Soybean is one of the most important crops because of its high protein and oil content. Previous studies have refined protoplast isolation methods for soybeans to enhance transfection efficiency. However, these methods have limitations due to the inconsistent number of viable protoplasts for various applications. In this study, we propose an optimized protoplast isolation method to overcome this challenge. Hypocotyls grown in the dark were selected to ensure rapid growth and a steady supply of plant materials. The hypocotyls were cut to 1–2 cm in length and halved longitudinally to achieve consistent protoplast yields. Our new hypocotyl cutting method demonstrated 1.5 times improved protoplast yield and improved protoplast viability compared to that of previous methods. The isolated protoplasts were purified using the sucrose density gradient purification method to remove residues while stacking viable protoplasts. Fluorescein diacetate (FDA) staining was performed to determine the proportion of healthy protoplasts throughout the process. Consequently, we propose a new protoplast isolation protocol that ensures a higher yield, better viability, and healthier conditions. This enhancement is expected to improve the efficiency of soybean transfection.

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).

A standard cultivar of R. hybrida ‘Honey Blue’ was selected from the progenies of a cross between R. hybrida ‘Pacific Blue’ and R. hybrida ‘Lovely Blue’ by rose breeding team of the Gyeonggi-Do Agricultural Research and Extension Services (GARES) in 2012. It was finally selected in 2012 after investigation of the characteristics for five years (2008-2012). A standard type rose cultivar ‘Pacific Blue’was used as mother plant and it has medium scented petals. The major volatile compounds were found as germacrene-D and 3,5-Dimethoxytoluene. A spray type rose cultivar ‘Lovely Blue’was used as pollen parent and it has strong scented petals. The major volatile compounds were found as germacrene-D, geraniol and cadinene. ‘Honey Blue’has strong scented petals. The major volatile compounds were found as germacrene-D, citronellol and 3,5-dimethoxytoluene. A standard type with large sized flower, it has violet colored (RHS Violet 84C) petals and 9.7 cm in flower diameter and 50.2 petals per flower. Vase life of this cultivar could be as long as 9.1 days. It takes 49 days from pruning to blooming and cut flower productivity was 134 stems/m2 in a year. The stem length of cut flower was 75.8 cm. ‘Honey Blue’was granted on Korea Seed & Variety Service (KSVS) with No. 4866 on March 17, 2014.