Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) has been known as greater duckweed or great duckmeat. It is native inhabited in Korea. It is considered as a rich source of primary metabolites including protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Thus, it is considered as an alternative food source for the future. In addition, it has a strong phytoremediation capacity to remove various environmental pollutants, especially inorganic elements and pesticides. With a variety of duckweed’s application, there is an urgent need to develop a cultivation method for a sustainable supply of S. polyrhiza. In this study, an indoor vertical farm has been introduced to optimize duckweed cultivation. Indoor cultivated S. polyrhiza showed about 2-fold higher fresh weight than outdoor cultivated duckweed. Contents of inorganic elements were also significantly reduced in indoor cultivated S. polyrhiza. Especially, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) were approximately 10-fold decreased in indoor cultivated duckweed. On the other hand, contents of proteins and fats were significantly increased in indoor cultivated S. polyrhiza, while carbohydrates were found more in outdoor cultivated S. polyrhiza. Increasing N content in a homemade nutrition solution also enhanced fresh and dried weights of S. polyrhiza by about 1.8-fold in comparison with other commercial nutrition solutions. Proliferation rate (%) was doubled every 24 hours in this indoor vertical farm, indicating the accomplishment of a sustainable supply for S. polyrhiza. Further studies need to be undertaken to cultivate other duckweeds such as Wolffia arrhiza and Lemna minor using the same indoor farming system.

남방큰무당벌레(신칭)를 한국 미기록종으로 보고한다. 본 종은 국내 Harmornia속의 3종과는 둥글고 볼록한 체형, 앞가슴등판의 갈라진 점 모양, 각 딱지날개에 7개의 검은점이 1-3-2-1 배열로 나타나는 특징으로 쉽게 구별할 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 Harmonia속의 종 검색표, 진단형질과 DNA바코드 정보를 제공하고자 한다.

Efficient yet realistic ship routing is critical for reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions. However, conventional weather-routing algorithms often produce mathematically optimal routes that conflict with the paths mariners use. This study presents a hybrid approach that constrains physics-based weather routing within an AISderived maritime traffic network (MTN) built from one year of global Automatic Identification System data. The MTN represents common sea lanes as a graph of approximately 10,956 waypoints (nodes) and 17,561 directed edges. Using this network, an optimal low-emission route is computed via graph search and then compared against both a traditional unconstrained route and an advanced weather-routing model (VISIR-2). In a May transitionseason case (Busan–Singapore voyage), the AIS-constrained route reduced fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by about 1.9% relative to the fastest feasible route, while closely following real traffic corridors (over 90% overlap with actual 2024 AIS tracks). While this 1.9% saving does not reach the high-end potential of an unconstrained, state-of-the-art model like VISIR-2 (which can demonstrate double-digit savings in certain conditions), it is achieved with an increase in transit time of ~6.5 h (≈3.2%). This represents a crucial trade-off, prioritizing operational realism and adherence to real-world traffic corridors over maximum theoretical efficiency.

Stemflow (SF) is essential for water resources within forest ecosystems and can constitute up to half of the gross rainfall (GR), depending on the forest stand structures in coniferous plantations. Although numerous studies on SF yield have been reported globally for various forest types, very few studies on SF have been reported to examine the influence of forest stand structures on SF in Korea. This study aimed to quantify the relationship between SF and forest stand structures in unmanaged Japanese cypress plantations. Two study plots were established (10 m × 10 m each) in plantations with the same stem density (SD: 2500 stems ha-1) (hereafter P1 and P2). Almost all forest stand structures (canopy projection area, tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), number of live and dead branches, and ratio of canopy length to canopy width), including canopy volume using mobile LiDAR devices, were investigated. To evaluate the efficiency of funneling rainwater for the effect of tree biomass on SF, a funneling ratio (FR) was used. The present SF ratios (20.7% in P1 and 22.3% in P2) were much higher than those reported in previous studies of various forest types in Korea (SF ratios: 0.2–5.8% with a mean of 2.0%). This is due to the interaction between the high SD and many under-canopy dead branches. Individual-scale FR was correlated with DBH (R2 = 0.43). The present stand-scale FRs (FRstand) (22.3 in P1 and 29.2 in P2) were much higher than those reported in the previous studies (FRstand: 1.0–33.3 with a mean of 7.8) because of the negative relationship between FRstand and mean DBH (R2 = 0.78, p = 0.02). Our results provide useful information for understanding changes in SF caused by forest stand structures.

This study evaluated the effects of solid and water-soluble extracts derived from torrefied Pinus densiflora on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) germination and growth, as well as the cultivation efficiency of torrefied materials combined with plant nutrient solutions. Torrefied samples were prepared under various conditions (200°C, 220°C, 240°C for 20–80 minutes) and mixed with sand at ratios from 20% to 100%. Liquid extracts were formulated with macronutrients (N, P, K, Mg) and micronutrients (Mn, B, Fe, Cu) and applied to leafy and root vegetables. Germination tests showed that 60% and 80% torrefied treatments had the highest and most consistent rates, with torrefied samples promoting more rapid and stable germination than controls. A two-way ANOVA indicated a significant interaction between treatment and concentration (p = 0.043), suggesting concentration-specific effects. While shoot length showed no significant difference, root growth was marginally significant (p = 0.064), with washed torrefied material producing the longest roots. Physical analysis revealed that torrefied materials improved soil thermal retention and moisture-holding capacity. However, increasing torrefied content reduced porosity, likely due to fine particles filling soil pores. In conclusion, torrefied P. densiflora materials exhibit strong potential to enhance germination, root development, and soil condition. Optimal results were achieved with 40–60% solid mixtures for germination and 60–80% diluted extracts for rapid and consistent seedling growth. When optimally applied, they may serve as effective, sustainable amendments in cultivation systems.

산마늘(Allium microdictyon)과 울릉산마늘(A. ulleungense) 은 수선화과(Amaryllidaceae) 부추속(Allium)에 속하는 다년 초 식물로 산마늘은 우리나라에서는 지리산, 오대산 등의 고산 지대, 울릉산마늘은 울릉도에 분포하고 있다. 본 연구는 산마늘 과 울릉산마늘의 휴면과 발아특성을 조사하여 효과적인 대량증 식법을 위한 기초자료를 제공하고자 수행하였다. 실험은 2021 년 7월에 강원도 정선에서 재배한 산마늘 종자와 2021년 8월에 울릉도에서 채종한 종자를 사용하였다. 수분흡수 실험결과, 산 마늘과 울릉산마늘 모두 수분흡수 3시간 만에 20% 이상의 수분 흡수율을 보여 물리적 휴면이 없는 것으로 판단하였다. 온도 처리(25/15, 20/10, 15/6, 5℃) 실험에서 패트리디쉬에 종자 를 치상 후 30일 이전에 5℃를 제외한 나머지 온도 처리에서 모두 발아가 나타났으며, 산마늘과 울릉산마늘 종자의 발아 적 온은 20~25℃인 것으로 확인되었다. 저온층적(0, 4, 8, 12주)처 리 결과, 산마늘과 울릉산마늘 종자 모두 발아율 향상에는 큰 효과가 없었지만, 저온층적처리 기간이 길어질수록 발아세가 증가하는 양상을 보였다. GA3 처리 결과, 산마늘 종자는 처리 농도 간 유의성이 나타나지 않았지만, 울릉산마늘 종자는 처리 농도가 높아질수록 평균발아일수 및 발아균일도에서 유의적인 차이를 나타냈다. 이러한 결과를 통하여 산마늘과 울릉산마늘 종자는 non-deep PD 유형인 것으로 판단된다.

Effective cooling strategies are critical for cultivating high-quality ornamental plants during the summer. The fan-and-pad cooling system reduces greenhouse temperatures by drawing air through wet pads, which humidify and cool the air, aided by fans on the opposite side. However, the paper-based pads (corrugated cellulose) used in this system have limited durability and degrade with prolonged use. Nanocomposite hydrogels, with their polymer-based structure, can absorb and retain moisture through swelling, presenting a promising alternative. This study examines the application of nanocomposite hydrogels, focusing on their hygroscopic properties and cooling efficiency under various temperatures and wind speeds. When treated with lithium chloride solutions at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% saturation, higher LiCl concentrations reduced weight but increased swelling capacity. Optimal cooling effects were achieved with wind speeds of 1.0 m/s at 25°C and 1.5 m/s at 35°C, with greater efficiency observed at lower wind speeds. These findings suggest that integrating nanocomposite hydrogels into cooling pads could enhance durability and reduce maintenance compared with conventional paper pads.

This study investigates the factors influencing the seed longevity of Quercus myrsinifolia, a species with recalcitrant seeds highly sensitive to desiccation and freezing. The effects of moisture content, seed collection date, and storage methods on seed viability were analyzed using exponential decay modeling. Interactions between these factors were also explored to refine conservation strategies. Seeds with moisture content above 40% demonstrated a predicted seed longevity of 2.19 years, whereas those with moisture content below 30% had seed longevity of less than 1 year. Late-season seeds collected in November and December exhibited superior germination percentages and longer predicted seed longevity (1.32 years) compared to early-season seeds collected in September and October (<1 year). In seed weight, large seeds (2.0 g) showed longer predicted seed longevity about 1.5 times greater than that of small seeds (<1.2g). Storage methods significantly affected seed longevity, with refrigerator (4°C) with silica gel maintaining viability for 2–3 years, while seeds stored at room temperature (25°C) exhibited a seed longevity of less than 1 year. Silica gel was found to prevent seed deterioration due to over-desiccation, emphasizing the importance of balanced moisture regulation. Q. myrsinifolia seeds exhibited 𝑏 values ranging from 0.30 to 2.04, demonstrating a close relationship between decay constant, moisture content, storage conditions, and seed longevity. These findings provide critical insights into optimizing seed storage and propagation strategies for Q. myrsinifolia, contributing to its conservation and ecological restoration efforts.

Maturity at harvest is the key factor influencing storage life and the final quality of fruit. This study examined how the firmness of ‘Sweet Gold’ kiwifruit at harvest affects its post-ripening characteristics to create a maturity chart. Throughout the storage period, firmness decreased in all categories of fruit: hard, medium, and soft. ‘Soft’ fruits lost 40% of their firmness within 2 days after harvest, whereas ‘hard’ fruits remained firmer than soft fruits throughout the storage period and had the least soluble solids content, indicating a slower ripening progression. The acidity of ‘soft’ kiwifruit was very low from the day of harvest, suggesting that it was utilized as a respiratory substrate during ripening. The a-values (indicating redness) for ‘soft’ fruits gradually increased until day 6, stabilizing thereafter. ‘Soft’ fruits exhibited the highest ethylene production rate throughout storage. They showed a climacteric rise in ethylene on day 13, compared to ‘medium’ and ‘hard’ fruits, which exhibited increases on days 19 and 21, respectively. This data can help determine the optimal ethylene treatment duration for ripening ‘Sweet Gold’ kiwifruit. The firmness of ‘Sweet Gold’ kiwifruit at harvest is a crucial factor in determining its marketability and can effectively serve as a maturity index to estimate its shelf life.

기후변화로 인해 국내에서의 기온, 강수량, 호우일수가 증가 할 것으로 예측됨에 따라, 토양 답압과 높은 불투수면적 비율이 나타나는 도심지를 중심으로 정원과 공공녹지에 활용되는 식물 소재에 있어 내침수성이 중요한 특성으로 부각될 가능성이 높 다. 그러나 내침수성 식물소재에 대한 대다수의 문헌은 재배경 험이나 각 종의 서식지 환경에 기반하고 있는 경우가 많아 실험 적 검증이 필요하다. 따라서 본 연구는 토양수분함량이 높은 서식지에서 기원한 골등골나물(Eupatorium lindleyanum DC.), 새등골나물(E. fortunei Turcz.), 좀개미취(Aster maackii Regel) 3개 종과 중간인 서식지에서 기원한 까실쑥부쟁이 (A. ageratoides Turcz.) 1개 종의 침수조건에 대한 생육반응 비교로 서식지 환경이 내침수성 평가의 유효한 지표인지 알아보 고자 하였다. 실험대상 종을 6주간 무처리(대조구), 5일 침수처리, 7일 침수처리한 결과, 골등골나물과 새등골나물은 대조구와 처리구간 생육반응에서 유의한 차이가 관찰되지 않아 높은 수준 의 내침수성을 지니는 것으로 나타났다. 좀개미취는 생장반응이 처리구에서 대조구 대비 유의하게 감소하여 내침수성은 제한적 인 것으로 보였으나, 5일 침수처리구에서 광계 II의 최대양자효 율(Fv/Fm)이, 두 처리구 모두에서 지상부 대비 지하부의 비율 (R/S율)이 대조구와 유의한 차이를 보이지 않아 침수조건의 해 소 후 회복 가능성을 지니는 것으로 나타났다. 까실쑥부쟁이는 처리 4 주차에 모든 처리구에서 100%의 고사율을 보여 내침수 성을 갖추지 못한 것으로 판단되었다. 결론적으로, 서식지 환경 은 내침수성과 관련이 있다 할 수 있었으나, 내침수성의 정확한 평가를 위해서는 토양수분함량 외 다양한 환경요소들을 함께 고려해야할 필요성이 있을 것으로 보인다.

Background: With the growing interest in the health of companion dogs, their average lifespan has increased, leading to an increase in the proportion of elderly dogs. As elderly dogs are vulnerable to various diseases, there is a need for alternatives to predict the risk of major diseases in senior dogs, prevent them in advance, and manage their health effectively. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify candidate genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influencing primary angle-closure glaucoma, a major disease in elderly dogs, using the Axiom Canine HD Array and establishing foundational data. Methods: Samples from 95 dogs of 26 breeds from South Korea were analyzed using an SNP chip. Ultimately, two SNPs were selected. To assess the impact of non-synonymous SNP (nsSNPs), functional analysis of candidate genes, Hazard Assessment, and protein structure prediction were conducted. Sequencing for SNP validation involved samples from 95 dogs of ten breeds with reported domestic and international glaucoma cases. Results: The candidate gene TNS1 was associated with the integrin signaling pathway. The selected nsSNP was found to cause a mutation at the ninth position of the amino acid sequence, changing serine to leucine and resulting in alterations to the overall protein structure. Sequencing analysis results for SNP validation revealed differences in frequency among breeds. Conclusions: The identified SNP markers are potential risk prediction tools. Utilizing genotype frequency data by breed and individual could aid in disease management and contribute to advancements in the medical industry.