Varietal and annual variations in the contents of β-glucan fractions per weight grain samples were examined in sixteen covered and eighteen naked barley and five oat cultivars developed in Korea. Also, the effect of pearling on β-glucan content was invest

Nesfatin-1/NUCB2, which is secreted from the brain, is known to control appetite and energy metabolism. Recent studies have been shown that nesfatin-1/NUCB2 was expressed not only in the brain, but it was also expressed in the gastric organs and adipose tissue. However, little is known about the expression of nesfatin-1/NUCB2 in the male reproductive system. Therefore, we examined whether the nesfatin-1/NUCB2 and its binding site exists in the male reproductive organs. Nesfatin-1/NUCB2 mRNA and protein were detected in the mouse testis and epididymis by PCR and Western blot analysis. As a result of the immunohistochemistry staining, the nesfatin-1 protein was localized at the interstitial cells and Leydig cells in the testis. Nesfatin-1 binding sites were also displayed at boundary cells in the tunica albuginea. Furthermore, in order to examine if the expression of nesfatin-1/NUCB2 mRNA in the testis and epididymis were affected by gonadotropin, its mRNA expression was analyzed after PMSG administration into mice. NUCB2 mRNA expression levels were increased in both of the testis and epididymis after PMSG administration. These results demonstrated for the first time that nesfatin-1 and its binding site were expressed in the mouse testis and epididymis. In addition, nesfatin-1/NUCB2 mRNA expression was controlled by gonadotropin, suggesting a possible role of nesfatin-1 in the male reproductive organs as a local regulator. Due to this, further study is needed to elucidate the functions of nesfatin-1 on the male reproductive system.

The present study researched morphological characteristics and analyzed the genetic diversity by using RAPD in Calanthe species, native plant in Jeju, Korea. Twenty-six samples were selected by flower color, and 19 horticultural traits were investigated to study morphological characteristics. The C. discolor had the smallest leaf, the length and width of dorsal sepal, lateral sepal, petal, central lip, lateral lip, and flower stalk length were shortest and/or smallest except the spur and ovary length in Calanthe species, but those of Calanthe discolor for. sieboldii (Dence.) Ohwi (Calanthe discolor for. sieboldii) were the largest and/or biggest, and those of variants were the intermediate between C. discolor and C. discolor for. sieboldii, but spur length was the longest in C. discolor, the shortest in C. discolor for. sieboldii, and intermediate in the variants. Ovary length in C. discolor was shortest and C. discolor for. sieboldii and variants were similar with each other. The flower colors of C. discolor were brownish red, the value of CIE Lab was between 40 and 50. The flower color of C. discolor for. sieboldii was yellowish; the value of CIE Lab was between 110 and 130. And variants had various colors between 50 and 70 in the value of CIE Lab. After analyzing multiple band patterns of PCR products, 154 bands were selected as polymorphic RAPD markers. The analysis of Genetic distance of Calanthe species using RAPD showed that C. discolor and C. discolor for. sieboldii are more distant from each other than variants, and demonstrated the fact that genetic position of variants is between the other two species.

We previously reported that reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RT- PCR/RFLP) was an effective method to identify SMV strains. Using this method a new SMV strain G6H was successfully identified. To introduce resistance locus Rsv4 of V94-5152, we made crosses between two parents, Hwanggumkong and V94-5152, and obtained 6 BC3 F3 progeny lines, which have different size of DNA fragment of Rsv4 locus region. To confirm the virus resistance of progeny lines, artificial inoculation were conducted with 10 SMV strains, G1-G7, G7A, G6H, and G7H. Genomic DNA of tested lines was extracted and used marker genotyping using 9 SSR marker, which covered about 20 cM genetic distance including Rsv4 locus. In the virulence test, only two progeny lines showed resistance to all the SMV strains like a V94-5152. However, the other lines showed necrotic symptoms to G6H strain. It is considered that a minor gene is located near the Rsv4 locus between Satt157 and Sat_254 marker which interacts with G6H. A new strain can be a clue to find a minor gene in the SMV resistance soybean breeding.

Soybean (Glycine max(L.) Merr.) is an important source of high protein and oil. Use of soybean meal bythe food industry is increasing, but severely limiting dietary choices and the quality of life of food-allergic individuals. Gly m Bd 30K (P34) is known as the main seed allergens in soybean-sensitive patients. The objective of this work was to determine the molecular basis of the low mutation of soybean P34 and to design polyclonal antibody for the selection of the causative mutations for wild homozygous, heterozygous and mutant homozygous. Using soybean genome assembly, we knew that soybean P34 genes are existing 2 copies in LG A1 and 1 copy in LG A2 in soybean genome. Actually, we confirmed that 3 copies for P34 gene were existed on soybean genome with Southern blot analysis. Glyma08g12270 of those was expressed at significantly higher level compared with Glyma08g12280 and Glyma05g29130by RT-PCR and western analysis. However this gene was not expressed in the low-P34 germplasm accessions. We develop a co-dominant marker based on the sequence of Glyma08g12270 containing a four-base pair insertion at the P34 start codon. Also, we make a polyclonal antibody for investigation of P34 protein levels. Further study, we will perform the crossing between low P34 accession and elite variety, backcrossing and allergen test using low P34 line.

Soybeans X soybeans mosaic virus (SMV) strains interactions affected plant growth and seed transmission. Strain virulence of SMV depended on host cultivars. Kwangankong and Tawonkong were susceptible to G7H and G5 strains, causing mosaic symptoms. The distribution patterns of two SMV strains in soybean plants inoculated with G7H, G5 and G7H/G5 sets were investigated by RT-PCR/RFLP analysis. In the first treatment, two primary leaves in a single plant were infected with both strains by means of one strain per leaf. The leaves of Kwangankong and Tawonkong at V2, V4 and V6 stage were doubly infected with the two strains and the upper leaves than those had only G7H strain. Secondly, the two soybeans were inoculated with G7H, and 24 h after followed by the other strain inoculation. The leaves of V6 and V8 stages in all infected plants showed mosaic symptoms caused by G7H, and there was no detection of G5 strain. In contrast, the reverse treatment with G5 and G7H induced different results. Pre-inoculated G5 strain detected in every stage besides G7H strain. Host X SMV strain compatibility influenced seed coat mottling, yield, plant height, number of pod per plant. G7H had a seed mottling rate of 98.5% in Kwangankong, while G5 had an incidence of seed mottling of 1.4% in the same cultivar. G5 was more virulent to Kwangankong and had a lower affinity for infecting soybean seed mottling. Additional inoculation of G7H protected soybean yield and growth from G5-inducing loss in Kwangankong.

Over the past few decades Miscanthus has been studied as a potential bioenergy crop in Europe but not much been studied in Korea although Korea has many native Miscanthus species and genetic resources. Because of their features, such as low demands of fertilizers and other agrochemicals, high water use efficiency and high productivity, Miscanthus can be cultivated in marginal lands. However, it is not known how Miscanthus can survive in saline soil and what extent Miscanthus can tolerate salt stress, one of main abiotic stresses in reclaimed lands or dry climates. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate physiological response of Miscanthus species to salt stress and thus to establish a salt stress threshold. Miscanthus sinensis and M. sacchariflorus showed similar responses to salt stress. Chlorophyll contents, photosynthesis and plant growth were all significantly affected by salt stress. Both species were completely killed at > 100 mM NaCl. The GR50 values estimated by non-linear regression analysis with the logistic model were 116.2 mM and 63.1 mM for M. sinensis and M. sacchariflorus, respectively. These GR50 values can be used as their thresholds of salt stress. Further studies will be conducted to screen salt-tolerant Miscanthus genotypes.

Global warming means not only increase in average air temperature but also increase in frequency of extreme weathers such as extremely high temperature over 45oC. Crops are generally sensitive to high temperature during their reproductive growth stage. This experiment was thus conducted to investgate physiological responses of rice (Oryza sativa cv. Chucheong) and soybean (Glycine max cv. Sinpaldal) to high temperature (HT) stress at their reproductive stage. Rice and soybean were exposed to different degrees of high temperature stress by keeping them in a growth cabinet deisnged to maintain air temperature up to 45oC for at least 5 hours in a day for different durations, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 days. HT stress treatment delayed heading and flowering of rice and increased the sterility of its' main panicle with increasing duration of HT treatment; 19.7 43.4, 68.1, 81.5 and 91.1% at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 days HT treatment, respectively. Increasing sterility due to HT treatment thus resulted in significant rice yield loss; 5.07 4.27, 4.32, 4.51 and 3.62 g/plant at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 days of HT treatment, respectively. Soybean was also significantly affected by HT stress in its pod formation and sterility, particularly along the vertical stem. Increasing pod sterility with increasing HT treatemnt thus resulted in significant soybean yield loss.

Miscanthus, a perennial rhizomatous C4 grass, is a potential biomass crop. Its propagation can be made by seed, rhizome and cultured tissue. Propagation by rhizomes or cultured tissues is expensive, while seed propagation is rather simple and cheaper. However, little effort has been made to investigate seed germination, particularly in relation with exogeneous chemicals including plant growth regulators to improve germination. This study was conducted to improve the seed germination of Miscanthus with GA3, NaClO, KNO3 and procloraz. iscanthus sacchariflorus and Miscanthus sinesis seeds were treated with the above chemicals at different concentrations. Decoated seeds were soaked in GA3, NaClO, KNO3, and procloraz solutions. Pretreated 20 Miscanthus seeds were then sown in each petri dish covered with a single layer of Watman filter paper and maintained in the incubation chamber at 33℃/25℃ (day/night). Seed germination were measured every 8 hours. As a result, the best germination was obtained at 250 mg/L GA3, 0.3% NaClO, 1 mM KNO3 and 1 mL/L procloraz solutions.

A first step review is completed on the suitability of European designed wind turbines in an East Asia climate. Six parameters are chosen for detailed analysis of proper meteorological measures from flat, hilly, forested, coastal and offshore sites in West Europe and East Asia: mean wind speed, 10 minute mean wind speed distribution, turbulence intensity, wind shear, 3 second extreme wind speed and 10 minute direction change. All six parameters are assessed with a view for contrast with the wind turbine design standard IEC61400. The diurnal and seasonal variation, average and extreme values of each parameter are calculated where appropriate. Industry standard software and analysis techniques have been employed to assess the applicability of existing wind turbine design standards and design guidelines for the East Asian market.

During the screening program to evaluate the antiallergic activity of herbal medicines, Schizandra chinensis was found to inhibit the mouse PCA reaction induced by IgE-antigen complex. To evaluate the antiallergic effect of the fruit of Schizandra chinensis Baill (Family Magnoliaceae), which attenuate compound 48/80 induced vascular permeability reaction and scratching frequency in mouse. and it also inhibited 43% acute type of contact dermatitis induced by TPA and in oxazolone induced chronic dermatitis model was investigated. Fruit of Schizandra chinensis suppressed 37.6% swelling of oxazolone-induced mouse ear contact dermatitis. These findings suggest that fruit of Schizandra chinensis improve symptom of allergic dermatitis

This study was carried out to investigate the optimum application time of basal fertilization in direct-seeded rice on flooded paddy surface at medium saline soil in southwestern reclaimed saline area which is Munpo series and have 0.3 or more soil salinity. The nitrogen fertilizer level were 14, 17, 20kg per 10a, and the basal fertilization were applied before sowing, 10, 20, 30 days after sowing along with topdressing at tillering stage, respectively. The summarized experimental results are as follows. Seedling stand was proper when basal fertilization was applied before sowing, but lower than appropriate seedling stand when basal fertilization were applied 10, 20, 30 days after sowing along with topdressing at tillering stage. The rice yield were 509-541kg/10a when 14-20kg/10a basal fertilization was applied before sowing, and 368-481kg/10a when basal fertilization were applied 10, 20, 30 days after sowing along with topdressing at tillering stage. Considering the yield and salt injury at medium saline soil in southwestern reclaimed saline area, the application of basal fertilization before sowing was superior for improving seedling stand, and 14-20kg/10a fertilization rate was allowable.