As indigenous aphid parasitoid, Aphelinus varipes kill aphids for feeding in addition to parasitization. Because of this characteristic of A. varipes, this parasitoid may have the possibility of biological control agent against aphids. So we have evaluated traits such as daily paratization, total parasization, number of aphids killed by host feeding, sex ratio, development time, pupal mortality of A. varipes parasitizing green peach aphid, Myzus persicae. At 25°C and 16L:8D, longevity, total paratization and host feeding of A. varipes female was 11.0, 25.3, and 63.3 days, respectively. And development time of male and female, sex ratio (M:F), pupa mortality of offspring of A. varipes were 12.0 days, 12.5 days, 0.88, and 11.6%, respectively. However, because these results are not enough to estimate potential of A. varipes as biological control agents/factors, other factors such as host suitability (Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Aulacorthum solani), effect of temperature, and host seeking behavior of A. varipes continually will be investigated.

Bt crystal proteins, encoded by cry genes, are a group of insecticidal proteins unique in the Gram-positive and spore-forming bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. These cry genes are widely applied as one of the most successful candidates for constructing transgenic crops resistant to pest insects. In our previous report, we found Cry1-5 had high insecticidal activity against Spodoptera larvae although its amino acid sequences showed high similarity (95.6%) to those of Cry1Ac which had low activity. In comparison with Cry1Ac, Cry1-5 had 12 different residues on domain I and II. In order to convert these residues to Cry1-5 randomly, 10 mutagenic primers were designed. Through multi site-directed mutagenesis, we mutated the modified cry1Ac gene by plant codon usage in pOBI-Modcry1Ac based on cry1-5 and constructed 63 mutant cry genes. Among them, 10 mutant cry genes on domain II were selected and their recombinant proteins were expressed by baculovirus expression system. From bioassay results to P. xylostella and S. exigua, we found some mutants have high insecticidal activities to be applicable to transgenic crops.

Innate immunity responses are triggered by the immune challenge and therefore involve signaling processes. The cellular response is initiated by hemocytes and mainly involves phagocytosis and encapsulation of intruders by these cells. To address whether Hc-STAT is activated upon bacterial challenge, we examined the subcellular location of STAT protein in hemocyte by immunostaining. A new insect member of the STAT family of transcription factors (Hc-STAT) has been cloned from the lepidopteran, Hyphantria cunea. The domain involved in DNA interaction and the SH2 domain are well conserved. The gene is transcribed at a low level during all stages of development, and the protein is present in hemocytes, fat body, midgut, epidermis, and Malphigian tuble (Mt). Especially, hemocytes and Mt showed transcriptional activation of Hc-STAT upon Gram (-) bacteria and fungal challenge. Gram (-) bacteria and fungal challenge specifically results in nuclear translocation of Hc-STAT protein and induction of DNA-binding activity that recognizes a STAT target site in H. cunea hemocyte. In vitro treatment with pervanadate translocates Hc-STAT to the nucleus in hemocyte cells. Here we report the first evidence for the involvement hemocyte JAK/STAT pathway upon microbial infection in lepidopteran insect.

As an effective generalist predator of aphids and other hemipteran pests, Harmonia axyridis has been a successful biological control agent. Interestingly, it was known that there were varied in color patterns on H. axyridis elytra. In fact, Seo & Youn (2007) reported that H. axyridis had five color patterns, for example, succinea 1, 2, conspicua, spectabilis, and axyridis. But there are uncertain that H. axyridis elytra colour patterns are regulated by genetic polymorphism. So we tried to what is the reason that color patterns are greatly variable. To identify DNA markers linked to a elytra polymorphism, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was performed on DNA samples from four female succinea, conspicua, spectabilis and Coccinella septempunctata which is another species in Coccinellidae. AFLP analysis with the restriction endonuclease combination EcoRⅠ and MseⅠwas performed. Using 12 AFLP primer pairs, nine AFLP fragments which is specific between succinea, conspicua, spectabilis was identified. These nine AFLP fragments were isolated, cloned and sequenced. Subsequent UPGMA cluster analysis revealed three major group of H. axyridis populations. These genetic tree showed that H. axyridis elytra colour diversity was affected by genetic polymorphism. For more genetically understanding elytra colour genes, different primer combinations may be need to be generate enough polymorphic markers. These genetic analyses may be facilitate the understanding of molecular mechanism behind wing colour pattern formation.

Bt crystal proteins, encoded by cry genes, are a group of insecticidal proteins unique in the Gram-positive and spore-forming bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. These cry genes are widely applied as one of the most successful candidates for constructing transgenic plants resistant to pest insects. In our previous report, we found Cry1-5 had high insecticidal activity against Spodoptera larvae although its amino acid sequences showed high similarity (97.9%) to those of Cry1Ab which had low activity. In comparison with Cry1Ac, Cry1-5 had 12 different residues in domain Ⅰ and domain Ⅱ, and we focused on domain Ⅰand domain Ⅱ regions and designed 10 mutagenic primers to change 12 residues. Through multi site-directed mutagenesis, we mutated the modified cry1Ac gene by plant codon usage in pOBⅠ-Mod-cry1Ac based on cry1-5 and constructed 63 various mutant cry genes. In the further study, we will express those mutant proteins as a fusion form with polyhedrin using baculovirus expression system and subsequently do bioassay to Spodoptera larvae.

The surface of most coccinellids (particularly the elytra) has characteristic colour patterns, which show great variability within many species. Individuals of a species of ladybird often differ from one another in colour and pattern. In case of Harmonia axyridis, environmental factors, such as temperature or food, can probably influence colour and pattern. However, virtually no work has been carried out in the influence of such factor. Therefore, in this study, according to rearing temperature, photoperiod and diet, variation of elytra color patterns were investigated. First instar larva on each color pattern were reared in an incubator at one of two temperatures; 25 and 30℃, under the following photoperiod; L16: D8, L12: D12 and L8: D16 and were provided three species of aphids. And their color pattern of adults were estimated.

The multicolored Asian ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is common to a wide range of natural and agricultural habitats. Applications of gamma irradiation minimized the losses of stored food and the death or failure of emergence in larval and pupal stages. On the other hand, degrade toxin waste as one of alternative to chemical pesticide for both quarantine and sprout control purposes of storage crop pest. So, we have investigated whether gamma irradiation exposed to eggs, lava, pupa and adults of H. axyridis. It may be affected the emergence, fertility, fecundity, development period and sex ratio of H. axyridis. Some changes of physiological characteristics may be applied to more efficient agents as biological control of several aphids. Insects were exposed to gamma irradiation from 0 to 500 Gy of 60Co depended on their developmental stages. The results showed that the first instar, eggs, third instar, pupae, and adults were more sensitive in order of irradiation dose. And fecundity and fertility of female adults were significantly decreased with increasing gamma irradiation dose at all tested individuals.

Cloned calves derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) have been frequently lost by sudden death at 1 to 3 month following healthy birth. To address whether placental anomalies are responsible for the sudden death of cloned calves, we compared protein patterns of 2 placentae derived from SCNT of Korean Native calves died suddenly at two months after birth and those of 2 normal placentae obtained from AI fetuses. Placental proteins were separated using 2-Dimensional gel electrophoresis. Approximately 800 spots were detected in placental 2-D gel stained with coomassie-blue. Then, image analysis of Malanie III (Swiss Institute for Bioinformatics) was performed to detect variations in protein spots between normal and SCNT placentae. In the comparison of normal and SCNT samples, 8 spots were identified to be up-regulated proteins and 24 spots to be down-regulated proteins in SCNT placentae, among which proteins were high mobility group protein HMG1, apolipoprotein A-1 precursor, bactenecin 1, tropomyosin beta chain, H+-transporting ATPase, carbonic anhydrase II, peroxiredoxin 2, tyrosine-rich acidic matrix protein, serum albumin precursor and cathepsin D. These results suggested that the sudden death of cloned calves might be related to abnormal protein expression in placenta.

Two unrecorded alien plants, Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam. and M. indicus (L.) All. (Leguminosae) were found in Korea. M. officinalis is native to Eurasia and widely distributed in agricultural regions throughout the world. M. indicus is native to Mediterranean and Southwestern Europe, and naturalized in temperate regions all over the world. These species are morphologically similar to M. suaveolens (Jeon-dong-ssa-ri). However, M. officinalis is distinguished from M. suaveolens by transverse nerved legumes, definite ovary stalks, and five to eight number of ovules in ovary. M. indicus is also distinguished from M. suaveolens by smaller size of flowers, broadly triangular calyx teeth, globose legumes, and minutely papillose seeds. The local name of M. officinalis and M. indicus were given as “Ju-reumjeon- dong-ssa-ri” and “Jom-jeon-dong-ssa-ri” based on transverse nerved legumes and overall smaller size than M. suaveolens, respectively. The descriptions on morphological characters and photographs at the habitat of M. officinalis and M. indicus are provided.

본 연구는 고지방 식이로 유발된 내당능 장애 모델의 학습 및 기억력 장애에 대한 스피룰리나 섭취의 개선 효과를 확인하고자 하였다. 당부하 검사(IPGTT)를 통하여 고지방식이를 통한 내당능 장애가 유발되었음을 확인하였고, SP는 HFD 대비 약 20%의 당 내성 개선효과를 나타내는 것으로 나타났다. 고지방 식이로 인지 기능 손상을 유발시킨 동물모델의 Y-maze 및 Morris water maze 시험을 진행한 결과는 SP에서 CND 대비 학습 및 장·단기기억력 장애가 유의한 수준으로 개선됨을 확인하였다. 실험동물의 혈청분석 결과는 스피룰리나 섭취가 일반식이로 전환한 것과 비교하였을 때, HFD 대비 LDLC 감소 및 HTR(HDLC의 비율) 증가를 통한 혈중 콜레스테롤 개선에 효과를 나타냈다. 적출된 뇌와 간 조직을 대상으로 SOD 활성, oxidized GSH 함량 및 MDA 함량을 측정한 결과 스피룰리나 섭취가 뇌조직뿐만 아니라 간 조직에서 항산화 활성을 향상시켜 주는 것도 역시 확인할 수 있었다. 이러한 결과는 고지방 식이를 통한 혈당 상승 및 이로 인한 기억능력 저하에서 스피룰리나 섭취는 CND 수준으로의 개선 효과를 유도할 수 있음을 확인하였다. 또한, 스피룰리나 섭취는 뇌 기능과 직접적으로 연관된 콜린성 시스템 손상에도 CND 대비 AChE 활성에 더 높은 저해효과를 나타냄을 확인하였다. 따라서 본 연구는 스피룰리나가 고지방 식이로 유도된 내당능 장애 모델에서 발생될 수 있는 뇌기능 저하에서 혈중 콜레스테롤 개선 효과, 항산화 효과 및 AChE 저해효과를 통하여, 비만으로 유도될 수 있는 대사성 인지 장애에 대한 개선 소재로의 잠재적인 가능성을 갖는 것으로 판단된다.

Background : An important feature of the nutrient solution is that they affect not only the growth but also quality of crops by changing nutrient uptake, especially due to changes of EC in nutrient solution. This study was carried out to investigate effect of EC in nutrient solution on growth and ginsenoside of ginseng. Methods and Results : EC in nutrient solution was controlled with 0.68, 0.84, 1.23, 1.41 dS/m. The root weight of ginseng treated by low EC levels in nutrient solution was higher during the initial of growth. However, the higher EC levels, the more increased the change rate of root weight from the initial to the middle of growth. The highest amount of ginsenoside was changed by growth period. Although the total amount of ginsenoside in root is highest treated by EC 0.68 dS/m at 45 days after treatment. the total amount of ginsenoside in root is highest treated by EC 1.23 dS/m at 135 days after treatment. Conclusions : EC in nutrient solution should to be controlled depending on the stage of growth and the part of use, i.e. root and leaves, when ginseng is cultivated through nutri-culture.

Background : Boron (B) is an essential element required for the growth of plant. It has a narrow range of optimal concentration from minimum to maximum thresholds than other micro-elements. The study was carried out to investigate to the influence of B excess concentrations on physiological disorder of leaf, growth and mineral concentration of ginseng to obtain basic information for physiological disorder diagnose. Methods and Results : The ginseng cultivar ‘Gumpoong’ was cultivated by hydroponic system for 2 months. The toxicity symptoms which ginseng leaves were curved downwardly and induced to chlorosis after beginning to dry the edge appeared on leaves more than 30 ppm compared to the control(3 ppm). The growth of ginseng was more decreased with higher B concentration. Mn uptake was also decreased as B concentration increased. It was found that B excess hindered the growth of ginseng and was reversely related to Mn uptake. Conclusions : More than B 30 ppm can negatively affect growth and mineral uptake. Consequently, B excess can occur physiological disorder of ginseng.

Background : For increasing saponin content of ginseng cultivated in shaded plastic house, this study was performed to investigate growth characteristics and saponin content of ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer) according to foliar spray of germanium and water-soluble silicates processing. Methods and Results : Used a native species in this study is violet-stem variant that most commonly cultivated in ginseng’s farms. 1-year-old violet-stem variant was transplanted on March 24, 2015 and planting distance was 11 × 20 cm. Shading material of plastic house was used blue-white shading vinyl. The processing method of inorganic dissolved matter is as follows, we were diluted with germanium and water-soluble silicates to 500-fold, 1000-fold and investigated after foliar spray twice a month from May to September. The growth characteristics in above-ground part of 2-year-old ginseng was a good in the inorganic matters treatment compared to the control treatment, the difference of above-ground growth characteristics between the inorganic dissolved matters treatments was not significant. The growth characteristics in under-ground part of 2-year-old ginseng was a good in the inorganic matter treatments and root weight per plant in the 500-fold dilution of germanium was 12.4 g that increased by 29 % compared to the control (9.6 g). Crude saponin content of under-ground part was higher generally in inorganic matter treatments compared to the control (11.53 ㎎/g). In the 1000-fold dilution of water-soluble silicate and germanium (50:50), crude saponin content was the highest in 12.91 ㎎/g. Crude saponin content of above-ground part was higher generally in inorganic matter treatments compared to the control (61.76 ㎎/g). In the 1000-fold dilution of water-soluble silicate and germanium (50:50), crude saponin content was the highest in 65.69 ㎎/g. Conclusion : From the above results, we concluded that germanium and water-soluble silicates could be useful matters in promoting growth characteristics and saponin content of ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer).

Background : This study was performed to set proper soil moisture tension for promoting seed emergence and yield of ginseng when direct seeding cultivation of ginseng was carried out in shaded plastic house. Methods and Results : The test cultivars were used Cheonpung, Yeonpung, Geumpung and seeds were sown on November 20, 2013. Irrigation starting point was set to 30, 40, 50 kPa and irrigation breakpoint was set to 20 kPa. Ginseng was cultivated in clay loam soil and shading material of plastic house were used blue-white shading vinyl. The emergence rate of 3-year-old ginseng cultivars in accordance with soil moisture tension indicated Cheonpung 97.0%, Yeonpung 95.0%, Geumpung 95.3% in each 50 kPa, 50 kPa, 30 kPa. In general, emergence rate of ginseng was higher tendency in 50 kPa (93.3∼97.0%). The average absolute soil moisture content during the growing season indicated a moisture content of 19.3% (30 kPa), 17.9% (40 kPa), 16.2% (50 kPa). Looking at the growth characteristics in above-ground part of 3-year-old ginseng cultivars according to soil moisture tension, Yeonpung, Cheonpung and Geumpung were good growth tendency in each 30kPa, 40kPa, 50kPa. On the other hand, looking at the growth characteristics in underground part of 3-year-old ginseng cultivars according to soil moisture tension, Cheonpung, Geumpung and Yeonpung were good growth tendency in each 30kPa, 40kPa, 50kPa. Yield per 10a was indicated that Yeonpung was the highest in the 50kPa to 456kg. Yield per 10a of Cheonpung and Geumpung indicated 347kg, 263kg in each 30kPa, 50kPa. Conclusion : From the above results, we concluded that ginseng(Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer) seems to be a difference of growth characteristics according to soil moisture tension. Therefore, it is need to manage soil moisture for each ginseng cultivars

A chemical, MNU-induced hulless barley mutant line designated as 'Mutant 98 (M98)' was developed from a Korean hulless waxy barley cultivar, 'Chalssalbori'. The objective of the study was to determine the genetic basis of 'M98' and the possibility of using 'M98' as breeding parent to improve lysine level. Compared to 'Chalssalbori', 'M98' had large embryo and higher lysine content in both the embryo and endosperm. Significantly different lysine content in 'M98' and the other high-lysine barley mutant stocks was observed for two years. However, the genotype by year interaction was not significant. 'M98' was higher than the other high-lysine barley mutant stocks in the percentage of lysine of total amino acid composition (0.75%). The trait of shrunken endosperm of 'M98', which was typical in the high-lysine mutants, was inherited by a single recessive gene. Based on seed morphology and lysine content of F1 seeds, 'M98' had a genetically different gene from the other high-lysine mutants for shrunken endosperm. Segregation of F2 for plump/shrunken endosperm did not fit the expected ratio of Mendelian inheritance except for only one cross combination (GSHO1784 (lys1)/M98). The amino acid analysis of F5 and F6 progenies from the cross between 'M98' and 'Chalssalbori' revealed that the attempt to increase the range of lysine content of plump lines did not go beyond the limit of the average high-lysine barley germplasm.

Previously, the wheat non-specific lipid transfer proteins (TaLTP), members of a small multigene family, appear to show a complex pattern of expression regulation. For further assessment of expression diversity of the TaLTP genes, we have attempted to evaluate their expression profiles of responses to abiotic stresses via the semi-quantitative RT-PCR method. The expression profiles revealed that the TaLTP genes in group A evidenced highly similar (but not identical) responses against abiotic stresses, whereas much differential expression pattern among genes in each group. The four promoters of TaLTP1, TaLTP7, and TaLTP10 of group A and TaLTP3 of group B were fused to a GUS reporter gene and the recombinant genes were introduced into Arabidopsis. The promoters of TaLTP1, TaLTP7 and TaLTP10 of group A, drove strong but various GUS expression in cotyledons, hypocotyls, epidemic and sub-epidemic cells of young shoots and leaves, floral organs as well as siliques. By contrast, the promoter of TaLTP3 just directed trace expression in cotyledons, young emerged leaves and epidemic cells of flower ovaries. The promoter of TaLTP1 directed the expression in root system whereas the promoters of TaLTP1 and TaLTP10 showed some degree of expression during seed development. The expression diversity of TaLTP genes suggests their multiple physiological functions, evidencing subfunctionalization over evolutionary time.

"Oraebyeo" is mutation of a high quality japonica cultivar, Ilpumbyeoa new japonica rice(Oriza sativa L.) cultivar developed from by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea(MNU) treatment on fertilized egg cell by the rice breeding team of Gangwon Provincial Agricultural Res. & Ext. Service in 2006. This variety heads 20 days earlier than Ilpumbyeo and similar to that of Odaebyeo an early maturing leading cultivar of northern plain area of Korea. Compared with Odaebyeo has a good semi-erect plant type with lodging tolerance due to much shortened plant hight(l2cm shorter than Odaebyeo). Oraebyeo has similar panicle number with Odaebye where as it has more spikelets per panicle. However, this variety less the ratio of ripened grains and 1,000 grain weight than those of Odaebyeo. The yield performance of this cultivar in milled rice was about 5.09MT/ha in local adaptability test conducted for three years 2002-2004 and 5.51MT/ha in the demonstration plot of farmer's field.