Background : More than 1250 bamboo species, belonging to 75 genera, are distributed all over the world. Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai is a type of bamboo grass widely distributed in Halla mountain, Jeju Island, which has been used as antidiabetic, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory drugs. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai leaf extracted with different ethanol concentration and demonstrated the potent bioactivities of the extracts suitable to be used as natural antioxidant compounds or pharmaceutical supplements. Methods and Results : Antioxidant and anti-microbial activities of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai extracts were studied. At first, different ethanol concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80%) were compared for determining of the best solvent for extraction of phenolic compounds from Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai. Forty percent Ethanol extract with 990.01±28.9 (mg of gallic acid equivalents/g sample) were the best solvent in the extraction of phenolic compounds. But, 60% ethanolic extracts were highest antioxidant activity appeared such as DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 21.20±0.42 μg/ml), ABTS radical scavenging (IC50 49.85±1.27 μg/ml) and reducing power. However, 80% ethanol extracts showed the strongest SOD like activity. The anti-microbial capacity was screened against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, and yeast. Sixty percent and 80% ethanol extracts inhibited the growth of Gram positive bacteria; Bacillus cereus was the most susceptible one with MIC of 125 μ g/ml and 250 μg/ml for the 60% and 80% extracts, respectively. Conclusion : The results of this study show that the extract of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai can be used as easily accessible source of natural antioxidants and as a possible food supplement or in pharmaceutical industry. However, the components responsible for the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of both extracts of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai are currently unclear. Therefore, it is suggested that further works should be performed on the isolation and identification of the antioxidant components in Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai.

Background : The Aralia cordata and Dendropanax morbifera, belonging to the family Araliacea, is a perennial herbaceous species. Although its beneficial effects for several chronic diseases are well-known, the role of its effects on chronic intestinal inflammation, colon carcinogenis are limited. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory disorders of gastrointestinal tract. It has been reported that IBD is associated with colon cancer which is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed and a major cause of cancer-related mortality. Methods and Results : The present study hypothesized that Araliacea family would exert a protective effect on inflammation and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. Effect of Aralia cordata extracts (ACE) and Dendropanax morbifera leaf extracts (DMLE) on pro-inflammatory markers, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling (MAPKs), activation of nuclear factor κB (NF- κB) in THP-1 human monocyte and HT-29 colon epithelial cell model were investigated. In addition, colon inflammation inhibitory effects of ACE and DMLE on the characteristics of in DSS-induced colitis model. Results showed that ACE, DMLE attenuated the severity of DSS-induced colitis, as assessed by disease activity index scores, shrinkage of colon length, and histopathologic changes and infirmatory cytokine concentration. Furthermore, ACE treatment significantly suppressed the colon carcinogenesis in AOM/DSS induced colon cancer model. The apoptosis induction abilities of the DMLE were studied by analyzing the expressions of Bcl2 family protein, caspase, Annexin V/PI staining and DNA fragmentation. According to our results, DMLE significantly induced cell death in SW-480 cells. Apoptosis was determined by cell morphology and electrophoresis of DNA fragmentations. Furthermore, treatment with DMLE also induced the increase in caspase activity, pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bad) and the decrease in anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL). In addition, DMLE induce cell cycle arrested at the G1/S phase in SW-480 cells and exhibited significant inhibition on the expressions of G1/S phase specific CDK, cyclin and up regulation of CDK inhibitors. Conclusion : Taken together, these results provide evidence that ACE and DMLE prevention colon cancer by regulating inflammation, colitis, and colon carcinogenesis which indicates its benefit for colon health.

Cytological changes of the epithelial cells according to the developmenatal phases of the seminal vesicle related to the spermatogenic stages in the testicular lobules during spermagenesis in male Neptunea (Barbitonia) cumingii (Gastropoda: Buccinidae) were investigated monthly by electron microscopical and histological observations. N. (B) cumingii is dioecious, and an internal fertilization species. The male genital organ is located near the tentacles. The spermatozoon is approximatley 50 μm in length. The axoneme of the tail flagellum consists of nine pairs of microtubles at the periphery and one pair at the center. The process of germ cell development during spermatogenesis can be divided into five succesive stages: (1) spermatogonia, (2) primary spermatocytes, (3) secondary spermatocytes, (4) spermatids, and (5) spermatozoa. A considerable amount of spermatozoa make their appearance in the testicular lobules (or acini) and some of them are tranported from the testis towards the seminal vesicles until late July. In this study, the developmental phases of the epithelial cells of the seminal vesicles of N. (B.) cumingii could be classified into four phases: (1) S-I phase (resting), (2) S-Ⅱphase (early accumulating), (3) S-Ⅲ phase (accumulating), and (4) S-IV phase (spent). However, in case of N. (B.) arthritica cumingii, the developmental phases of the seminal vesicle were devided into three phases: (1) resting, (2) accumulating and (3) spent. Granular bodies in the inner layer of the seminal vesicles are involved in resorption of digestion of residual spermatozoa.

Ultrastructural studies on oocyte development and vitellogenesis in oocytes, and the functions of follicle cells during oogenesis and oocyte degeneration were investigated to clarifyb the reproductive mechanism on vitellogenesis of Scapharca subcrenata using electron microscope observations. In this study, vitellogenesis during oogenesis in the oocytes occured by way of autosynthesis and heterosynthesis. Of two processes of vitellogenesis during oogenesis, the process of endogenous autosynthesis involved the combined activity of the Golgi complex, mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum. However, the process of exogenous heterosynthesis involved endocytotic incorporation of extraovarian precursors at the basal region of the oolema of the early vitellogenic oocytes before the formation of the vitelline coat. In this study, follicle cells, which attached to the previtellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes, were easily found. In particular, the follicle cells were involved in the development of previtellogenic oocytes by the supply of nutrients, and vitellogenesis in the early and late vitellogenic oocytes by endocytosis of yolk precursors. Based on observations of follicle cells attached to degenerating oocytes after spawning, follicles of this species are involved in lysosomal induction of oocyte degeneration for the resorption phagosomes (phagolysosomes) in the cytoplasm for nutrient storage, as seen in other bivalves. In this study, the functions of follicle cells can accumulate reserves of lipid granules and glycogen particles for vitellogenesis from degenerating oocytes after spawning.

Background : Indigenous plant in Jeju island, Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai, belongs to the Bambusoideae and inhabit around Mt. Halla. According to the ancient book such as Dongui Bogam, Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai have been known to possess the antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diuresis effect. However, because of gradual upturning temperature, Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai was spread out to wider area and intrude the habitat that other plant species are growing. Recently, although the study to seek effective use of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai, the investigation about functional properties has not been taken place enough. Methods and Results : To assess the inhibitory activity of melanin synthesis, we employ the tyrosine as substrate and measure the formation of dopaquione at 490 nm. Firstly, 0.1 mM potassium phosphate buffer and tyrosinase were mixed and incubated at 37℃. After incubating at 37℃, the absorbance rate was measured at 490 nm. The value was compared with positive control, arbutin, and calculated with the rate between sample and control value. Previously, formononetin, glabrene, glabridin, glabrol, artocarbene, dihydromoriin are known as effective substances for whitening. Moreover, the arbutin, which was separated from Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Sprengel, are widely used in cosmetic field. Arbutin inhibits tyrosinase and tyrosine synthesis, which induce blackish pigmentation. Practically, the Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai leaf ethanol extract depend on different solvent condition, whole extracts showed stronger inhibition than arbutin. Especially, 60% ethanol extract exhibited twice higher tyrosinase inhibitory activity than arbutin, whereas least inhibitory activity was seen in 20% ethanol extract. Conclusion : In this study, a attempt was made to investigate the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai leaves extracted by different solvent condition. In the results, each extracts was prior to arbutin. Yet, 20% ethanol extract was lowest, but on the one hand, 60% ethanol extract demonstrated the highest tyrosinase inhibitory activity.

Backgrounds : Pomelo (Citrus grandis Osbeck) is the kind of citrus fruit which is Dicotyledoneae belongs to Rutaceae and special product in Jeju island. According to the previous researches, coumarin, eliocitrin, naringin are identified and these kinds of constituents revealed to be effective as anticancer, antioxidant, and antidiabetic. Until recently, there are many investigations about its functional properties were reported, but investigation about biological activities depend on extraction conditions are not sufficient. Methods and Results : 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was performed by the method of Blois with minor modification. After adding DPPH radical to each sample solutions, the mixtures were incubated in 30 minutes at aphotic place. Then, the degree of scavenging activity was recorded by microplate reader at 490 nm. The scavenging activity was expressed by RC50, which is the concentration of sample solution necessitated to scavenge 50% DPPH radical against negative control. For α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, the method using p-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG) was applied. To each samples, α-glucosidase and pNPG were mixed and incubated, consequently, Na2CO3 was added to terminate the reaction. Finally, absorbance was read at 450 nm. The same as DPPH radical scavenging activity, the inhibition was explicitly expressed by the amount of sample solution to inhibit 50% α-glucosidase, IC50. The 80% MeOH extract demonstrated the highest radical scavenging activity with 74.32±8.45 μg/ml. α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity was carried out to evaluate the inhibitory activity of sugar digestion and absorption and 60, 80% MeOH extract exhibited 416.35±11.07 μg/ml and 336.57±2.03 μg/ml, respectively. Conclusion : The DPPH radical scavenging and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were evaluated in this study. The highest DPPH radical scavenging activity was seen in 80% Citrus grandis Osbeck MeOH extract, following 60% MeOH extract exhibited the second highest scavenging activity. Also, 80% MeOH extract showed 336.57±2.03 μg/ml, which was the highest α-glucosidase inhibition among all extracts.

Background : From 2000 years ago, Panax ginseng is identified as precious pharmaceutical plant. Depend on growing environment, the name would be vary. For instance, it is called "mountain cultured ginseng (jangnoesam)" which is artificially grown ginseng, "Cultured ginseng (jaebaesam)" which refer to the ginseng grown in the forest, and lastly "Wild ginseng (sansam)" which inhabits in deep mountain. The main active compounds in the Panax ginseng is called ginsenoside and many researches have been performing in biological field. However, most studies focus on functional ability of ginseng. In this study, to seek the suitable extraction condition and antioxidant activity, cell cultured Panax ginseng was extracted according to different ethanol concentration and extraction time. Methods and Results : To establish the optimal extraction condition, the sample was pulverized into 500 μm and added 10% (v/v), 30% (v/v), 50% (v/v), 70% (v/v) and, 90% (v/v) EtOH. After that, the samples are extracted in different time by ultrasonic bath (Power sonic 520, Hwashin Co., Korea). The extracts was filtered by Whatman No. 2 filtering paper. Eventually, the saponin was separated by n-butanol as the ginsenoside, the combination of terpenoid and sugar. The extraction yield of 90% cell cultured panax ginseng EtOH extract was 7.36±0.33%, which was the lowest extraction yield and simultaneously, 10% EtOH extract showed 1.8 times more yield that of 90% EtOH extract. The saponin extraction yield revealed 10% and 70% EtOH extract showed 1.64±0.06% and 3.13±0.08%, respectively. Conclusion : The suitable extraction yield in cell cultured panax ginseng and saponin were evaluated by different extraction condition such as ethanol concentration and extraction time. As a result, when 10% EtOH was applied as solvent, the yield was doubles of 90% EtOH extract. As ethanol became high concentrations, the extraction yield was gradually increased. Among them, crude saponin, the main active compounds in Panax ginseng was extracted the most by 70% EtOH and that value was 3.13±0.08%.

Background : Cylindrocarpon root rot, caused by Cylindrocarpon destructans and Fusarium solani, is a major disease which lead to replanting failure in ginseng garden. Chlamydospores of C. destructans, generated by poor environmental condition, can survived more than ten years in soil without host plant, ginseng. Density of soil pathogens gradually decreased as the progress of time since ginseng was harvested. Methods and Results : Soil chemical properties was analyzed from soil samples of 43 regions in farmer’s ginseng garden to study the variation of content and the correlation among inorganic contents. Soil samples of 24 regions was also analyzed to study correlation between progressed-year after ginseng harvest and soil chemical properties. Variation of soil chemical properties in descending order was Fe, Zn, P2O4, NO3, Mn. The content of Fe and Zn were great variation among inorganic chemicals of soil of farmer’s field. Electrical conductivity to induce physiological demage in excessive concentration showed highly significant positive correlation with the content of NO3 and K. As the progress of year after ginseng harvest, the content of organic matter and zinc was increased, while pH and Na were decreased in farmer’s field to cultivate ginseng. There were highly significant positive correlation between the progress of year after ginseng harvest and zinc content in farmer’s field to cultivate ginseng. Ratio of root rot of 2-year-old ginseng showed significant positive correlation with K content, and negative correlation in experimental field cultured by six rotation crops for one year. Conclusion : Root rot by soil pathogens was closely related with the content of potassium and zinc in soil chemical properties.

Background : Root diseases caused by Cylindrocarpon destructans and Fusarium solani decrease the yield and quality of ginseng. Cylindrocarpon root rot is a major disease caused by replanting failure in ginseng garden. Methods and Results : Solarization was done in the infested soil of the greenhouse for summer season (from July 24 to Autumn 31, 2014) after putting green manure (Sudan grass) and calcium cyanamide (CC) into the soil. Mycelium and conidia of C. destructans died at 4 0℃ after 15 hours, and 45℃ after 5 h, but it did not die at 35℃ after 15 h. Those of C. destructans died after keeping it for 2 hours daily at 40℃ for 9 days, and 45℃ for 8 days, but did not die at 38℃ for 9 days. Maximum soil temperature was 55.4℃ in 5 cm depth, 48.7℃ in 10 cm, 44.7℃ in 15 cm, 42.5℃ in 20 cm, and 31.9℃ in 30 cm by putting green manure into the soil and solarization. Reduction of sudan grass increased electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter, P2O5, K, and Mg, while decreased pH, NO3-N, and Na. Addition of calcium cyanamide and urea gave a negative effect on the growth of ginseng because EC and NO3-N were increased excessively than the optimal range. Solarization using green manure mixed with CC was the most effective in decreasing soil-borne pathogens of 2-year-old ginseng. But the root disease that occurred between single treatment of sudan grass and the treatment mixed with calcium cyanamide showed not a significant different. Addition of calcium cyanamide showed the decrease of root weight because leaves were dead early by a excessive increase of EC and NO3-N. Conclusion: Soil disinfection using green manure and solarization in greenhouse was effective in inhibiting root rot, however, it did not completely kill the soil-borne pathogens.

Ionizing radiation directly and indirectly affects gene expression within the plant genome. To access the physiological response of rice to different types of ionizing radiation, rice seeds were exposed to gamma-ray and ion beam radiation. Exposure to ionizing radiation dramatically decreased the shoot length compared with non-irradiated plants. Fluorescence-activated-cell-sorting (FACs) was used to measure DNA contents. There were significant correlations of dose-dependent between irradiated plant and non-irradiated plant. The radicals induced by the ionizing radiation in the plant could be observed by electron spin resonance (ESR). It was confirmed that the number of free radicals in cell was greatly increased all irradiated plants than non-irradiated plant. A significant positive correlation was shown between ionizing radiation dose and signal intensity. In order to determine the Genetic diversity, AFLP analysis was conducted with the irradiated plant and non-irradiated plant. Based on band patterns, the cluster analysis was conducted to evaluate the genetic variation by using the UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Grouping Method of Averages). Genetic diversity of irradiated plants by low dose ion beam was the closest non-irradiated plant and irradiated by high dose gamma-ray was the furthest from non-irradiated. We describe the detailed methods of ionizing irradiation and discuss its applications in genetic research as well as plant breeding.

xBrassicoraphanus, a new synthetic intergeneric hybrid between Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis and Raphanus sativus L., also locally known as ‘Baemoochae’, is an interesting subject for studying polyploidy and genome plasticity in the family Brassicaceae, but very few genomic and cytogenetic information. Here, we analysed the chromosome complements and pairing of the most fertile lines, BB1 and BB5, using dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) to check their chromosomal segregation stability. The somatic chromosome complement of B. rapa was confirmed to be 2n=20 (2.8~4.8μm), of R.sativus, 2n=18 (2.0~3.3μm), and of xBrassicoraphanus, 2n=38 (2.2~5.0μm). There were eight, eight, and seventeen metacentric pairs and two, one, and two submetacentric pairs in B. rapa, R. sativus, and xBrassicoraphanus, respectively. Additionally, three, two, and five pairs of 5S rDNA and five, three, and eight pairs of 45S rDNA were observed in B. rapa, R. sativus, and xBrassicoraphanus, respectively. This suggests that both B. rapa (AA) and R. sativus (RR) genomes, particularly the rDNA arrays, co-exist in xBrassicoraphanus (AARR) genome. In meiosis I, nineteen bivalents were most frequent, and GISH analysis showed ten bivalents from the A genome. This study would provide a useful information for further genomic study of xBrassicoraphanus and its improvement as a new promising breeding variety.

The aim of this study was to select the abiotic tolerant sorghum mutants using chlorophyll a transient OJIP analysis of PSⅠ and PSⅡ so called Kautsky’s effect within 1 second. It was clearly identified that wwt-and drought tolerant sorghum mutants could be classified by wet factor index(WFI). On the basis of WFI, wet tolerant sorghum matants were classified as follows; Ⅰ group, MUT534 bmr/new, MUT525 bmr; Ⅱ group, M2P1207 bmr, 25M2-0404 bmr, MUT371 bmr24, unknown bmr22, 10M2-0775 bmr, MUT135 bmr23; Ⅲ group, M2P0411 bmr, MUT641 bmr, M2P1064 bmr36, MUT855 bmr, 25M2-0137 bmr/new, MUT436 bmr, M2P0929 bmr, 25M2-0026 bmr, 10M2-0387 bmr, 25M2-0173 bmr/new; Ⅳ group, 25M2-0698 bmr. In conclusion, for the selection of wet tolerance, four photochemical parameters such as Electron transport flux until PSI acceptors per PSII(RE1o/RC), Performance index for energy conservation from photons absorbed by PSII antenna, until the reduction of PSI acceptors(PI_total ABS), Driving force on absorption basis(DF_total ABS) and Electron transport flux from QA to QB per PSII(ETo/RC) were important photochemical parameters deduced from maximum quantum yield and electron transport efficiency.

Compared to wide ranges of genetic variation of natural populations, very limited Miscanthus cultivar has been released. This study was the first report on the development of Miscanthus cultivar by means of radiation breeding. Seeds of M. sinensis were initially exposed to gamma rays of 250 Gy for 24 h, generated from a 60Co gamma-irradiator. The irradiated seeds were sown and then the highly tiller-producing mutants were selected for this study. Biomass-related parameters including tiller number, plant height, stem diameter, and leaf number were measured. Ploidy level and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) were investigated to characterize the mutants compared to wild type (WT) Miscanthus. Plant height and tiller number were negatively related, where multi-tillering mutants were relatively short after 4 month growth. However stem diameter and leaf number were greater in mutants. All the materials used in this study were diploid, implying that the mutants with greater tiller numbers and stem diameter were not likely related to polyploidization. Based on the sequence of ITS regions, the mutants demonstrated base changes from the gamma irradiation where G+C content (%) was decreased in the ITS1, but increased in ITS2 when compared to WT sequence. ITS2 region was more variable than in ITS1 in the mutants, which collectively allows identification of the mutants from WT. Those mutants having enhanced tillers and allelic variations might be used as breeding materials for enhanced biomass-producing Miscanthus cultivars.

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and fertility restoration have been utilized as valuable tools for F_1-hybrid seed production in many crops despite laborious breeding processes. Molecular markers for the selection of CMS-related genes help reduce the expenses and breeding times. A previously reported genomic region containing the Ppr-B gene, which is responsible for restoration of fertility and corresponds to the Rfo locus, was used to develop gene-based or so-called "functional" markers for allelic selection of the restorer-of-fertility gene (Rfo) in F_1-hybrid breeding of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Polymorphic sequences among Rfo alleles of diverse breeding lines of radish were examined by sequencing the Ppr-B alleles. However, presence of Ppr-B homolog, designated as Ppr-D, interferes on specific PCR amplification of Ppr-B in certain breeding lines. The organization of Ppr-D, resolved by genome walking, revealed extended homology with Ppr-B even in the promoter region. Interestingly, PCR amplification of Ppr-D was repeatedly unsuccessful in certain breeding lines implying the lack of Ppr-D in these radishes. Ppr-B could only be successfully amplified for analysis through designing primers based on the sequences unique to Ppr-B that exclude interference from Ppr-D gene. Four variants of Rfo alleles were identified from 20 breeding lines. A combination of three molecular markers was developed in order to genotype the Rfo locus based on polymorphisms among four different variants. These markers will be useful in facilitating F_1-hybrid cultivar development in radish.