressors, including elevated temperatures, drought, cold damage and pre-harvest sprouting induced by climate change, as well as biotic stressors such as Fusarium head blight. The development of high-quality wheat varieties with superior processing characteristics that satisfy consumer demands is crucial. This study provides critical insights for future research on the development of novel wheat cultivars in Korea. It reviews the current state of wheat cultivation and production, environmental and biological factors affecting growth, compositional elements influencing quality, domestic cultivars developed through conventional crossbreeding currently in commercial distribution, and contemporary breeding trends, with particular emphasis on novel breeding technologies, such as biotechnology.

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• Effects of Wheat Bran‐Derived Arabinoxylan Oligosaccharides on Dough and Noodle‐Making Properties
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• Stability and Yield Performance of Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) Genotypes Across Environments in Southern Peru
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  International Journal of Plant Biology.2025; 16(4): 127.     CrossRef

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.

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The soybean cultivar, ‘Jangpung’, is adaptable for mechanized harvest with fewer branches and a higher first pod height. ‘Jangpung’ was developed through a pedigree method involving a cross between ‘Shingi’ and ‘SS03102-B-B-3S-21-4’ cultivars from 2010-2021. The promising line, ‘YS2243-B-B-35-1-1-1’, was selected and designated as ‘Milyang361’, whereafter it was tested in regional yield trials (RYT) for three years from 2019-2021. Its performance and stability were approved after the RYT and thereafter released as ‘Jangpung’. It has a determinate growth habit, purple flowers, grey pubescence, yellow seed coat, yellow hilum, spherical seed shape, and large seeds (28.2 g/100 seeds). ‘Jangpung’ is a late-maturing cultivar; its flowering and maturing dates were 9 August and 22 October, respectively. ‘Jangpung’ exhibited resistance to bacterial pustule and soybean mosaic virus, as well as tolerance to lodging and shattering resistance, as confirmed through genetic validation using the marker, qPDH-KS. Considering its higher first pod height, lodging and shattering tolerance, and disease resistance, the soybean cultivar, ‘Jangpung’, might assist soybean producers in achieving high adaptability for mechanization and paddy field cultivation (Registration number: 9972).

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• The Soybean Cultivar ‘Dadrim’ Exhibits a High Tofu Process Ability, Large Seeds, and High-Yield
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A white sesame variety, ‘Haniall’ (Sesamum indicum L.), exhibiting shattering resistance and early maturity, was developed in 2021. ‘Haniall’ originated from a cross between ‘Suwon195’ and ‘Early Russian’ in 2014. ‘Haniall’ features a plant type characterized many branches and single capsule per node. Notably, the ‘Haniall’ exhibited resistance to seed shattering. The yield of Haniall was about 104 kg/10 a, which is 20% higher than that of ‘Ansan.’ ‘Haniall’ showed crude fat content of 54%, a lignan content of 6.4 mg/g. This variety is expected to contribute to the increased sesame production in Korea through large-scale mechanical cultivation (Registration No. 10320).