When the rice blast fungus attacks rice, fungal proteins are secreted into the plant apoplast to facilitate infection. The rice plant recognizes such secreted proteins, which result in the induction of defense responses. However, the molecular mechanisms of how rice plant recognizes secreted proteins remain elusive. Here, we report that a small, secreted protein, Magnaporthe oryzae snodprot1 homolog (MSP1), is recognized by rice plants and triggers host cell death and defense responses. Furthermore, pre-treatment of rice with Domain II, elicitor-active epitope of MSP1, induces resistance to the pathogen KJ301. We demonstrated that secretion of MSP1 into the apoplast is prerequisite for triggering cell death and activating defense-related gene expression, suggesting that it is recognized by a receptor in the host plasma membrane. Through comprehensively analysis of transcriptional profile in rice leaves and suspension cultured cells (SCCs) in response to exogenous MSP1 and Domain II treatment using 60K Agilent microarray chip, we found that 27 signaling genes, such as F-box(6), MAPK(4), protein kinase(11), transcription factor(6), were up-regulated in leaves and SCCs and six protein kinases were targeted into plasma membrane. Thus, we suggest that some of these genes may act as receptor of MSP1 in response to exogenous MSP1 treatment. Expression pattern of candidate genes was further checked in response to different environment cues using open rice data. These results demonstrate that these genes may be also involved in the signaling in response to cold stress, root-JA treatment and brown plant hopper (BPH) attack.

In this study, genetic diversity of wild Codonopsis lanceolata collected in Korea were analysed using SSR makers. Wild C. lanceolata roots were collected in Jeollanam-do Jangheung-gun Choentae Mountain as in roots. The wild C. lanceolata plants were cultivated in Chungbuk National University greenhouse and the leaves were sampled from 36 plants. The genomic DNA of C. lanceolata was extracted using CTAB. PCR was performed using a program of 35 cycles at 94℃ for 30 sec, 60℃ for 30 sec, and 72℃ for 30 sec with an pre-denaturation of 94℃ for 5 min and a final extension of 72℃ for 30 min. The PCR reaction mixture contains 5 pmole of primers and 20 ng of DNA template in a 20 μL reaction volume. The genotype of the analyzed samples were very different. Therefore, the wild C. lanceolata collected in Korea look genetically diverse.

Angelica gigas, also called Dang Gui or Korean Angelica, is a major medicinal herb used in Asian countries such as Korea, Japan and China. In Korea, we are using the roots of A. gigas., but, they are using Angelica sinensis in China and using Angelica acutiloba. in Japan to obtain many active constituents such as dercursin, decursinol angelate, nodakenetin, nodakenin, umbelliferone, β-sisterol, or α-pinene. The plants of the Angelica family are used to improve gynecological health. The biggest problem in the cultivation of A. gigas is bolting. If the bolting occurs, A. gigas can not be used as a medicinal component because the roots are lignified. In this study, 11 A. gigas genetic resources in Korea; 1. Hwangje variety, 2. Sungwoo Jongmyo company, 3. Bonghwa No. 1, 4. Bonghwa No. 2, 5. Bonghwa No. 3, 6. Bonghwa No. 4, 7. Jechun local variety, 8. Jirisan local variety, 9. Manchu variety in Eumseong, 10. Manchu variety in Bonghwa, 11. Jinbu local variety, were collected and performed phylogenetic analysis using RAPD molecular markers.

Platycodon grandiflorum A. is a perennial plant belongs to Campanulaceae family. This plant has been used herbal medicine ingredient in East Asia. Because of the high saponin content, it is an economically important medicinal plant in Korea. It has been reported that saponins of P. grandiflorum were mainly synthesized in root tissues. The studies about root growth of the plant were few. Expansin is an important protein playing a role in root growth of plants, and is known as a nonenzymatic protein. Expansins are novel plant cell wall loosening proteins leading to turgor-driven cell extension. Expansin encoding genes exist in multigene family, and there are more than 30 genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. and more than 50 genes in Oryaza sativa. Therefore, identification of the genes was difficult in P. grandiflorum because of the lack of genome sequence. Recently, the development of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies make it possible to obtain the target genes sequences rapidly and precisely. In this study, to identify the expansin encoding genes in P. grandiflorum, we used RNA-seq analysis with Illumina HiSeq platform. We analyzed whole transcriptome of P. grandiflorum through the RNA-seq analysis based on next generation seuqencing. CLC Genomics Workbench software (Clc Bio inc.) was used for assembly. We assembled 122,663 contigs and search 123 contigs were identified from the search using 61 expansin gene

Codonopsis lanceolata is a perennial climber. The roots are used as medicinal materials or vegetables. Recently, demand for C. lanceolata is increasing as a healthy food. C. lanceolata is distributed in India and East Asia such as China, Japan as well as Korea. In South Korea, this plant is widely cultivated in Gangwon-do province. No C. lanceolata varieties were developed in Korea. The objective of this study is to analyze genetic diversity of C. lanceolata cultivated in Korea using SSR makers. C. lanceolata roots were collected in each region were cultivated in Chungbuk National University greenhouse. Samples were obtained from fresh leaves of 5 plants from each collection region. The genomic DNA was extracted using CTAB. Genetic diversity was analysed using 4 sets of C. lanceolata SSR makers. PCR was performed in total 20 μL reaction volume containing 20 ng of DNA template, 5 pmole of primers. The genotypes of the analyzed samples were very similar. That means that the genetic diversity of C. lanceolata cultivated in Korea is very low.

Codonopsis lanceolata is used as a natural medicine or vegetables. It originates in East Asia such as Korea, Japan and China. Similar to Panax ginseng, C. lanceolata contains saponins as effective components. C. lanceolata is cultivated in many regions of South Korea. But, no variety was developed yet and the origin discrimination in the distribution market of C. lanceolata became a problem. In this study, we collected 20 C. lanceolata regional groups; Hoengseong, Wonju, Samcheok, Chuncheon, Pyeongchang, Hongcheon, Yongin, Yangpyeong, Danyang, Chungju, Bonghwa, Ulleung, Yeongju, Sancheong, Muju, Gwangyang, Sinan, Hwasun, Jeju-si and Seogwipo-si, and tested the genetic relationship using RAPD molecular markers. The genomic DNA was extracted using CTAB and the RAPD analysis was performed using 32 primers of Operon Technologies. NTsys-PC program was used for the phylogenetic analysis of the data.

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) is one of the most popular ornamental species in the world due to the great diversity of inflorescence form and color. There has been increasing demands for various types of chrysanthemums, such as cut flowers, potted plants and bedding plants. However, the genomic studies of this species have been not extensively conducted relative to other ornamental species due to high levels of polyploidy (2n = 4x =36 or 2n = 6x = 54) and heterozygosity as well as large genome size. In this work, we developed a molecular tool for cultivar identification using simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and investigated genetic diversity in 127 chrysanthemum cultivars. Of the 150 SSR primer pairs tested in this study, 62 primers were obtained from previous studies, while 88 primers were designed using the unigene sequences of C. nankingense and the Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) sequences of C. morifolium in the NCBI database. Thirty SSR primers were selected based on polymorphism and banding patterns in a subset of 8 cultivars and used to amplify the DNA of 127 chrysanthemum cultivars. The UPGMA dendrogram based on these 30 SSR markers showed that most of chrysanthemum cultivars were divided into five clusters. These results will benefit chrysanthemum research community to develop elite cultivars.

Platycodon grandiflorum is a herbal flowering perennial plant belongs to Campanulaceae family. The saponins derived from P. grandiflorum were termed platycosides and platycodin D, which is the most abundant saponin in the plant and pharmacologically active component, was intensively studied. Platycodin D is synthesized from triterpenoids by several enzymes including cytochrome P450. Cytochrome P450 is known to exist in superfamily in plant kingdom and essential roles in saponin biosynthetic pathway by hydroxylation or oxidation of triterpene skeletons. However, the key genes of P450 involved in biosynthesis of saponin was not identified because of its low conservation rate in amino acid sequence level among plant species and gene superfamilies. Recently, next generation sequencing (NGS) technology is rapidly developed as a method to discover target genes. In this study, we tried to identify P450 genes involved in saponin biosynthetic pathway from the various tissues of P. grandiflorum using 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 obteined 122,663 contigs and found out 191 putative P450 genes. The phylogenetic relationship was analyzed and putative genes related to platicoside biosysthesis were selected and cloned for further analysis.

Platycodon grandiflorum is a perennial herbal plant belongs to Campanulaceae family. It has very important genetic value as a major plant in Asterids order. The major ingredients are platycosides, terpenoid saponins. In Korean industrial plants market, it was produced 5,633 tons in 2013, and the total amount of production was less than only five species, omija, ginger, raspberry, yam and deodeok. P. grandiflorum is called ‘Gilgyung’ and is used as a fresh vegetable and an ornamental plant. Nowadays, various components of P. grandiflorum were already published. But, genetic research is in the starting stage. In this study, 11 cultivars; 1. MariesⅡ, 2. Hakone double white, 3. Hakone double blue, 4. Fuji white, 5. Fuji pink, 6. Fuji blue, 7. Astra white, 8. Astra pink, 9. Astra blue, 10. Astrasemi double blue, 11. Jangback, were analyzed using 60 Operon Universal RAPD primers. The results were phylogenetically analyzed and related to the morphological characteristics of the cultivars.

Platycodon grandiflorum is a species of herbaceous flowering perennial plant of the family Campanulaceae. The major ingredients are platycosides, terpenoid saponins. It contains 1-4 % of the dry weight and there are about 20 types of platycosides. Among them, platycodin D have various pharmacological effects on cough and cold. Platycosides are synthesized from oleanane by mevalonic acid pathway and cytochrome P450s and UGTs are important enzymes in the saponin biosynthesis. UGT is glucose transfer enzyme and act on the final step of the secondary metabolite biosynthesis. In this study, we tried to identify UGT genes involved in saponin biosynthetic pathway from the various tissues of P. grandiflorum and non germinated seeds using 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 137 putative UGT genes. The phylogenetic relationship was analyzed and putative genes related to platicoside biosysthesis were selected and cloned for further analysis.

Panax ginseng C.A Meyer is commonly used in Asian traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases. Ginsenosides are glycosylated triterpenes, referred to saponins, have been especially noted as active compounds contributing to the various efficacy of ginseng. In this study, we are trying to select high saponin content of ginseng lines from the gamma irradiated adventitious roots. Recently, we have generated several mutant ginseng lines improving ginseniside content by gamma radiation. The mutant lines were selected by phenotypes and ginsenoside content (HPLC analysis) of the irradiated adventitious root lines. However, the ginsenoside content of the mutant lines was not sufficient for commercial use and the selection method was not suitable for large scale of mutant line selection. In this study, we are testing Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) as a new selection method of mutant lines in Panax ginseng. About 5,000 pieces of Panax ginseng adventitious roots were exposed to gamma radiation (60Co). Irradiation dosages were 0, 25, 50 and 70Gy. Survival rate of the irradiated samples was evaluated by counting the number of survival main roots after 5 weeks culture in the solid MS medium with NAA, IAA and 5% sucrose. In present, we are collecting the survived adventitious root lines (about 900 lines) from the gamma irradiated ginseng roots for FT-IR and HPLC analysis. After analysis of FT-IR and HPLC, we will assess the suitability of the FT-IR as a screening method for the preparation of mutant lines in ginseng.

Improving rice high-quality potential is to suffice the food demand of the rapid decreasing consumption, and is a major breeding target recently. We calculated the alkali digestion value (ADV), used to indirectly measure gelatinization temperature, to evaluate the quality of cooked rice in 2013 and 2014. The ADV score of frequency distribution was higher milled rice than brown rice. In total, nine different quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were found on chromosomes1, 3, 5, 6 and 8 in 2013 and 2014. Also, chromosome 5, 8 were detected over two years. The polymorphism using RM223, RM3530, and RM18130 markers can be used to select lines that have a good trait for breeding of high-quality rice. We conclude that selected molecular markers from this QTL analysis could be exploited in future rice quality.

In total, 120 ‘Cheonghcheong/Nagdong’ doubled haploid (CNDH) populations was developed by F1 derived from a crossing whitebacked planthopper (WBPH, Sogatella furcifera) resistance ‘Cheongcheong’ and susceptible ‘Nagdong’ lines. The main objective of this research was to determine the rice resistance optimum screening after infesting by WBPH and identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with rice resistance in order to provide consistent information for marker-assisted selection (MAS) and develop new varieties. The genetic map with average 9.6 centimorgans (cM) between markers was constructed from 120 CNDH populations using 217 SSR markers. In this study, The result of determine rice with WBPH infestation showed that the rice damage and resistance at 7, 14, and 21 days, were 100%, 76%, and 10% resistance lines of 120 CNDH population. Four QTLs were detected on four regions of the chromosomes 1 and chromosome 8, which contained qWBPH1 and qWBPH8 for resistance rice. The markers were found to be contained in identification the genetic markers RM3482, RM1196, RM3709, RM11694, RM11669, RM17699 and RM264 for marker assisted selection. These markers efficiently were shown to be very useful for MAS in breeding populations of crossing lines associated simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker with WBPH resistance in 120 CNDH populations.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the diversity of natural products (DNP7, 9) in responding to Whitebacked planthopper (WBPH) feeding. Resistant rice (cv. Cheongcheong ), susceptible rice (cv. Nagdong) and susceptible control rice (cv. TN1) were used as materials for WBPH infestation in seedling stage. The treatment was conducted by spraying DNP 7 and 9 for 100 ppm to materials before being fed to 2nd and 3rd instar WBPH while control group was not sprayed DNP 7 and 9. The density of WBPH was 7 insect per plant. As a result, WBPH survival rate of 57% was found in the DNP 7 treatment, whereas those in DNP 9 and control were 27% and 71%, respectively. Resistance score of Cheongcheong, Nagdong, and TN1 in DNP 7 treatment were 3.4±0.8, 5.9±1.9, and 6.8±1.6, respectively, while those in DNP 9 treatment were 1.6±0.8, 4.7±1.6, and 7.9 ±1.4, respectively. The plant heights of Cheongcheong, Nagdong, and TN1 in DNP 7 treatment after 3 week infestation were 19.7±3.0, 23.4±7.5, and 15.8±8, respectively while those in DNP 9 treatment were 32.4±4, 26.3±12.7, and 25.9±8.5, respectively. Moreover, chlorophyll content was examined 3 week post infestation. In both DNP 7 and DNP 9 treatment, the chlorophyll levels of Cheongcheong and Nagdong in were higher than that in control. Based on observation and bio-scoring, plant with DNP 9 was strongly resistant to WBPH feeding and the survival rate of WHPB was lower than plant with DNP7.

CMA banding patterns of chromosomes of eleven Jeju citrus landraces were characterized and compared by means of sequential staining using fluorochromes of chromomycin A3 (CMA) and 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). The somatic metaphase chromosomes examined in this study were all diploids (2n = 18). Chromosomes were classified into five types based on the number and distribution of CMA positive bands; A: two telomeric and one proximal bands, B: one telomeric and one proximal bands, C: two telomeric bands, D: one telomeric band, E: no band. Four to five types of chromosomes and unique chromosome compositions were observed from each accession. The CMA banding patterns of Jeju citrus landraces were 1A+1B+1C+9D+6E in jinkyul, 1A+1B+1C+8D+7E in cheongkyul, 1B+1C+10D+6E in hongkyul, 2A+1B+3C+6D+6E in sadoogam, 1A+2B+1C+8D+6E in dangyooza, 1A+1B+3C+7D+6E in dong-geongkyul, 2B+2C+7D+7E in pyunkyul, 2A+2B+2C+6D+6E in gamza, 1A+2B+1C+7D+7E in byungkyul, 1A+1B+1C+9D+6E in jigak, 1A+1C+10D+6E in binkyul. Type D and E chromosomes were predominant in all Jeju citrus landraces. The chromosome composition with an even number distribution in gamza was observed, hence it could be recognized as a non-hybrid species. The results indicated all Jeju citrus landraces except gamza seemed to be hybrids, but might be diverged from species originated or cultivated in Jeju, Korea and other countries.

Next generation sequencing technologies provide opportunities to reveal the genetic variants and differentially expressedgenes. The genetic variants are closely relevance to understanding of genes and phenotypic differences related to agronomic characteristics among cultivars. In this study, we conducted RNA-seq using two Korean soybean accessions, including Daewon and Hwangkeum, by using next generation sequencing against Williams 82 genome as reference. A number of variants such assingle nucleotide variants (SNV), multiple nucleotide variants (MNV), insertion/deletion (InDel) and replacement, was 34,411 and 55,544 in Daewon and Hwangkeum, respectively. Among these variants, 9,611 nonsynonymous variants were detected within 4,290 genes in Daewon and 13,225 non-synonymous variants were located on 5,672 genes in Hwangkeum. The distribution of nonsynonymous variants and expression values of genes can serve as invaluable resource for genotyping and study of traits within genes for soybean improvements.

When humans explore the Moon, lunar caves will be an ideal base to provide a shelter from the hazards of radiation, meteorite impact, and extreme diurnal temperature differences. In order to ascertain the existence of caves on the Moon, it is best to visit the Moon in person. The Google Lunar X Prize(GLXP) competition started recently to attempt lunar exploration missions. Ones of those groups competing, plan to land on a pit of Lacus Mortis and determine the existence of a cave inside this pit. In this pit, there is a ramp from the entrance down to the inside of the pit, which enables a rover to approach the inner region of the pit. In this study, under the assumption of the existence of a cave in this pit, a 3D model was developed based on the optical image data. Since this model simulates the actual terrain, the rendering of the model agrees well with the image data. Furthermore, the 3D printing of this model will enable more rigorous investigations and also could be used to publicize lunar exploration missions with ease.