In order to understand the flora of Mt. Byungdoo, survey of vascular plants was conducted in 2010. It found that flora of Mt. Byoungdoo was consisted of 295 taxa, i.e., 218 species, four subspecies, 60 varieties, and 13 formae. Among them, Korean endemic species was 18 taxa. Also, the conservatory plants classified from fifth to first grade by Ministry of Environment were distributed 60 taxa in the Mt. Byungdoo. It is shown that this site is very high biodiversity in spite of small area relatively. The naturalized plants were found eighteen taxa. Eleutherococcus senticosus and Lilium cernuum, rare and endangered species, were confirmed from this survey. Therefore, it needs the conservation strategy for rare and endangered species.

In order to monitoring the flora change of Yongneup, an alpine wetland, survey of vascular plants was conducted. It found that flora of Yongneup was consisted of 249 taxa, i.e., 205 species, two subspecies, 36 varieties, and six formae. Among them, Korean endemic species was totally 18 taxa. Also, the conservatory plants classified from fifth to first grade by Ministry of Environment were distributed 71 taxa in the Yongneup area. It is shown this area is very high biodiversity. The naturalized plants were found only five taxa. Especially, Trientalis europaea var. arctica and Menyanthes trifoliata, rare and endangered species, were re-confirmed this time. However, we could not find some plants reported previously. Therefore, it needs more correct investigation in future.

This survey was carried out to investigate the flora of Mt. Maenghyun-bong at Injae. Vascular plants surveyed were consisted of 337 taxa, i.e., 262 species, 3 subspecies, 59 varieties, and 13 formae. Korean endemic plants were Asarum maculatum, Aconogonon microcarpum, Clematis trichotoma, Corydalis maculata, Vicia chosenensis, Viola diamantiacai, Lonicera subsessilis, and Cirsium setidens. Also, the conservatory plants classified from first grade to fifth grade were distributed 69 taxa in the Mt. Maenghyung-bong area. The naturalized plants found eleven species. Especially, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Cimicifuga heracleifolia, Anemone umbrosa, rare and endangered species, were found in this area firstly.

This survey was carried out to investigate the flora of Micheongol nature recreation forest at Yangyang. Vascular plants surveyed were consisted of 285 taxa, i.e., 254 species, 2 subspecies, 28 varieties, and 1 formae. Korean endemic plants were Cirsium setidens, Viola diamantica, Hanabusaya asiatica, Deutzia coreana, Aster koraiensis, Tilia taquetii, Vaccinium hirtum var. koreanum, Salvia chanryonica, Filipendula glaberrima, Tilia rufa, Salix caprea and Anemone koraiensis. Also, the conservatory plants classified from first to fifth grade were distributed 47 taxa in the Micheongol nature recreation forest area. The naturalized plants were found 12 taxa. Especially, Leontice microrrhyncha S. Moore, rare and endangered species, was found in this area firstly.

Background : Miscanthus sinensis is a C4 crop with high photosynthetic efficiency and is known as a representative cellulose-based bio-energy crop originating in East Asia such as Korea, Japan, and China. It also has a high resistance to environmental conditions such as low temperature and drying and pests. However, many studies on the antioxidant activity of the M. sinensis have not been conducted. Therefore, this study was conducted to measure total phenol and total flavonoid contents of the M. sinensis accessions collected from some countries and to select the M. sinensis accessions with rich total phenol and total flavonoid contents. The results of this study can be used as basic data for future breeding. Methods and Results : This study carried out the total phenol and total flavonoid contents analysis of M. sinensis collected from different country to preserve genetic resources. Total 205 accessions of M. sinensis were collected from the USA, China, Korea, Japan, Thailand and Zambia. Their leaves were extracted with 100% methanol and concentrated at 45℃. To determine total phenol and total flavonoid contents, we measured the total phenolic content and total flavonoid content. The highest total phenolic conten t(81.04 ± 0.02 ㎎·GAE/g) showed in the accession (PMS-178) from China. The highest total flavonoid content (32.66 ± 0.01 ㎎·QE/g) showed in the accession (KMS104) from Korea. On the other hand the lowest total phenolic content (1.11 ± 0.00 ㎎·GAE/g) and the total flavonoid content (0.81 ± 0.00 ㎎·QE/g) were obtained from the accession (M. sinensis ‘Super Stripe’) from USA. Conclusion : In this study, we analysed the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents by country of origin.

Background : Miscanthus is a species of flowering plant in the family poaceae, native to Eastern Asia throughout most of China, Japan, Taiwan and Korea. It is diploid hybrid grass used as bioenergy plant, biomass production and high quality of cellulose and ethanol production. It is an herbaceous perennial grass, growing up to 0.8 - 3.0 m tall, rarely 4.0 m, forming dense clumps from an underground rhizome. Recently, Studies on Miscanthus have been carried out on the growth characteristics and to see the antioxidant difference of Miscanthus for functional materials in various regions. Methods and Results : This study carried out the antioxidant activities of Miscanthus collected from different countries of origin. Two hundred one accessions of Miscanthus were collected in 7 countries (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, U.S.A, Zambia). Initially, each leaves were extracted with 70% ethanol to determine actioxidant activty. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. The highest DPPH radical scavenging activity showed in the accession [M. sinensis ‘Kleine Silberspinne (little silver spider)’] from U.S.A (RC50: 10.66 ± 15.46 ㎍/㎖) and the lowest showed in the accession (M. sinensis ‘Supr Stripe’) from U.S.A (RC50: 188.03 ± 0.86 ㎍/㎖). The ABTS radical scavenging activity showed the highest in the accession (No.401: JM0310.002) from Japan (RC50: 17.97 ± 3.26 ㎍/㎖) and the lowest showed in the accession (M. sinensis ‘Supr Stripe’) from U.S.A (RC50: 416.88 ± 10.05 ㎍/㎖). Conclusion : The antioxidant activity of Miscanthus showed in average DPPH radical scavenging activity (RC50: 74.05 ± 3.74 ㎍/㎖) and ABTS radical scavenging activity (RC50: 81.46 ± 3.95 ㎍/㎖). In this study, it may be used for feed crops or food crops as a functional material.

Background : Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer is a medicinal plant corresponding to 'raw materials for food use' in Korean food standards codex, and it is known that it has the same origin although it is classified into wild ginseng, cultured ginseng and red ginseng. It varies morphologically, molecularly, depending on the cultivation or habitat environment. In this study, we carried out experiments for the morphological differentiation of cultured ginseng (Hongcheon, Gunsan, Miryang) and adventitious roots culture of wild mountain ginseng (by company). Methods and Results : Morphological observations were made with resin sectioning method (RSM). The test method was sampled, preprocessed, embedded, segmented, slid and then observed with an optical microscope. The epidermis, cortex and vascular tissues were identified in the inner cross section of adventitious roots culture of wild mountain ginseng. Phloem was formed at the center, and xylem was formed at the side. In cultured ginseng, the organs of the vascular tissues were differentiated into two, whereas in the adventitious roots culture of wild mountain ginseng, one vascular tissue was formed due to the thin adventitious. Conclusion : Plant resources have the diversity of using the same or different origins depending on their distribution. The morphological differentiation method of ginseng and adventitious roots culture of wild mountain ginseng is expected to be based on domestic fair trade to prevent discrimination.

Background : Miscanthus sinensis is a diploid hybrid and a temperate, perennial, cross-pollinating grass used as bioenergy plant, biomass production and high quality cellulose and ethanol production. This study was to carried out to investigate the expression of MsCOMT gene and the variation of lignocellulosic component and phenolic compounds contents in transgenic plants. Methods and Results : Multiple bands were detected from the homologous region of the COMT gene in PCR analysis. In order to obtain more detailed results, putative transgenic lines were estimated by RT-PCR analysis to confirm the expression of mRNA. Also, analysis of the lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and phenolic compound contents of transgenic Miscanthus plants were performed. Total lignin content of transgenic plants was lower than that of the control plant due to reduced caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene expression related to lignin production. Cellulose and hemicellulose contents in transgenic plants were not increased. Variation in cellulose and hemicellulose contents had no correlation with variation in lignin content of transgenic plants. Conclusion : In conclusion, transgenic M. sinensis was obtained with down-regulated COMT gene. Lignin synthesis was decreased what offers possibility of crop modification for facilitated biofuel production.

Background : Sorghum is a major cereal food crop used in many parts of the world. It has been grown on a subsistence level by farmers, under various conditions of environmental stresses in the semi-arid tropics of Africa and Asia. This crop has received significant attention because of its ability to lower cholesterol in the blood, and its anti-dementia, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It is possible to develop a functional and commercially viable sorghum variety by using superior cultivars of sorghum. The objective of this study was to construct a database of superior sorghum accession. Methods and Results : We used 250 sorghum accessions collected from different geographical bioregion in Korea. We determined various growth characters including germination rate and ear length of these accessions. To determine the antioxidant capacity, we measured the DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS scavenging activity, total phenolic contents, and total flavonoid contents. 189 accession showed higher germination (> 80%) than other accessions. Higher DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed in 11-SB-078 (RC50: 1.89 ± 2.88 ㎍/ ㎖), and higher ABTS scavenging activity was recorded in 11-SB-116 (RC50: 35.48 ± 2.42 ㎍/㎖) than other accessions. The ear length ranged from 15 ㎝ to 48 ㎝, the total phenolic contents ranged from 3 ㎎·GAE/g to 77 ㎎·GAE/g, and total flavonoid contents ranged from 0.09 ㎎·QE/g to 1.07 ㎎·QE/g. Conclusion : Among 250 sorghum accessions, we selected 10 with both superior agronomic characters and higher functional food quality.

Background: The light emitting plasma (LEP) has recently attracted attention as a novel artificial light source for plant growth and functional component enhancement. We investigated the effects of LEP on whitening and antioxidant activities of the plant parts of perilla. Methods and Results: Previously germianted seeds of perilla were cultivated under different light conditions (fluoresce lamp, LED red, blue, white, green, and LEP) in a culture room for 2 months. Parts of perilla were harvested and extracted in 70% EtOH. The extracts were used to detect total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis- 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), reducing power and tyrosinase inhibition activity as indicators of biological activity. Biological activity was highest in seedlings grown under LEP. The total phenolic content was highest in the stems and the total flavonoid content was highest in the roots of perilla exposed to LEP. The DPPH and ABTS radical activity in all the parts of perilla exposed to LEP were higher by approximately three-fold compared to that in the control (fluoresce lamp). The reducing power values of perilla significantly increased after treatment with LEP. In addition, all the extract of perilla plants exposed to LEP promoted the tyrosinase inhibitory activity. These results suggest that LEP can be an important artificial light source for enhancement of biological activity. Conclusions: LEP could promote whitening and antioxidant activity of perilla.

Background : Temperature is major factor for growth plant. Recently, because of global warming, abnormal temperature included drought, deluge, sudden temperature change and heavy snow damaged crops in the world. In Korea, crops have been sensitive to low temperature on early growth stage, e.g. fruit tree and ginseng, were damaged owing to sudden heavy snow and cold on Spring. Therefore, recently interest in cold resistance crops were increased in demand rapidly. This study was performed to establish transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana by transforming cold resistant gene related to cold tolerance S-adenosylmethionine synthetase (SAMS) isolated from Miscanthus sinensis. Methods and Results : Total RNA was extracted from leaves of M. sinensis using Trizol assay and isolated MsSAMS. Isolated MsSAMS was insert into SacⅠ- XbaⅠ sites of pMBP1 vector. The vector was transformed to Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 by DH5α. A. tumefaciens with binary plasmid were selected at YEP medium supplemented with kanamycin. Cut leaves of tobacco were co-cultured with selected A. tumefaciens. Co-cultured leaves was grown on regeneration medium for a month at dark condition, and transferred to at light condition. Regeneration shoot from callus were excised and transferred to root-induction medium. Approximately, 58% of leaves explant produced callus. Nearly, 30% of callus had shoot and approximately, 94% of shoots were rooted in root-induction medium. Conclusion : We established an efficient transformation system of N. benthamiana transformed by using MsSAMS gene related to cold tolerance isolated from M. sinensis. We may use the produced transgenic plants to prevent damages carried by cold.

Background : Miscanthus is a diploid hybrid and a temperate, perennial, cross-pollinating grass used as bioenergy plant, biomass production and high quality cellulose and ethanol production. This study was to determine an efficient transformation system for Miscanthus sinensis, and to optimize factors and conditions required for expression of MsCOMT–AS gene. Methods and Results : An efficient transformation of callus from M. sinensis was established using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 harboring a binary vector pMBP1. In order to establish stable transformation system, we obtained high transformation rate from callus by various transformation factor explant type, strain, co-culture periods, acetosyringone concentration, and selective marker. Finally, in this study, seven putative transgenic plants were obtained. Through various tests including PCR analysis and southern blot were to detect antisense of COMT digested Xba I and Sac I restriction enzymes. The biomass of the control plant was superior than transgenic plants. Conclusion : This study was to develop transgenic Miscanthus sinensis by Agrobacterium tumerfeciens mediated transformation to produce high bioethanols and to reduce the lignin content of transgenic plants. Detailed characterization of the transgenic plants revealed interesting finding about COMT gene expression in the segregates

Background : The major compounds of Angelica species are decursin, decursinol angelate, nodakenin, umbelliferone and β-sitosterol, which act anti-inflammatories, reduce pains, protect the liver and enhance the immune system. This study investigated the chemical compositions, minerals, metals, sugars and overall amino acid composition in Angelica gigas Nakai. Methods and Results : Powder of Angelica roots smaller than 30 mesh were used. Physico chemical analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates (62.0%), crude proteins (13.9%), moisture (11.4%), crude fats (7.3%) and ash (5.4%). Results showed that potassium was present in the highest amount (1,859 ppm), followed by magnesium (214.5 ppm), calcium (147.3 ppm) and sodium (6.0 ppm). Free sugar profiles showed the presence of sucrose (29.3 g/100 g). The total amino acids concentrations was 9,752 ㎎/ 100 g, the most common and dominant amino acids were arginine (2,181 ㎎/100 g), glutamic acid (1,212 ㎎/100 g) and aspartic acid (834 ㎎/100 g). The total free amino acids contents was 1,476 ㎎/100 g, in which the most common amino acid were arginine (932 ㎎/100 g), glutamic acid (127 ㎎/100 g), and γ-aminobutyric acid (80.4 ㎎/100 g). The fatty acid composition of A. gigas showed a higher concentration of unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid (443.9 ㎎/100 g) and palmitic acid (181.3 ㎎/100 g) according to gas chromatography. Conclusions : These results showed that Angelica roots can be used in various fields of foods and medicines, and in the preparation of cosmetics.

Background : As the characterization of medicinal plants is an important aspect of traditional Asian herbal medicine, this study examines the morphological and anatomical characteristics in four fructus form medicinally important plants belonging to the family Apiaceae. Methods and Results : Fruit morphology of four genera was examined using microtome sections and light microscopy. The Anethi Fructus, Anethum graveolens (Siraja) has unique wing-like and membranous lateral ribs that are, approximately 500 ㎛ wide. The Coriandri Fructus, Coriandrum sativum (Hoyuja) does not have oil ducts at the dorsal region of the mericarp and differs in the development of the dorsal ribs. The ribs appear upon drying and therefore, consist of primary and secondary ribs. The Foeniculi Fructus, Foeniculum vulgare (Hoehyang) characteristically develops three dominant dorsal ribs and has a strong aromatic fragrance. Finally, the Cnidii Fructus, Torilis japonica (Sasangja) has many oil ducts at the dorsal and carpophores regions and develops many hooked trichomes one the fructus surface. Conclusions : We conclude from this study that each plant has several prominent and distinguishing morphological and anatomical characteristics. Therefore, fruit morphology is very useful for identifying these medicinal plants. In addition, the correct use and herbal name need to be standardized for plants used traditionally in Asian medicine within Korea, China, and Japan.