Lettuce is an important annual leafy vegetable and bitterness is its potent flavor character. Lettuce germplasm differ their phenotypic characters and sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) contents which are important for consumer’s acceptance. This study was carried out to evaluate the phenotypic characters and SLs contents in one hundred lettuce germplasm in Jeonju, Korea. Twenty-three agro-morphological (16 qualitative and 7 quantitative) traits and two SLs (lactucin and lactucopicrin) contents were studied in these germplasm. Germplasm exhibited the variation in qualitative and quantitative characters. Average plant weight was 423.9 g with a range from 116.0 to 905.0 g. Lactucin content was varied from 19.7 (IT 294226) to 194.4 ㎍/g (IT 294298) with an average concentration of 84.7 ㎍/g. Lactucopicrin ranged from 82.5 (IT 300134) to 2228.6 ㎍/g (IT 294210) with an average concentration of 586.3 ㎍/g. Total SLs content was ranged from 120.1 (IT 300134) to 2286.6 (IT 294210) ㎍/g with the average concentration of 671.0 ㎍/g. Significant (p≤0.05) differences were found between crisp head and butter head germplasm for lactucin, lactucopicrin and total SLs content. Crisp head germplasm revealed the highest average lactucin (112.9 ㎍/g), lactucopicrin (734.8 ㎍/g) and total SLs content (847.7 ㎍/g). Crisp head and leafy type germplasm exhibited more total SLs content (847.7 and 744.7 ㎍/g, respectively) than cos (524.9 ㎍/g) and butter head type (519.4 ㎍/g). Principal component analyses of the quantitative traits indicated that the first principal component axis accounted more than 91% of the total variation. This study revealed the ample genetic variation in the agro-morphological traits and SLs contents to support the selection for improved lettuce varieties.

Rice blast, caused by a fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most devastating diseases of rice worldwide. Analyzing the valuable genetic resources is important in making progress towards blast resistance. Molecular screening of major rice blast resistance (R) genes was determined in 2,509 accessions of rice germplasm from different geographic regions of Asia and Europe using PCR based markers which showed linkage to twelve major blast R genes, Pik-p, Pi39, Pit, Pik-m, Pi-d(t)2, Pii, Pib, Pik, Pita, Pita/Pita-2, Pi5, and Piz-t. Out of 2,509 accessions, only two accessions had maximum nine blast resistance genes followed by eighteen accessions each with eight R genes. The polygenic combination of three genes was possessed by maximum number of accessions (824), while among others 48 accessions possessed seven genes, 119 accessions had six genes, 267 accessions had five genes, 487 accessions had four genes, 646 accessions had two genes, and 98 accessions had single R gene. The Pik-p gene appeared to be omnipresent and was detected in all germplasm. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that Pita, Pita/Pita-2, Pi-d(t)2, Pib and Pit were the major genes responsible for resistance in the germplasm. The present investigation revealed that a set of 68 elite germplasm accessions would have a competitive edge over the current resistance donors being utilized in the breeding programs. Overall, these results might be useful to identify and incorporate the resistance genes from germplasm into elite cultivars through marker assisted selection in rice breeding.

Background : Garlic is one of the important vegetables and a source of natural anti-oxidants. This study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant activities including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picr yl-hydrazil (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), reducing power (RP) and total polyphenol content (TPC) of A. ampel oprasum L. Methods and Results : DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, TPC, and RP were analyzed the extract of aerial plant part in 22 accessions of A. ampeloprasum by spectrophotometry mathod. A. tuberosum Rottler ex Spreng. was used as a control. DPPH was ranged from 0.35 to 3.06 ㎍ ASC ㎎-1 dw. ABTS and FRAP showed wide variation from 4.37 to 29.30 ㎍ Trolox ㎎-1 dw and 3.18 to 10.8 ㎍ ASC ㎎-1 dw, respectively. RP and TPC were ranged from 3.43 to 9.51 ㎍ GAE ㎎-1 dw, and 0.8 to 18.63 ㎍ ASC ㎎-1 dw, respectively. Cluster analysis of A. ampeloprasum germplasm was divided into two major groups. Group Ⅰ (7 accessions) characterized as higher antioxidant activities than the group Ⅱ (15 accessions) and had similar antioxidant activities with A. tuberosum as a control. FRAP value showed a significant strong positive correlation with DPPH (r = 0.868*) and ABTS activity (r = 0.826*). Principal component analysis showed that the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) cumulatively explained 85.64 % of total variation. Conclusion : From the above results, we may suggest that A. ampeloprasum aerial parts might have useful as a new material for functional food.

Jungmo1019 early maturing rice variety was developed by the rice breeding team of the Department of Southern Crop, NICS, RDA in 2011. This cultivar was derived from the cross Hwayeongbyeo//Hitomebore/Nampyeongbyeo made in 2005 and the production of doubled haploid rice plant from anther culture in F1 generation. Testing in the replicated yield trial in 2008, a promising line YR25312Acp62 was selected and it was designated as the Milyang246. The early traus plauting local adaptability test of Milyang246 was carried out at three location in 2011 and it was named as Jungmo1019 showing a high head rice ratio and early–maturity eco-type. Number of spikelet/panicle and 1,000 grain weight of brown rice was slightly lower than those of Jopyeongbyeo. This variety is resistant to bacterial blight, rice stripe virus disease but susceptible to major insect and pests. The milled rice yield of Jungmo1019 is 4.52MT per ha at the early transplanting of the local adaptability test. This line should serve as a useful source for improving head rice ratio at early transplanting cultivation in southern plain area.

The aim of this study is to select the superior resources of high yield, high content of functional material optimal to mechanical harvesting by the evaluation of crop growth and yield characteristics in sorghum germplasm. One hundred accessions of sorghum germplasm were used in this experiment. Days from seeding to heading date showed the range from 68 to 94 days with the highest frequency proportion was the group from 80 to 85 days, which occupied 34% (34 plant resources) of 100 germplasm. Ear types of 100 sorghum germplasm could be classified as 7 types of broom-tillering, half broom-tillering, extreme open-loose type, open-loose type, intermediate type, compact type, extreme-compact type of which intermediate type was the highest ratio of 28% (28 plant resources) of 100 germplasm. Yield showed the range from 106 to 365 ㎏/10a with the highest frequency proportion of it was the group from 150 to 200 ㎏/10a, which occupied 44% (44 plant resources) of 100 germplasm. Among 100 sorghum germplasm, 18 ideal resources of high yield and short plant height appropriate for mechanical harvesting were selected. In order to evaluate high content of functional substance, selected 18 resources were analyzed for total polyphenol content, DPPH radical scavenging activity and total anthocyanin content. Finally, we selected 5 resources of short plant height, high yield, high content of total polyphenol and high DPPH radical scavenging activity among 18 genetic resources.

Background : Curcuma longa L., in the family Zingiberaceae, is distributed in tropical and/or sub-tropical regions mainly in India and China. This species is commonly called turmeric, powder is used as medicinal herbs and/or flavor enhancer. It has been cultivated in southern region mainly Jindo. However, it might be possible to extend cultivation regions due to rise in average temperature. In order to select superior lines based on agronomic characteristics, we analyzed multivariate and estimated selection effects from C. longa germplasm. Methods and Results : The C. longa germplasm were cultivated in an experimental field located in Eumseong, NIHHS, RDA. The harvested roots were investigated in agronomic characteristics included in yield and then considered its relationship among the 9 germplasm by multivariate analysis method. Results from principal component analysis (PCoA) showed that it represented 70.00% and 80.44% accumulated explanation from four and five principal compounds (PC). PCoA was conducted from 9 agronomic characteristics and then correlation coefficient has been showed by analysis between each main component value and agronomic characteristics. Value of the first PC was 2.25, 24.96% explanation of total dispersion, plant height, number of rootlet and weight of rootlet were correlated with a somewhat higher level as 0.41, 0.43 and 0.52. Value of the fifth PC was 0.94, 10.43% explanation of total dispersion, the number of shoots was correlated with a higher level as 0.87. Selection effects with outstanding candidate lines including higher lines were estimated at 126.13% in yield. Conclusion : These data on multivariate based on agronomic characteristics will be give us invaluable breeding information by selection of superior lines.

Bakanae (foolish seedling) disease caused by Gibberella fujikuroi creates serious problems in the foremost rice growing countries. This study was conducted to identify new resistance genetic sources to Bakanae disease. Bioassay showed that 11 varieties including Gwangmyeongbyeo, Hawn, Wonseadaesoo, Erguailai etc. were resistant to bakanae disease among 254 rice germplasm. Mismatch ratio between phenotype on bakanae disease bioassay and allele type of RM9, a SSR marker closely linked the bakanae disease resistant QTL, qBK1, were 38.3%. These results suggest that RM9 might be used for selecting qBK1, but it cannot be used for wide range of rice germplasm. Resistant germplasm in this study might be have resistant genes different from qBK1. The eleven varieties resistant to selected in this study will be used to identify new resistant alleles or genes to improve bakanae disease resistance in rice.

We micropropagated pear (Pyrus species) using shoot tips and nodal explants from three pear genotypes. The ability to establish shoot tip cultures, proliferate shoots, induce rooting, and acclimatize the resulting plantlets are all elements of in vitro micropropagation. Shoots were induced from shoot tips on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) with five different plant growth regulator combinations. The highest shoot formation rates were achieved for the three genotypes using MS supplemented with 1.0 ㎎/L N 6 -benzyladenine (BA) and 0.1 ㎎/L gibberellic acid (GA3). The maximum shoot number and shoot length for the three cultivars were recorded with 2.0 ㎎/L BA and 0.2 ㎎/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) in multiplication medium using nodal explants produced from microshoots. Nodal explants with one or two axillary buds cultured for three weeks initiated roots on medium supplemented with various concentrations of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) or/and IBA in half-strength MS medium for adventitious rooting. The highest rooting response was with the combination of 0.2 ㎎/L NAA and 0.2 ㎎/L IBA. A combination of NAA and IBA resulted in a significant increase in the rooting ratio over NAA or IBA alone. In this medium, the root formation rate according to ranged from 68.9% for the BaeYun No. 3 genotype to 51.8% for the Hwanggeum genotype. We also investigated the influence of the concentration the polyamine phloroglucinol in rooting medium. For all three genotypes, the highest rooting ratio, longest root length, and greatest root number were observed in the treatments with 75-150 ㎎/L phloroglucinol. Most rooted plants were acclimatized successfully.

한국자원 128개와 중국자원 214개 및 미국자원 37개를 포함한 총 379개의 국내외 콩 유전자원에 대한 지방 함량과 지방산 조성을 평가하고 유용자원을 선발하여 고품질 콩 품종 개발의 기초자료로 활용코자 수행되었다. 한국자원과 중국자원은 농촌진흥청 농업유전자원센터로부터, 미국자원은 경북대학교 식물유전육종연구실로부터 분양 받았다. 콩 유전자원의 지방함량은 평균 19.1%이었고, 12.7∼26.0%의 범위이었고, 포화지방산인 palmitic acid의 함량은 평균 10.6%이었고 범위는 4.1∼18.1%, stearic acid의 함량은 평균 2.9%이었고 범위는 1.9∼12.7%이었다. 불포화지방산인 oleic acid의 함량은 평균 28.2%이었고 범위는 15.3∼56%, linoleic acid의 함량은 평균 51.2%이었고 범위는 24.4∼68%, linolenic acid의 함량은 평균 7.1%이었고 범위는 3.4∼11.1%이었다. linoleic (ω-6)/linolenic(ω-3) acid 함량의 비율은 평균 7.5이었고 범위는 3.8∼17이었다. 포화지방산이 평균 13.5%이었고 범위는 6.7∼21.7%, 그리고 불포화지방산의 함량은 평균 86.5%이었고, 범위는 78.3∼93.4%이었다. 고지방품종 개발을 위한 지방함량이 25%이상인 고지방함량 자원으로는 중국자원인 Suinong 14, Dongnong 434 및 Dongnong 46의 3개이었다. Oleic acid 함량이 50%이상인 고 oleic acid함량 자원으로는 미국자원인 KLG12073과 KLG12074, 중국자원인 Jilin 14 및 한국자원인 Kwangan과 Bongeui의 5개이었고, linoleic acid의 함량이 60%이상인 고 linoleic acid 함량 자원으로는 미국자원 KLG12083과 KLG12081을 포함한 8개이었다. Linolenic acid의 함량이 4%이하인 저 linolenic acid 함량 자원으로는 미국자원 KLG12093와 KLG12096을 포함한 7개이었다. Linoleic acid(ω-6)/linolenic acid(ω-3)의 비율이 4.5이하로 낮은 자원은 미국자원 KLG12074 (3.8)와 KLG12073 (3.8), 한국자원 Kwangan (3.8)와 Bongeui (4.5) 및 중국자원 Dongnong 47 (4.3)의 5개이었다.

Soybean germplasm have diverse accessions with great variation in their ability to survive and reproduce under salt stress conditions. In general, cultivated soybeans are more sensitive to salt stress than their wild relatives, however exceptions are found in both the groups. These variations in response to salt stress makes soybean germplasm an interesting collection of genetic resources to be explored for the identification of salt-tolerance genes, and their mechanism of action. Here, in this report we presented a data showing differential response of selected accessions of both cultivated and wild soybeans to salt stress. Two modes of salt treatment; gradual salt stress (GS) as well as salt shock (SS) were used in this study. The GS was found more effective in finding the difference in response of soybean accessions to salt stress. Various genetic marker based methods are in use to identify and isolate the potential genes contributing to the salt tolerance in soybean. Even then there is a paucity of knowledge on the key genes contributing to the salt tolerance in soybean. We expect that a recently developed functional screen based method, like yeast based functional screen, using cDNA library generated from different salt tolerant accessions of soybean could lead to identification of novel genes responsible for salt tolerance in soybean. Also, we propose for the use of RNA isolated from different stages of GS and SS for making cDNA library to be used for functional screening.

Low temperature germinability (LTG) is an important trait for breeding of varieties for use in direct-seeding rice production systems. Although rice (Oryza sativa L.) is generally sensitive to low temperatures, genetic variation for LTG exists and several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been reported. The objective of this study was to develop and employ high-efficiency molecular markers for evaluation of LTG in rice germplasm. A panel of japonica rice accessions (n=180) from temperate regions in Asia was evaluated for LTG and genotyped with markers from regions previously reported to harbor other LTG QTLs. ANOVA revealed that four markers on chromosome 2, 4, and 11 from previously reported QTLs showed highly significant value (p < 1.0e-04) and their R2 ranged 0.083 (qLTG11-1) to 0.190 (qLTG4b-1). An association analysis was conducted using SNP data generated by sequencing of the panel. Eight SNP markers were found to be significantly associated with LTG using general and mixed linear models. Three SNP-based CAPS and dCAPS markers from these results were developed and showed higher accuracy in predicting sensitive LTG germplasm. These new LTG markers will be useful for molecular evaluation of germplasm, particularly to identify sensitive or weak LTG accessions.

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) germplasm shows diverse phenotypic variations including fruit size, color, pungency, and many other horticultural traits. Traditional markers including SSR, AFLP, and RFLP have been used to construct genetic maps using biparental populations. However to assess the genetic diversity of large number of germplasm, a robust and rapid marker development and genotyping approach is needed. We used six pepper accessions including C. annuum, C. chinense, C. baccatum and C. frutescens and performed genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). To select the most appropriate condition, eight different 2 bp selective nucleotides were used to make GBS libraries. Selective nucleotide ‘OO’ showed the largest number of reads in all samples, and 11,026 to 47,957 high-quality SNPs were called in six accessions. When C. annuum ‘CM334’ genome sequence was used as a reference, C. annuum showed the smallest number of SNPs, while C. baccatum which was known to be a different Capsicum clade showed the largest number of SNPs. Pepper core collection chosen to represent the genetic diversity of whole germplasm will be genotyped by high-density SNPs developed from GBS. We will perform genome-wide association study (GWAS) using genetic and phenotypic variation to identify the functional genetic loci controlling horticultural traits.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important staple crops in the world, providing main energy source for more than half of the world’s population. It is even closely associated with economic and political stability in many developing countries of Asia and Africa. These days, moreover, amount of land suitable for the agriculture is shrinking due to a variety factors, such as rapid climate changes and industrializations, while rice eating human populations keeps growing. To meet the nutritional and socio-economic demands worldwide, dedicated efforts in developing superior rice varieties need to be reinforced, accumulating and combining beneficial alleles as much as possible from rice germplams. Here, we propose a pipeline for genome assisted breeding where new genomic technologies including GWAS, omics and evolutionary studies together with follow-up breeding programs are integrated. Once pinpointing candidates genes, the integrated genomics approach allows informed choice of parents for the following breeding program based on the haplotype information, in addition to providing precise molecular marker information. We also conducted proof-of-concept analysis, using various agriculturally important phenotypes for rice improvements.

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is a widely-consumed root vegetable that is grown worldwide. To utilize the radish genetic resources for breeding research, we collected radish germplasms and evaluated their morphological and genetical characteristics. Here, phylogenetic relationship of 288 accessions were analyzed using 16 SSR markers and classified cytoplasm male sterility (CMS) types using cpDNA-based molecular markers. To create a collection of 288 accessions, 188 and 73 accessions were selected from RDA-Genebank (Korea) and NIAS-Genebank (Japan), respectively, after generation advancement for the accessions with low uniformity. In addition, 27 elite lines currently used for commercial radish breeding programs were included. In the result of phylogenetic analysis, 288 accessions were clustered into 5 major groups corresponding to the morphological traits and origins at the similarity coefficient value of 0.51. Analysis of CMS types revealed that majority of accessions were determined as DBRMF1 and DBRMF2 mitotypes, 15 accessions to Ogura and 4 accessions to DCGMS mitotypes. Further genetic analysis for radish germplasm will be valuable in assisting radish f1 hybrid breeding.

Among the diverse crops, rice (Oryza sativa L.) has been domesticated as a staple carbohydrate sources mainly in Asia region, and RDA Genebank at the National Agrobiodiversity Center (NAAS) has conserved about 37 thousand rice accessions accordingly. Seed dormancy, one of domesticated traits, prevents pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) which causes degradation of grain quality in cereal crop. In previous study, we surveyed the variation of seed germinability of diverse 200 rice germplasm and detected the three distinguished groups besides admixed types; the first group (G-1) revealed high germinability at harvesting time, and the second group (G-2) and third group (G-3) acquired high germnability subsequent to after-ripening and dormancy breaking process, respectively. To reduce environmental effects on detected variation of germinability, we selected representative 14 accessions which have similar heading date of each group and measured the degree of PHS using freshly harvested panicles. Variation of PHS showed similar tendency of germinability group; generally, high PHS for G-1, low PHS for G-2 and no PHS for G-3. To resolve genetic and physiological factors concerning on PHS and seed dormancy, we checked the change and variation of ABA known for critical regulator for seed dormancy, and high PHS accessions interestingly revealed high ABA content in 10 DAF. Based on these study, we plan to analyze genetic factors affecting the degree of seed germinability and PHS.

Bacterial spot of tomato is a disease complex caused by at least four species of Xanthomonas and leads to severe yield and quality losses in humid growing conditions in the world. Five physiological species (T1-T5) have been defined by their virulence on tomato varieties. These races are associated with three species: X. euvesicatoria (T1), X. vesicatoria (T2), and X. perforans (T3-T5). Recent epidemics of X. gardneri has occurred in the Midwest United States. In this study, we developed germplasm with resistance to multiple species of bacterial spot. Six advanced breeding lines with at least three different source of resistance were crossed and their F1 hybrids were inter-mated to produce a complex breeding population consisting over 1,100 progeny. Three lines (OH7663, OH7667 and 2k7-6117-S2) were selected by field evaluations of the population against T1, T2, T3, and X. gardneri. Graphical genotypes demonstrated that these breeding lines contain a QTL and Rx-4/Xv3 in coupling phase on chromosome 11 as well as Rx-3 on chromosome 5. In order to test the combining ability of the lines, we developed hybrids from multiple crosses and conducted replicated field trials to evaluate bacterial spot resistance and yield. As a male parent, OH7663 showed acceptable combining ability for yield and for resistance against multiple species of Xanthomonas. Several hybrids produced yields that were not significantly different from yields of commercial varieties.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the most important oilseed crops with high oil contents and rich nutrient value. The development of a core collection could facilitate easier access to sesame genetic resources for their use in crop improvement programs and simplify the genebank management. The present study was initiated to the development and evaluation of a core collection of sesame based on 5 qualitative and 10 quantitative trait descriptors on 2,751 sesame accessions. The accessions were different countries of origin. About 10.1 percent of accessions were selected by using the power core program to constitute a core collection consisting of 278 accessions. Mean comparisons using t-test, Nei’s diversity index of 10 morphological descriptors and correlation coefficients among traits indicated that the existing genetic variation for these traits in the entire collection has been preserved in the core collection. The results from this study will provide effective information for future germplasm conservation and improvement programs in sesame.