The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of core strengthening training on baseball throwing. A total of 14 subjects were recruited from among middle school baseball players. The main outcome measures were as follows: speed guns were used to measure the velocity of baseballs thrown; scored targets were used to measure throwing accuracy; and 50m measuring tapes were used to measure throwing distances. It was found that core strengthening training improved the velocity of baseballs thrown and throwing accuracy and distance. Thus, core strengthening training is effective for improving the throwing ability of baseball players.

Urbanization is one of the leading causes of habitat loss, habitat degradation, and fragmentation. Urban development negatively affects biodiversity. This study aimed to clarify the change of butterfly communities on effect of urbanization in urban green areas. Butterfly survey was conducted using the line transect methods from April to October in 2012. A total of 59 species and 1,465 individuals of butterflies were observed in four urban green areas: Namsan Park (NS), Ewha Womans University (EW), Bukseoul Dream Forest (BD), and Hongneung Forest (HF), and natural forest: Gwangneung Forest (GF). The category of land use around study site was determined based on GIS data. Species richness and abundance of niche breadth and habitat type in urban green areas differed significantly from those in GF. Estimated species richness and species diversity (H’) in four urban green areas were significantly lower than those in GF. Species richness and abundance of forest interior species and specialist were positively correlated with paddy, field, and forest, whereas those of forest interior species and specialist were negatively correlated with urban area and road. Butterfly communities in four urban green area differed from that in GF. The result suggests that the decrease of paddy, field, and forest associated with increase of urban area and road negatively influences species composition and changes butterfly communities.

In the present study, to examine the effects of somatosensory stimulation of the hands on the hand functions and visuomotor coordination of children with developmental disabilities, a total of 24 sessions of experiments were conducted with three children with developmental disabilities for 60 minutes per session, three sessions per week from January 7, 2013 to March 11, 2013. To examine the effects of somatosensory stimulation of the hands on grasping and visuomotor coordination which are sub-areas of PDMS-2, the A-B study design was used which is a single case study method out of single-subject experimental research designs. Somatosensory stimulation of the hands was shown to be effective in improving the hand functions of children with developmental disabilities. Somatosensory stimulation of the hands showed positive effects on the raw scores and standardized scores of grasping and visuomotor coordination in all the three subject children. Visuomotor coordination functions showed higher scores in post-hoc tests in all three children. In particular, ring throws showed high scores at right 90°, right 45°, center, left 45°, and left 90°among visual directions. In the present study conducted with children with developmental disabilities, ring throws were performed to examine visuomotor coordination. In particular, the numbers of successes of ring throws on the front, left, and right were shown to be high. Therefore, somatosensory stimulation of the hands was effective on the hand functions and visuomotor coordination functions of children with developmental disabilities.

This study was carried out to clarify the response of butterfly communities on forest degradation in the Gwangneung Forest, Korea. We monitored butterfly communities with varying degrees of human activities by conducting line transect twice a month in 2011. A total of 70 species and 4,676 individuals butterflies were observed in four sites: natural forest, plantation forests, and Korean National Arboretum. Species richness increased with increasing open land. The result on niche breadth and habitat type of butterfly was consistent with our predictions; specialist species and forest interior species were abundant in natural forest, whereas generalist species and grassland species were abundant in Korea National Arboretum, the most modified area. Also, habitat breadth of butterflies clearly indicated the difference on the degree of forest degradation. Butterfly diversity associated with landscape patterns based on aerial photographs supported mosaic concept which indicates that species diversity increases as habitat heterogeneity and variability increase. Forest management plan that maintains various habitats and ensures grasslands is necessary to increase butterfly diversity in forest.

The purpose of this study is to investigate and reveal the effects that the complex exercise training consisting of aerobic exercise and strength training(sit up, push up) that everyone can easily practice regardless of a time and a place in order to manage practically the physical strength of the aged affects the difference on their body composition and the change of physical fitness level. Looking into the change of body composition of an experimental group, the weight of 2.5kg was reduced after applying complex training for 12 weeks and the body fat mass of 2.65kg was reduced. Also, the abdominal fat of 0.13% was decreased and the muscle mass of 1.56kg was increased. For the change factors of physical fitness, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, balance and flexibility excluding agility showed significant improvement after applying complex exercise training. The improvement of health fitness of the aged under this study was significantly effective to improve specified body functions which had been lowered by aging and insufficient physical activities. So, it is regarded that their health fitness is the important factor to improve the activity competence required for daily life and to lead healthy living by the improved activity competence. Henceforth, it needs to study more the complex composition of several sports, exercise intensity and the frequency based on the previous researches and studies. In addition, it needs to develop the complex exercise training in accordance with various characteristics such as a sex of the aged, an age, a physical fitness level, environment, a disease and the program in consideration of the efficacy and safety during training.

Lentinus lepideus is an edible mushroom, belongs to the family Tricholomaceteae and order Agaricales. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activities, tyrosinase inhibitory effects on the fruiting bodies of L. lepideus extracted with acetone, methanol and hot water. The antioxidant activities were performed on β-carotene-linoleic acid, reducing power, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging, and ferrous chelating abilities. In addition to this, phenolic acid and flavonoids contents were also analyzed. Hot water extract of L. lepideus showed the strongest β-carotene-linoleic acid inhibition as compare to others extracts. At 8 mg/ml, methanolic extract showed a high reducing power of 1.21. The scavenging effects on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals, acetonic and methanolic extracts were effective than hot water extract. The strongest chelating effect (87.50%) was obtained from the methanolic extract at 1.0 mg/ml concentration. Antioxidant activities of the extracts from the fruiting bodies of L. lepideus were increased with the increasing concentration. After application of reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography, coupled to a diode array detector and electrospray ionisation mass spectra, six phenolic compounds namely, chlorogenic acid, vanillin, naringin, naringenin, formononetin and biochanin were identified from acetonic extract. Tyrosinase inhibition of acetonic, methanolic, and hot water extracts of L. lepideus were increased with the increasing of concentration. Results revealed that acetonic and methanolic extract showed good, while hot water showed moderate activities of the tyrosinase inhibition at the concentration tested. This study suggests that fruiting bodies of L. lepideus can potentially be used as a readily accessible source of natural antioxidants.

The present study investigated the effects of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) on the nuclear maturation of canine oocytes. Oocytes were recovered from mongrel female ovaries in various reproductive states; follicular, luteal or anestrous stage. Oocytes were cultured in serum-free tissue culture medium (TCM)-199 supplemented with various concentrations of FSH (Exp. 1: 0, 0.5, 1.0 or 10 IU) or hCG (Exp. 2: 0, 0.5, 1.0 or 10 IU) or both (Exp. 3: 1 IU FSH + 1 IU hCG) for 72 hr to determine the effective concentration of these hormones, and to examine their combined effect. After maturation culture, oocytes were denuded in PBS containing 0.1% (w/v) hyaluronidase by gentle pipetting. The denuded oocytes were stained with 1.9 μM. Hoechst 33342 in glycerol and the nuclear state of oocytes was evaluated under UV light. More (p<0.05) oocytes matured to MII stage when follicular stage oocytes were supplemented with 1 IU FSH (6.2%) compared with the control, 0.1 or 10.0 IU FSH (0 to 1.2%). Significantly higher (p<0.05) maturation rate to MII stage was observed in follicular stage oocytes supplemented with 1.0 IU hCG (7.2%) compared with the control or other hCG supplemented groups (0 to 1.5%). However, the combination of FSH and hCG did not improve the nuclear maturation rate of canine oocyte (2.4 %) compared with FSH (6.2%) and hCG alone (7.2%). In conclusion, FSH or hCG alone significantly increased the maturation of canine oocytes to MII stage.

본 시험은 파종량과 파종상 처리방법이 겉뿌림한 목초 유식물의 정착과 목초의 수량에 미치는 영향을 구명하기 위하여 경기도 화성군의 구릉산지에서 2년간에 걸쳐 수행되었다. 얻어진 결과에 따르면 orchardgrass의 정착은 ha 당 30-40kg 파종시보다 20kg 파종시에 유의적으로 높았으나, ladino clover의 정착은 파종량간에 차이가 없었다. 파종상 처리방법으로서 레이키질과 화인은 무처리구에 비하여 목초의 정착률을 유의적으로 향상시켰다. Or

생물 다양성을 유지하고 기후 변화를 조절하는 데에 중심적인 역할을 하는 열대림에는 식품 또는 의약품 개발 등 산업적으로 이용 가능한 자원 식물이 풍부하다. 이들을 활용하기 위하여 열대 및 아열대 식물의 보존 및 증식에 관한 연구가 필요한데, 국내에서는 이에 관한 연구가 미비한 실정이다. 본 연구는 국립 수목원 열대식물자원연구센터가 2013년부터 미얀마 천연자원 환경보전부(Ministry Of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation)와 미얀마 산림과학원(Forest Research Institute)과 함께 미얀마 보호지역 및 Sagging 지역 내 식물 다양성 보존을 위한 공동 현장 조사, 연구 및 출판 등의 협력사업을 진행하고 있는 정보를 제공하고자 한다. 국립수목원과 미얀마 산림과학원 공동연구의 성과로 2018년 12월 미얀마 산림과학원으로부터 미얀마 유용 및 관상식물 65과 326종의 식물 생체 및 표본 등을 기증받아 국립수목원 열대식물자원연구센터에 보존과 교육 목적으로 전시 중이다. 이 기증은 미얀마에서 식물 생체를 국외로 반출한 첫 번째 사례이며, 국립수목원은 2008년 독일에서 열대식물을 기증받은 사례 다음으로 두 번째로 외국 정부의 공식적인 대량 식물 도입 사례다. 도입한 식물 중 Santalum album L.은 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN, 2017)에 취약종으로 분류되어 있다. 본 연구 결과를 토대로 열대 및 아열대 식물의 생육에 적합한 인공 환경을 구명하고 국내의 실내 정원소재 및 미세먼지, 공기정화 능력을 가진 열대식물 의 발굴하고 추후 열대 및 아열대 식물의 보존 및 증식 방법과 더 나아가 생물 다양성 보존 및 산업적 이용을 위한 연구에 박차를 가할 수 있을 것이다.

본 연구는 각시괴불나무 종자의 휴면유형과 발아특성을 구 명하기 위하여 수행되었다. 수분흡수 실험결과, 각시괴불나무 종자는 수분흡수가 원활히 이루어졌다. 따라서, 물리적 휴면은 가지지 않는 것으로 판단된다. 각시괴불나무 종자는 탈리 시점에 미숙배를 가지고 있으며, 발아직전까지 배/종자 비율이 약 46% 증가하였다. 온도실험결과, 5℃에서는 발아가 전혀 이루어지지 않았다. 20℃에서는 파종 후 1주부터 발아가 시작되었으며 최종 발아율은 2주차에 86.7%였다. 15℃에서는 파종 후 2주부터 발아를 시작하였으며, 최종 발아율은 4주차에 75.0%였다. 25℃에서 파종 후 1주부터 발아가 시작되었으며 최종 발아율은 19주차에 48.3%였다. 결론적으로, 각시괴불나무 종자의 발아를 위한 최적온도는 가장 높은 최종 발아율과 가장 짧은 평균 발아 일수를 나타낸 20℃이다. 각시괴불나무 종자는 5℃를 제외 한 모든 온도에서 4주 이내에 발아하였기 때문에 생리적 휴면은 관찰되지 않았다. 따라서, 각시괴불나무 종자는 오직 형태적 휴면만을 가지는 것으로 판단되었다.

A Hosta cultivar ‘Neulpureum 1’ was bred at the Korea National Arboretum, which produces new cultivars using vegetative propagation techniques. The new cultivar ‘Neulpureum 1’ was derived by crossing Hosta minor with Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’. Among the induced leaf-color- and shape-modified hosta plants, the plants that exhibited deep-green color and small-bended leaves were selected. ‘Neulpureum 1’ maintained the deep-green leaves for longer than Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’. Additionally, the plant height of ‘Neulpureum 1’ was shorter than that of Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’ and several leaves were observed on the new cultivar; therefore, it is likely to be used as a pot plant. The botanical characteristics were investigated for three years beginning 2012. A Hosta ‘Neulpureum 1’ can prove to be useful as a material for a pot plant or as ground cover plant at half-shadow place.

Tiarella polyphylla D. Don is a native plant distributed only in Ulleung Island in Korea and has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, although it is also used ornamentally. This study was conducted to determine the requirements for dormancy break and germination and to classify the type of seed dormancy. The experiments were performed with cold stratification (0 or 12 weeks at 5℃), warm stratification (0, 4, 8, or 12 weeks at 23℃, followed by 8 weeks at 5℃, and then incubation at 23℃), and GA3 treatments (0, 10, 100, or 1000 ㎎/L). The treated seeds were incubated on aseptic media at room chamber (23℃, a 16h photoperiod of fluorescent lamps with 40 μmol ․ m-2 ․ s-1). The seeds were dispersed in nature as underdeveloped embryos with no physical barrier to absorb water to prevent water absorption. However, the seeds did not germinate for 30 days after sowing without any pre-treatments. Thus, the seeds had morphological dormancy (MD) and physiological dormancy (PD). The final germination percentage following cold stratification (0 or 12 weeks) was 66.7% and 45.6%, respectively. The cold stratification delayed seed germination by about 3 weeks. In the warm stratification experiment (0, 4, 8, or 12 weeks), the final germination percentage was 21.1%, 27.8%, 41.1%, and 57.8%, respectively, 20 weeks after sowing. The embryos of the T. polyphylla seed grew in relatively warm temperatures (23℃). GA3 application overcame seed dormancy and promoted germination. Following GA3 treatment (0, 10, 100, or 1000 ㎎/L), the final germination percentage was 33.3%, 45.0%, 42.5%, and 72.5%, respectively. These results suggest that the T. polyphylla seeds had non-deep simple morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) and GA3 treatment could be used as a substitute for warm stratification for breaking seed dormancy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of seed dormancy characteristics of the genus Tiarella native to Korea.

Background : Codonopsis lanceolata is a perennial plant of Campanulaceae and mainly distributed in East Asia such as Korea, China, and Japan. C. lanceolata has a unique taste and aroma, and it is rich in minerals such as phosphorus and calcium, and vitamin B1 and B2, so our ancestors used the plant as medicinal herb and edible vegetable. However, systematic cultivation and development of varieties have not been achieved compared to demand or high added value. The genetic diversity and relationship analysis of the plants help to increase the efficiency of breeding through genetic variation. Methods and Results : Ten species of Codonopsis plants were used as materials and DNA was extracted from each 4 individuals per species and quantified at a concentration of 10 ng /㎕. The extracted DNA was pooled by species and PCR was performed using the EST-SSR marker developed based on C. lanceolata in the previous study. PCR amplification was carried out using a denaturation at 94℃ for 30 sec, annealing at 58℃ for 30 sec and extension at 72℃ for 30 sec, repeated for 35 total cycles. The PCR products were separated in a 4% agarose gell at 100 V for 40 min. Conclusion : In this study, C. lanceolata collections was determined among several Codonopsis species using these molecular marker. It is expected that the data of this study can be used as reference for genetic polymorphism analysis and related gene studies of Codonopsis species.

Background : Codonopsis lanceolata is a perennial plant of Campanulaceae with characteristic flavor and aroma and this plant has saponin, flavonoid, and inulin, which are reported to have physiological activity and antioxidant activity. In contrast, breeding or study of C. lanceolata varieties had not been done for a long time. Genetic polymorphism and phylogenetic relationship analysis of the plants by region of the crops can help the collection of genetic backgroud data for variety development. Methods and Results : In this study, we collected 26 C. lanceolata lines (95 individual plants) from 26 regions in Korea. We genotyped the collected lines using SSR markers developed in the previous study and analyzed the population structure based on the results. Population structures were analyzed using model-based STRUCTURE software (version 2.3.4) using the following parameters: Number of clusters (K) set = 1 to 12; Number of Iterations = 5; Length of Burning Period = 100,000; Number of MCMC (Markov Chain Monte Carlo) Reps after Burnin = 100,000. As a result, Of the 26 collections, were genetically grouped into 6 or 7 groups. Conclusion : The 26 C. lanceolata collections (95 individual plants) were genetically grouped but not grouped by collected regions. These results suggest that C. lanceolata has diverse genetic backgrounds and this data could be used as a basis for genetic polymorphism analysis of Codonopsis species.

Background : Korean mountain ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) are difficult to industrially apply because of its scarcity and high cost. Advances in plant biotechnology have made it possible to produce mountain ginseng on a large scale using adventitious root cultures in bio-reactors. This study was conducted to develop a cosmetic emulsion using ginsenoside and physiological activity - enhanced raw materials by fermentation process. Methods and Results : Wild ginseng adventitious roots were fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus HLJG 0702 (KACC 81017BP). ginsenoside contents was analysed by using HPLC. Antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity and whitening effect was measured by tyrosinase inhibitory activity. After microfluidizer processing was performed to prepare emulsions with homogenized particles, particle size and distribution were measured through a transmission electron microscop e(TEM). Particle stability compares pH, viscosity, light and zeta potential. When fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus HLJG 0702, the highest change rates of Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 were shown and the antioxidant activity was increased. The whitening effect was 73.2 ± 0.9% when treated at 100 ㎍/㎖, 1.5 times higher than the control. The optimum particle size and distribution were shown to be 418.0 ± 14.9 ㎚ for 6 times treatment with 0 - 10 times microfluidizer treatment. Stability was about 3% in pH, viscosity and light test. the zeta potential was found to be homogeneous at –33.33 mV. Conclusion : Pediococcus pentosaceus HLJG 0702 Fermented Wild ginseng adventitious roots were found to have effective ingredients and improved physiological activity. We have also developed emulsions that exhibit optimal particle size and distribution

Background : The minor saponins produced by the hydrolysis of a major saponins sugar. The minor saponins has high absorption and efficacy compared to major saponin. The acid treatment, heat treatment and fermentation with minor saponin research has been actively conducted. This study was performed in order to investigate the bioconversion of ginsenoside Rg5 of fermented wild ginseng adventitious roots by using lactic acid bacteria. Methods and Results : 20g adventitious roots of ginseng was added to water (10-fold v/w). 10% (v/v) of lactic acid bacteria (Pediococcus pentosaceus HLJG0702[KACC 81017BP]) were inoculated with wild ginseng adventitious roots. For the fermentation process the inoculated samples were transferred to culture room for 1, 3 and 5 days. The fermented samples were dried at room temperature and extracted with 70% ethanol. Extract was concentrated completely at 50 ℃ and Rg5 was analysed by using HPLC. Results showed no significant difference the dry weight of non-fermented and fermented wild ginseng adventitious roots. During the fermentation process, the pH changed from 5.7 to 4.2. HPLC analysis showed higher ginsenoside Rg5 (39.588 mg/g) at 3 days. Conclusion : The fermentation of ginseng root can increase the Rg5 contents and minor saponin composition. This process may be used to enhance the minor saponin thereby increasing in fermented property of wild ginseng adventitious roots.

Background : Codonopsis lanceolata is a flowering perennial climber. The roots are used as medicinal materials or vegetables. C. lanceolata is distributed in India and East Asia such as China, Japan as well as Korea. Recently, demand for C. lanceolata is increasing as a healthy food. In South Korea, this plant is widely cultivated in Gangwon-do province. Although, C. lanceolata is one of the most important medicinal plants in Korea, an elite, inbred line or a variety has not been developed yet. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker is a powerful tool for analysis of genetic relationships. In addition, it is a useful tool for studying the non-reference plant genome, due to its even distribution throughout the genome, as well as its high polymorphism between individuals. Methods and Results : We constructed microsatellite-enrichment libraries using C. lanceolata genomic DNA, and obtained a total of 226 non-redundant contig sequences. Routine PCR was performed using gDNA as templates for the polymorphic markers screening. Finally, total 15 polymorphic SSR markers based on C. lanceolata genomic sequences were successfully developed. These markers were applied to 53 C. lanceolata collected from Korea. 103 alleles of the 15 SSR markers ranged from 3 to 19 alleles at each locus, with an average of 6.87. The average of observed heterozygosity and genetic diversity were 0.42 and 0.62, respectively. The average of polymorphism information content (PIC) value was 0.57. The genetic distance value ranged from 0.73 to 0.93, and there was no observed distinct group according to the collecting areas. Conclusion : We developed 15 novel SSR markers from C. lanceolata genomic sequences for further genetic studies. Also, we concluded that the lineage of C. lanceolata collected in Korea has not been established systematically.

Background : Platycodon grandiflorum is a perennial plant and a member of Campanulaceae family. Since ancient times, they have been using P. grandiflorum as an important medicinal plant in Korea. Platycodin D is the most abundant saponin derived from P. grandiflorum and pharmacologically active component. Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) are important enzymes in the saponin biosynthesis. CYP is, in general, the terminal oxidase enzymes and essential roles in saponin biosynthesis pathway by hydroxylation or oxidaition of triterpene skeletons. Methods and Results : We tried to identify CYP genes related to saponin biosynthesis of P. grandiflorum through RNA-seq analysis. The sequencing was performed using Illumina Hi-Seq platform after cDNA library preparation. The produced reads were assembled using CLC Genomics Workbench software (CLC Bio, Inc.). We obtained 122,663 contigs and found 191 putative CYP genes. Familes of CYP716, CYP708, CYP93 and CYP51 were selected as putative saponin biosynthesis related gene families using phylogenetic relationship analysis. Conclusion : The results in this study could help to find the CYPs related to saponin biosynthesis pathway of P. grandiflorum.

Background : This study was carried out to survey the effect of IBA (indole-3-butric acid) concentration on root development characteristics in Viburnum dilatatum cuttings. Methods and Results : The cuttings were collected on July 28, 2016 from plants growing in Korea National Arboretum. Cuttings were treated with different IBA concentrations [0 (control), 10, 100, 1000, 2000 ㎎⋅L-¹] for 10 seconds. Rooting parameters (root number, the longest root length, root fresh weight, root dry weight, rooting percentage, and survival rate) were observed at 8 weeks after cuttings. Rooting percentage was 43, 33, 17, 47, and 40 % at 0, 10, 100, 1000, and 2000 ㎎⋅L-¹ of IBA, respectively. Root number (13.4) was highest under 1000 ㎎⋅L-¹ IBA. Root length (9.4 ㎝) and Root weight (fresh and dry) were highest under 1000 ㎎⋅L-¹ IBA. Conclusion : According to the results, 1000 ㎎⋅L-¹ IBA was the best treatment for increasing percentage rooting percentage and other root development characteristics of V. dilatatum cuttings.

Background : Medicinal crop has been used in the traditional Asian medicinal methods. From ancient times, various kinds of medicinal crop are being cultivated in East Aisa including Korea, China and Japan. In Korea, they used a variety of medicinal plants in folk medicine and oriental medicine since ancient times. Molecular markers can be widely used in a variety of settings such as effective-loci estimation, genetic-diversity characterization, allelic-effect studies, gene-flow studies, quantitative-trait locus (QTL) mapping, and evolutionary studies. The genetic analyses of crops require large numbers of useful molecular markers for genetic or QTL identification, comparative mapping and breeding. Studying the genetic diversity and genetic relationship of crops can assist breeders. Crop genetics within a breeding program enable the economic and effective cultivar development. We tried to develop a variety of molecular markers from Angelica gigas genomic sequences for genetic studies and breeding. Methods and Results : A. gigas resources cultivated in Republic of Korea were collected. Fresh leaves were ground with liquid nitrogen and gDNA was extracted using a DNeasy Plant Mini kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA, USA). We sequenced the whole genomes of five A. gigas accessions using Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform and identified genomic Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) and InDel markers. DNA amplification was conducted using the PCR system (Bio-Rad T-100 Thermal Cycler). PCR products were separated by capillary electrophoresis on the ABI 3730 DNA analyzer (Applied Biosystems) and Fragment analyzer automated CE system (Advanced Analytical Technologies, Ankeny, IA, USA). Conclusion : We developed novel SSR and InDel markers from A. gigas genomic sequences for further genetic studies and breeding.