Porcine follicular oocytes matured in culture were inseminated with frozen-thawed spermatozoa. When the oocytes were inseminated in the medium with oviductal epithelial cell monolayer, the penetration rates higher in those with (4.1, 31.7, 45.1, 54.5 and 69.4%) than without cells (0, 17.1, 34.8, 45.2 and 58.9%) at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 h after insemination. The proportions of polyspermy in penetrated oocytes in medium with or without cells increased with time of examine. In another experiment, the penetration rate was higher without (57.6%) than with (19.6~24.1%) preincubation of spermatozoa for 1~4 h in medium. However, when the oocytes were inseminated with spermatozoa preincubated for 1~2 h, the penetration rates significantly higher (P<0.05) in those with (65.6 and 55.9% for 1 and 2 h) than without (24.1 and 20.6% for 1 and 2 h) oviductal epithelial cell monolayer. On the other hand, the proportions of polyspermy decreased with time of spermatozoa preincubation. These results indicate the significant advantages of the spermatozoa preincubation with oviductal epithelial cell monolayer for 1 and 2 h to maintain penetration potential during in vitro fertilization in the porcine.

Background: Atractylodes radix is a well-known medicinal crop having many physiological effects. This study was conducted to select useful Atractylodes japonica × Atractylodes macrocephala (AJM) cultivars by comparing anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory efficacies. Methods and Results: Seven extracts from AJM cultivars were used to treat lipopolysacchride (LPS)-treated BV2 cells, and the effects on cell viability and inhibition on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production were analyzed. In vitro scavenging activities of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and peroxynitrite (NOO−) radicals were also investigated. Contents of total phenol, atractylenolide I, and atractylenolide III in the AJM extracts were measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or spectrophotometry. The experiments show that none of the seven extracts was cytotoxic above 89.2% at 20 - 250㎍/㎖. Extracts of Gowon, Dawon, Sangchul, and Huchul inhibited ROS generation in a dose-dependent manner, and Sangchul extract showed the highest inhibition on ROS production. All the AJM extracts showed effective inhibitory activity after on NO release in the LPS-treated BV2 cells, and Sangchul extract showed the highest activity. Sangchul extract had the most potent scavenging activities for NOO− and had some DPPH radical scavenging effect. Sangchul extract also had the highest content at total phenol and atractylenolide I content. Atractylenolide III was not detected in the AJM extracts. Conclusions: The results suggested that Sangchul was the most useful anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory resource among the AJM cultivars.

Background : Phlomidis radix is known to be effective for pain relief and anti-inflammation. Phlomidis radix (Han-Sok-Dan) is likely to be confused because it is similar in name to Dipsaci Radix (Cheon-Sok-Dan), or is similar in morphology to other Phlomioides species. Therefore, we investigated the origins and morphological characteristics of the origin plant of Phlomidis radix in order to cultivate and consume the correct one. Methods and Results : We reviewed North and South Korean and Chinese Pharmacopoeia and the books on oriental herbal medicine and botanical illustrations. In South Korea, P. umbrosa was defined as the origin plant of Phlomidis radix, whereas in North Korea, P. maximowiczii was defined. In China, it was not used as an oriental medicine. In the past, P. umbrosa, which is native to the Korean peninsula, or P. maximowiczii, which is native to the northern part of the Korea was used instead of Dipsacus asperoides for Dipsaci Radix. However, after the publication of the Korean Pharmacopoeia, Phlomidis radix and Dipsaci Radix have been distinguished, and only P. umbrosa was defined as the origin plant of Phlomidis radix. Therefore, Phlomidis radix and Dipsaci Radix should be distinguished from each other, the origin plant of Phlomidis radix is considered to be P.umbrosa. Furthermore, we investigated the external morphological and growth characteristics of Phlomoides species in Korea. There are three species of Phlomoides in Korea, such as P. umbrosa, P. maximowiczii, P. koraeinsis. P. umbrosa has no basal leaves but only stem leaves, while P. maximowiczii and P. koraeinsis have basal leaves. Also, P. maximowiczii is distinguishable from seeds with hairs while P. koraeinsis from hairless seeds. Conclusion : We considered P. umbrosa as the origins of Phlomidis radix. As a result of investigation of morphological and growth characteristics, P. umbrosa, P. maximowiczii and P.koraeinsis could be distinguished by the presence or absence of basal leaves and the difference in whether the seeds have hair or not. These results could be used as a basis for standard varieties research and cultiviation of P. umbrosa.

Background : Pinellia ternata is imported more than 95%, tuber is used as herb medicine according to The Korean Herbal Pharmacopoeia (KHP). There is no cultivar of P. ternata in Korea, and it is cultivated using native species. This study was to select the strains according to the leaf type in order to develop the standard varieties of P. ternata and expand the import substitution effect and domestic production base. Methods and Results : This study was conducted by the Department of Korean Medicinal Resource Development, NIKOM. A total of 1,260 individuals of P. ternata were collected from Jeju Island, Jangheung County, and China, and classified into three lines according to the ratio of leaf length and width. The selected lines were sowed in the middle of April, 2018 and cultivated with a black polypropylene mesh with a direct sunlight radiation transmittance of 60% to reduce solar radiation. Investigation items were investigated by leaf type (lanceolate, long oval, elliptical shape), plant height, leaf length, leaf width and petiole length. Lanceolate (leaf length / leaf width ratio, over 6) were selected for 157 individuals, average leaf length / leaf width ratio, plant hight and petiole length were 7.9, 17.3 ㎝ and 7.1 ㎝, respectively. long oval (leaf length / leaf width ratio, 6.0 to 2.0) were selected 118 individuals, average leaf length / leaf width ratio, plant hight and petiole length were 3.4, 12.3 ㎝ and 5.5 ㎝, respectively. In addition, 91 individuals were selected for elliptical shape (leaf length / leaf width ratio, less than 2), average leaf length / leaf width ratio, plant hight and petiole length were 1.7, 10.6 ㎝ and 4.6 ㎝, respectively. According to leaf type analysis, the growth characteristics of lanceolate were the best and the growth characteristics of oval were the lowest. Conclusion : These results can be used as basic data for the breeding of standard varieties of P. ternata, and further studies such as analysis of gene relatedness and major component will be conducted in the future.

Background : The small-scale medicinal crops is rapidly decreasing, and there is a risk of collapse of the pharmaceutical production base due to the radical market opening such as the Korea - China FTA. Among them, the Artemisia gmelinii has been used in the oriental medicine, and it is effective in treating the fever, humidity, urination, and scabies. Although it is being grown in small areas such as Gyeongnam and Gangwon Province in Korea, standardization of raw material production is insufficient. Then we were carried out on seed characteristics and growth characteristics by harvest time of A. gmelinii. Methods and Results : We were collected 114 accession from 7 regions from 2017 to 2018. The collected resources were growing to the testing field of Department of Herbal Crop Research. An average length and width of seed in A. gmelinii were 1.05 ㎜, 0.57 ㎜ respectively. A thousand seed weight were 0.42 g. Seed germination rate was highest at 25℃ (76.4%). Plant height was similar, stem diameter was 9 – 15 ㎜ in early growth collected resources. AG1801 had many leaves (60 ea), AG1802 was blooming fast. Conclusion : The above results showed that AG1801, AG1802, and AG1803 were selected good resources. We will analyze a valid ingredient by harvest time.

Background : Licorice has been a medicinal crop which was mainly used as a traditional medicine and food, depends on most imports (99%) in Korea. We have been trying to produce licorice in Korea for a long time. However when it grow in Korea the main ingredients are below the standard value and occur of physiological disorder. Therefore, we evaluated the growth characteristics and major components of genetic resources to develop licorice varieties suitable for the domestic environment. Methods and Results : We collected 19 accession of licorice from 7 regions including China, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and Russia from 2013 to 2014. After regenerating the resources of licorice in the field we identified and classified the species. Among them, 13 lines of 2 species (G. uralensis Fisch, G. glabra L.) were selected from 2015 to 2016. We evaluated the aerial parts, underground parts, yield and glycyrrhizin content of 13 line of licorice grown one year. Plant length and stem diameter of GLY2014 - 002 was high and thick on the aerial parts. GLY2013 - 005 had many pods. GLY2014-006 had many adventitious roots like taproot (3 ea/plant) and high of root weight (170 g/plant), GLY2013 - 005, GLY2014 - 006 had high glycyrrhizin content (2.1%) in the underground parts. Conclusion : As a result of growth characteristics and glycyrrhizin analysis, GLY2013 - 002, GLY2013 - 005, GLY2013 - 007, GLY2014 - 002, GLY2014 - 006, and GLY2014 - 007 were evaluated as good resources. Therefore of six lines will be used to test productivity and conduct regional testing for developing licorice variety.

Background : The study is investigated the development of high-quality standard variety, character of gene resources, growth and yield production to collecting varieties in Agastache rugosa O. Kuntze containing antioxidant agriculturally. Methods and Results : Character of gene resources investigated collecting 16 varieties (Jeonnam Naju 1, 2, 3 (NJ), Gwangyang 1, 2 (GY), Sooncheon 4 (SC), Boseong 1, 2 (BS), Yeosu (YS), Jangheung (JH), Jindo (JD), Gyeongnam Hamyang (HY), Gyeongbuk Bonghwa (BH), Chungbuk Eumseong (ES), Cheongju (CJ), Gangwon Cheolwon (CW). Method of cultivation were conducted under sowing dates of plant a seedling were April 24. Transplanting with Agastache rugosa O.K. seeds in June 27 by growing pot seedling for 60 days in 2017. Fertilization application were standard application (N-P-K-Compost applied at 12-16-10-600 ㎏․10a−1). N-K applied at 60% of basal fertilizer, 40% of top dressing were two times (N-K) application. Planting density were spaced 30 ㎝ apart in rows 20 ㎝ apart with with non-woven fabric mulching cultivation. Plot design randomized block 3 repetition. Conclusion : Endemic characteristics of gene resources to collecting variety in leaf color (light green), leaf pliable (softness) appeared 8 lineage, leaf color (deep green), the contrary leaf pliable (roughness) showed 8 lineage. Flower color bloomed in light purple 8 lineage flower deep purple color come into 8 lineage. Also, the period of maturity ripened Sept. 27 - 31. on 8 lineage (BS2, GY1, JD, HY etc.). 3 lineage (YS, CJ, CW) attained to maturity on Oct. 14 - 16. Growth of aerial part increased on long length, large width of leaf, heavy dried weight of leaf and weight of seeds 10 lineage SC4, GY1, 2, NJ2, 3, BS1, 2, CJ, ES, BH etc. but short length, small width of leaf, declined in light dried weight of leaf and weight of seeds 2 lineage YS, CW.

Background : Ixeris strigosa is a herb which has used leaves and roots in Korea. Recently, the cultivation area and food imports have been increased because it has been used as an functional crops for anti-obesity. However its cultivation method has not been developed and it is difficult to produce with good quality. Therefore, this experiment was carried out to determine the optimum seedroot size, plant number per hill, planting time, planting density, planting method and mulching materials for improving the cultivation method suitable for domestic environment. Methods and Results : In order to identify the proper cultivation method, I. strigosa was collected in Dangjin, Chungnam in 2016 and the yield and crop characteristics were investigated at the end of October. The seedroots were cultivated by size such as large (length 30 ㎜, thickness more than 1 ㎜), medium (30 ㎜, 1 ㎜ - 1.5 ㎜) and small (30 ㎜, less than 1 ㎜). As a result, the production of the medium-sized seedroot was highest at 950 ㎏/10a. Based on these results, medium-sized seedroots passed winter in previous year were used when plant number per hill, planting time, planting density, planting method and mulching materials were investigated. At plant number per hill, 3 seeds/hill was the highest at 836 ㎏/10a among 1, 3 and 5 seeds/hill. When the seedroots were planted at intervals of one month from mid April to mid August, the yield was the highest at 1,647 ㎏/10a at the middle of May. When the planting densities were 10 × 10, 20 × 10, 20 × 15 and 20 × 20 ㎝, 10 × 10 and 20 × 10 ㎝ had highest production. And two methods for planting have been used, one was to plant at right angles and the other to lay down. As a result, the latter yield was 612 ㎏/10a. Finally, when comparing non woven fabrics, color combination polyethylene film, black polyethylene film and no treatment among the mulching materials, black polyethylene film made the highest yield at 1,044 ㎏/10a. Conclusion : For improving the cultivation of I. strigosa, this study determined the optimum seed size, plant number per hill, planting time, planting density, planting method and mulching materials. In conclusion, the production was the best when the plant was laid down on a black polyethylene film at intervals of 20 × 10 ㎝ at the middle of May, using 3 medium-sized seeds per hill. These results are expected to contribute to the productivity and income farmers of I. strigosa.