This study was conducted to analyze seasonal and annual variations in rice quality and factors affecting the quality, for quality evaluation of the brand rice varieties produced in Jeonnam region. Coefficient of variation (CV) values for the seasonal variation in the rice quality were 3.1% in Toyo value, 2.1% in whiteness, 1.6% in protein content, 1.0% in moisture content, and 0.4% in head rice ratio. Quality characteristics of the brand rice varieties generally showed a decreasing tendency after April, as the months progressed. CV values for the annual variation in the rice quality were relatively high at 5.6% in protein content and 5.2% in Toyo value whereas those for whiteness and head rice ratio were relatively low, at 2.7% and 1.8%, respectively. Palatability and protein content showed high correlations with minimum air temperature, sunshine hours, rainfall, and daily temperature range. Head rice ratio had a negative correlation with daily temperature range whereas chalky rice ratio had a positive correlation with rainfall. Based on these results, we formulated a multiple regression equation to estimate palatability of cooked rice using protein content, whiteness, head rice ratio, and moisture content as follows:y ＝－6.71a ＋ 2.27b ＋ 1.29c ＋ 0.51d － 15.34 (R2=0.51*)(y: palatability of cooked rice, a: protein content, b: moisture content, c: whiteness, d: head rice ratio).

In order to establish basic data for the succession and development of use culture of Gnaphalium affine, a traditional rice cake plant resource, this study was carried out with a survey on 259 women aged 60 or over living 18 city and county in Jeonnam province. The results are summarized as follows. All respondents in the survey did not know the standard name of Gnaphalium affine. 178 repondents (68.7%) knew the plant name called in the local area. The frequency was higher in the order of Jebissuk (37.5%) > Gaessuk (21.2%) > Seorissuk (19.7%) > Gyessuk (4.3%) > Goissuk (1.9%), including duplicate responses. Of the 178 respondents who responded that they could distinguish it, 82.6% knew only one species, and 17.4% knew two in Gnaphalium affine. 62.3% of respondents said they ate dishes made from Gnaphalium affine, and 62.3% had experience cooking Gnaphalium affine. 61.8% of respondents said they ate rice cake made from Gnaphalium affine, and 40.2% had experience making rice cake with Gnaphalium affine. Edible taste of Gnaphalium affine was evaluated as ‘delicious and sticy taste (4.75)’and ‘above sticky (4.89)’according to criterion level 5.0. The final eating period was followed from 1951-1970 (33.1%) > 1971-1990 (29.4%) > 1991-2010 (17.5%) > after 2011 (13.8%) > before 1950 (10.0%), respectively. As a result, it is very necessary that the standard name of Gnaphalium affine is spread widely and the use culture is succeeded and active.

The production practices, productivity and economic performance of organic and nonchemical rice farming were compared in Jeonnam Province, Korea. Korean organic rice farming showed a lack of use of resistant varieties and rotational cropping systems as well as less use of farm wastes and a high dependency upon external inputs. When compared with no-chemical rice production practices very little differences were found. However, organic rice farming showed 15% to 18% higher profits than no-chemical farming even though the productivity was arguably similar between the two farming types. This may encourage more farmers to convert to organic production rather than non-chemical farming as the farming practices are very similar, thereby resulting in increased supply of organic products and decreased prices for organic rice near future. There is a need to more greatly differentiate organic farming practices and products from those of no-chemical farming.