In abalones, interspecific hybridization has been suggested as a possible means to increase production and desired traits for the industry. In Korea, Haliotis gigantea is considered a species with a larger size and higher temperature tolerance than H. discus hannai. However, H. discus hannai is considered the most valuable and popular fishery resource due to its better acceptance and higher market prices. Thus, viable interspecific hybrids have been produced by artificial inseminating H. gigantea eggs with H. discus hannai sperm. However, the reciprocal hybrid cross was not successful. In this study, the hybridity and the growth and thermal tolerance performance of the interspecific hybrids were examined. A combination of various assays revealed maximum growth occurrence at 21℃ and the higher growth rate in the hybrids than that of H. discus hannai parent. In addition, the growth and survival at high-temperature (28℃) of the hybrids was equivalent to that of the highly tolerant H. gigantea parent, suggesting new possibilities to overcome the mass mortality in H. discus hannai during high temperature periods of summer season in Korea. Furthermore, the induced interspecific hybrid status was confirmed by the presence of species-specific bands for each parental species of the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiles using universal rice primer (URP), which could be used as speciesspecific markers to distinguish the hybrids and their parental species.

Background: Astragalus membranaceus belonging to the Leguminosae family is often utilized as a traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to elucidate the basic breeding information required to develop short stem A. membranaceus cultivars. Methods and Results: Roots of A. membranaceus advanced yield trial (AYT) lines were harvested in late October 2017. Root yield of six AYT lines were increased in a range of 8.9 - 74.8% compared with ‘Aseong’ as control (check variety). The height of seven AYT lines were shorter than that of ‘Aseong’. In addition, stem diameter of nine AYT lines was thicker than that of ‘Aseong’. Consequently, 1502-56, 1503-90, and 1510-80 were selected as elite lines for the development of short stem cultivars. HPLC analysis was perfromed to identify lines with high level active components such as calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside and calycosin. The levels of both active components were higher in 1502-56, and 1503-90, but not in 1510-80 compared to ‘Aseong’. In addition, 2,2-Diphenyl- 1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was higher in the 1502-56 compared to ‘Aseong’. Considering these results, two AYT lines, 1502-56 and 1503-90 were selected as short stem lines with high calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside and calycosin content. Conclusions: Taken together, Two short stem lines were identified in this study. In our future study, regional yield trial (RYT) will be conducted using these selected lines to develop new cultivars.

Background : Rehmannia glutinosa root has been commonly used as traditional medicine in Korea. This root including prepared rehmannia that is the steamed root of rehmannia can be also used as food. This study was performed to analyze the quality properties of the root and the tea with different steaming conditions to evaluate the potential as a tea. Methods and Results : For this study, we used ‘Dagang’, new variety of R. glutinosa, developed by NIHHS. The root was dried and steamed for 9 times. Every steaming, powder and extract were used for pH, antioxidant activity analysis (total phenolic acid and total flavonoid content) and sensory evaluation. As steaming repeated, pH was decreased. The total phenolic acid and total flavonoid content was increased during steaming process. In the sensory evaluation for the tea, 56% of respondents (A group) recognized the difference between 6th and 9th steaming tea correctly but 44% (B group) didn’t. The sensory scores showed that 6th and 7th steaming tea had higher overall preference scores than other samples. This tendency was more clear in the A group. Depending on the age group, there were significant different tendency among 3 age groups (20 – 30 s, 40 – 50 s, over 60 s). The youngest group was preferred 6th than 9th steaming tea. On the other hands, 9th steaming tea had more priority than 6th steaming tea in older age group. Conclusion : This study showed a potential of R. root as a tea material. The quality properties of the R. root are affected by steaming conditions and the preference tendency of tea was different depending on the age group. These data can be used to develop tea material suitable for consumer age and establish optimal steaming conditions in industrial use.

Background : In the process of developing new disease-resistant cultivar of Rehmannia glutinosa, it is essential to screen plants based on resistance to their disease. But until now, we have relied on visual inspection for selection of disease-resistant cultivar. Therefore, this experiment was carried out to establish an efficient and reliable screening system and test the resistance to leaf spot disease in R. glutinosa cultivars developed until now. Methods and Results : We have tested 11 R. glutinosa cultivars developed so far. Rootstock of R. glutinosa were sown in 20 × 20 ㎝ plastic square port and grown in green house at 25 ± 5℃ for four months and then cutting leaves were inoculated with Phoma sp. HCRD 17103 by spraying spore suspention of fungus at concentration of 1 × 107 spore/㎖. The inoculated leaves were incubated in a dew chamber at 25℃ for 48h and then transferred to glass house (25 ± 5℃, RH 80% ≥ ). After 3 - 5 days when the most susceptible cultivar had lesion area over 40%, disease severity of the cultivars was investigated on a scale of 0 - 9 (0 = healthy, 1 = 0 - 1%, 3 = 1.1 - 10%, 5 = 10.1 - 20%, 7 = 20.1 - 40%, 9 = 40.1% over). The degree of resistance was determined according to the disease index (0 and 1 = resistant, 3 = moderately resistant, 5, 7 and 9 = susceptible). As a result of experiments according to the above criteria, the disease index of cultivar Gogang, Dagang, Segang, Yeongang, Wongang, and Dahwang was 1, cultivar Togang, Daegyung, Jiwhang 1 and Goryeo was 3, cultivar Hwanggang was 9, respectively. Conclusion : From the above results, six cultivars such as Gogang, Dagang, Segang, Yeongang, Wongang, and Dahwang were resistant, four cultivar such as Togang, Daegyung, Jiwhang 1 and Goryeo were moderately resistant, and only one cultivar Hwanggang was susceptible to the leaf spot disease by Phoma sp. This experiment used only leaves and we plan to use whole plants in the future to see more accurate resistance response.

Background : Great achievements have been made to form a system to protect seed intellectual property rights over the past years in Korea. The system is divided into two parts: the plant variety protection (PVP) system and the patent. Korea has a dual protection system unlike Europe. The purpose of this study was to examine the application and industry trends, and the registration states of herbal crops under the PVP system. Methods and Results : Eighteen years have passed since Korea introduced PVP system. The number of plant varieties were applied for the registration were 9,959 and 7,070 among 9,959 were registered until the end of 2017. The total number of 9,959 applicant varieties formulations like ornamental crops (5,036 varieties, 52%) > vegetables (2,149, 22%) > food crops (1,251, 13%) > persimmon trees (626, 6%) > special crops (397, 4%) > mushrooms (267, 2%) > and forage crops (69, 1%). The total number of 7,070 registered varieties formulations like ornamental (3,779 varieties, 54%) > vegetables (1,344, 19%) > food crops (1,020, 15%) > persimmon trees (398, 5%) > special crops (282, 4%) > mushrooms (169, 2%) > and forage crops (42, 1%). Among the applicant varieties for registration, special 50 type crops in 397 varieties were applied until the end of 2017. The applicant varieties formulation like sesame (72 varieties) > perilla (54) > peanuts (53) > ginseng (32) > Tea tree (18) > rape (31) > matrimony vine (14) > mulberry (11). Among the remained 42 crops, less than 10 varieties were applied. Oilseed crops such as sesame, perilla, peanut and rapeseed are 60% of the total number of applications for special crops, 32% of herbal crops such as ginseng and foxglove (Rehmannia glutinosa), 8% in fiber (ramie) and beverage crops (stevia, tea). Compared with Japan, 33,206 varieties were applied and 8,963 were registered as of March 31, 2018. Among the special crops, 287 varieties (0.8%) were applied and 126 varieties (1.4%) were registered. Conclusion : The total of 9,959 varieties have been applied for the PVP, of which 397 (4%) are special crops and 282 (4%) among 397 are registered varieties. The number of applications of herbal crops such as ginseng and foxglove consist 165 varieties, which corresponds to 2% of total applications. Compared with Japan in the term of registered special crops, in Korea they have been registered about twice as much.

Background : Adenophora triphylla var japonica is a perennial herb that belongs to Campanulaceae. Radix Adenophorae is a dried rhizome of A. triphylla and same genus plant. It has contains chemicals such as cycloartenyl acetate, lupenone, β-sitosterol, taraxerone, octacosanoic acid, and praeruptorin A. Radix Adenophorae considered to be effective regulating humoral and cellular immunity, antimutation, restraining adenocarcinoma cell, strengthening cardiac function, allaying a fever, and easing pain and cough. In this study, we tried to establish a mass production system of A. triphylla which has high economic value as a medicinal herb by plant tissue culture in order to cultivate standard varieties. Methods and Results : In this study, A. triphylla internode was used as a explant and it was surface sterilized by 1% sodium hypochlorite for 5 minutes, consequently several times washed with ddH2O. Further it was placed in to MS medium including with axillary bud. The 1/2MS, B5, SH was used in this research. And the plant growth regulator of 0.1 - 2 ㎎/ℓ auxins (NAA, IBA) and cytokines (BA) were used respectively to achieve multiple shoots. The whole study was carried out in the department of Herbal crop research, Eumseong, RDA. Conclusion : In this study we obtained, 6.2 multi-shoots per an explant, and the shoot growth was also favorable in the presence of 1.0 ㎎/ℓ BA and 1.0 ㎎/ℓ IBA.

Background : Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort is a perennial herb of the Umbelliferae family and an important traditional oriental medicinal plant. The compounds contained in L. chuanxiong can be divided into five kinds, essential oil, alkaloids, phenolic acids, phthalide lactones, and other constituents. These compounds have cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects, antioxidants, neuroprotection, anti-fibrinolytic, antidotes, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. In this study, we anticipated to establish the in vitro propagation system of L. chuanxiong, which is a high economic value as medicinal herb, by plant tissue culture to solve the problem of root stocks contamination. Methods and Results : The whole study was carried out in the department of Herbal crop research, Eumseong, RDA. In this study, L. chuanxiong nodes was used as an explant and it was surface sterilized by 2% sodium hypochlorite for 1 minutes, then washed with ddH2O several times. Further the surface sterilized nodes were placed on MS basal media. Multiple shoots were induced on MS, SH, WPM media with 0.1 - 2 ㎎/ℓ auxin (NAA, IBA) and cytokine (BA). In this study we obtained 4.6 multi-shoots per an explant, and growth of the shoot was also favorable in the presence of 1.0 ㎎/ℓ BA. Subsequent transfer of these regenerated shoots on 1/2 MS media resulted in root formation. The rooted plantlets were able to grow in soil after 3 weeks of acclimatization. Conclusion : The optimal conditions for in vitro propagation of L. chuanxiong were established through this experiment.

Background : Rehmannia glutinosa (RG) has been utilized as a traditional medicine in Asia. However, the development of varieties is limited and the climate is changing gradually. Therefore, it is required to develop a superior lineage suitable for this. So we have secured several species, and it is necessary to confirm the cytotoxicity of various kinds of cells for its safety and to secure safety for further utilization. Methods and Results : 11 cultivars and 21 lineages of RG were collected from Rural Development Administration (RDA) at Eumseong of Chungcheongbuk-do and national farmhouse. They were cultivated in test-research farm in RDA and used as materials. Human (THP-1 cell, human leukemia monocytic cell line) and rodent-derived immune cells (RAW264.7, murine monocyte/macrophage cell line) and hepatocytes (HepG2, human liver cell line) were used to assess cytotoxicity. Cytotoxicity was determined by using MTT assay. As a result of evaluation of cytoxicity, 11 cultivars and 21 lineages of RG were not shown cytotoxicity range from 250 - 1,000 ㎍/㎖ concentration in THP-1 cell, RAW264.7 cell and HepG2 cell. Conclusion : Development of RG with superior lineage suitable for changing climate is required. We selected a good lineage (21 ea), and result of the cytotoxicity evaluation from low to high concentrations in immune- and liver-derived cells, there was no toxicity at all. Therefore, if these excellent lineages are distributed to farmers, they can help farmers. And it can help research on immunity and liver function in the future.

Background : Astragalus membranaceus belonging to the family of Leguminosae have been utilized as a traditional medicine. The aim of this study is to elucidate the basic information for breeding to superior Astragalus membranaceus cultivar. Methods and Results : Selection lines were developed by the medicinal crop breeding team of National Institute of Horticulture and Herbal Science (NIHHS), Rural Development Administration (RDA). The root of A. membranaceus lines were harvested in late October 2017. Calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside and calycosin were anlyzed by HPLC. The root yield of six selection lines were increased 8.9 - 74.8% compared with ‘Aseong’ (check variety). Also, the plant height of seven selection lines were shorter than ‘Aseong’. The calycosin–7-O-β -d-glucoside content was higher in six selection lines than ‘Aseong’. The calycosin content was higher in all selection lines except 1 line (1508 - 03) than that of ‘Aseong’. Conclusion : Three superior lines with short height and high yield were selected. These superior lines will conduct advanced yield trial to make varieties.

Background : Rehmannia glutinosa is a perennial herb belonging to family Scrophulariaceae. This study was breeding of R. glutinosa cultivar with insect tolerance and high-yielding. Methods and Results : ‘Chunggang’ is developed by the medicinal crop breeding team of National Institute of Horticulture and Herbal Science (NIHHS), Rural Development Administration (RDA), during the period from 2005 to 2017. The reproduction of Rehmannia glutinosa has been accomplished mainly by vegetative propagation with its seedlings. This cultivar was selected from seedling of RG10. The plant type of Chungang is some rising from ground. Regional yield trials conducted at three site from 2016 to 2017. The root yield of ‘Chunggang’ was 22.3 ton per hectare, which was increased 11% compared with ‘Jihwang 1’ (check variety). Also, ‘Chunggang’ has higher insect tolerance compared with ‘Jihwang 1’. Conclusion : ‘Chunggang’ is a insect tolerance and high-yielding Rehmannia glutinosa cultivar.

Background : Rehmannia glutinosa is a perennial herb belonging to family Scrophulariaceae. This study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness through seedling cultivation of R. glutinosa. Methods and Results : The root of R. glutinosa cultivar (Jihwang 1) was harvested in the middle of March. Seed rhizomes were seedling after air curing for three days. And seed rhizomes were plug seedlings for 30 days (30D), 45 days (45D) and 60 days (60D) then planted in the test field. Mat formation rate in 30D, 45D and 60D was 81.3, 100 and 100% respectively. Flowering occurred only in 45D and 60D except 30D. Flowering rate of 45D and 60D were 7.3 ± 3.06 and 13.3 ± 1.15%. Agronomic characteristics were evaluated in comparison with ND (directly seeded group). As a results, aerial parts of 30D in plant height, leaf length and leaf width were better than other treatment group but the number of leaf per plant was statistically the same. Also, root shape was similar when comparing ND and seedling groups. Conclusion : Taken together, it is thought that the cultivation of R. glutinosa. seedlings is possible. However, further evaluation of the economic aspect is needed.

The use of Rehmannia glutinosa of the family Scrophulariaceae, in traditional medicine is well known. This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of air curing of the seed rhizome of R. glutinosa on its storability and yield. Methods and Results: The root of the R. glutinosa cultivar (Dagang) was harvested in at the end of November. The seed rhizomes were air cured for one to seven days. They were subsequently wrapped with newspaper and further stored in a plastic container at 1℃. It was observed that the weight loss and decay rates were significantly lower in the air cured seeds than in the untreated ones. Moreover, the decay rate of the control was approximately 50%, 120 days after storage. However. the decay rate of all the air cured treatment groups was less than 1%. Additionally, air curing led to an increase in the germination rate of the seeds and the root yield when compared with the untreated groups. Taken together, the ideal treatment period for air curing was found to be 3 days. Under these conditions, the germination rate and yield were 88.7% and 2,185 ㎏/10a, respectively. Conclusions: This study successfully demonstrated that the air curing of seed rhizomes can lead to a considerable increase in the storability and yield of R. glutinosa.

Background : Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) is a perennial plant found in East Asian countries and an crucial medicinal herb especially in Korea. It contains several chemicals like pyranocoumarins, which are major active components including decursin (D) and decursinol angelate (DA), essential oils and polyacetylenes. This study was carried out to determine the change in active components depending on the root diameter of AGN. Methods and Results : Several processing steps are involved to use AGN roots as medicine. The dried AGN roots are divided into body (B), thick root (TkR), medium root (MR) and thin root (TnR) according to their diameter before cutting into medicine. Among them, B and TkR are mainly used as medicine. The mean diameter of dried each root part (B, TkR, MR, TnR) were measured as 51.95, 7.05, 2.88, and 1.57 ㎜, respectively. The water content of each root part was slightly reduced depending on the size of the diameter (higher in B). In addition, the two active components, D and DA, were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. The change of both D and DA content showed a similar tendency. Both D and DA content were increased as the root diameter decreased (higher in TnR). Conclusion : This study showed that the thinner the root diameter, the higher the D and DA content in AGN roots, suggesting that the thinner root parts of AGN could be used as potential materials.