This study examined the anti-inflammatory and whitening effects of Amaranth (Amaranthus spp L.) seed extract. Amaranthus spp L. seeds were extracted using 70% ethanol and then fractionated sequentially with n-hexane, dichloromethan, ethyl acetate and butanol. For the study of anti-inflammatory activity in RAW 264.7 cells, EtOAc fraction of Amaranthus spp L. seeds significantly inhibited nitrogen oxide production as well as the protein level of iNOS. Furthermore, EtOAc fraction of Amaranthus spp L. seeds inhibited expression of TNF-α, PGE2 and the protein level of COX-2 in a dose-dependent manner. Inaddition, the tyrosinase inhibitory activities of the Amaranthus spp L. seed 70% ethanol extract and subfractions were also measured to see if these extracts can be used as an ingredient for whitening cosmetics. Tyrosinase is an oxidase that is a rate-limiting enzyme for controlling the production of melanin. Therefore, tyrosinase inhibitors have become increasingly important in cosmetics and medical products with regards to hyperpigmentation. EtOAc fraction of Amaranthus spp L. seeds showed mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory activity in a dose-dependent manner. This activity was more potent than that of a positive control cynandione A. These results suggest that Amaranthus spp L. seeds may be a valuable natural ingredient for the food and cosmetics industries.

Germination characteristics, seedling emergence, and early seedling growth of iron-coated rice seeds, cultivars Daebo and Samdeokbyeo, under different water depths were compared with those of non-coated seeds (control) and the results evaluated to obtain basic information for establishing stable seedlings in direct water seeding. The total germination percentage of the two seed treatments was similar, but iron-coated seeds had slightly faster germination and shorter mean germination time than non-coated seeds. Water absorption rates of iron-coated seeds were lower than that of non-coated seeds during seed germination. The germination percentage of the two iron-coated rice seed cultivars showed a significant decline of 15-22% after one year of storage under natural conditions. The seedling emergence percentage and uniformity of the two rice cultivars were significantly higher in the iron-coated seeds at 1-13 cm water depths but the percentage of floating seedlings was lower in iron-coated seeds than in non-coated seeds. The iron-coated seeds had a high seedling emergence percentage of 91.3-93.3% at all flooding depths whereas the non-coated seeds had a significantly low seedling emergence percentage of 57.7-71.7% at a water depth of 13 cm. Moreover, the shoot dry weight and seedling health score of iron-coated seeds were significantly higher than those of non-coated seeds, while root dry weights were similar in iron-coated and non-coated seeds, regardless of water depth. These results suggest that iron-coated seeds are more appropriate for stable seedling establishment in direct water seeding than are non-coated seeds.

We investigated the effect of silicate coating of rice seeds on bakanae disease incidence and the quality of seedlings raised in seedling boxes and transplanted into pots. The silicate-coated rice seed (SCS) was prepared as follows. Naturally infested rice seeds not previously subjected to any fungicidal treatment were dressed with a mixture of 25% silicic acid at pH 11 and 300-mesh zeolite powder at a ratio of 50 g dry seed - 9 mL silicic acid - 25 g zeolite powder. The following nursery conditions were provided : Early sowing, dense seeding in a glass house with mulching overnight and no artificial heating, which were the ideal conditions for determining the effect on the seed. The nursery plants were evaluated for Gibberella. fujikuroi infection or to determine the recovery to normal growth of infected nursery plants in the Wagner pot. Seedlings emerged 2-3 days earlier for the SCS than they did for the non-SCS control, while damping-off and bakanae disease incidence were remarkably reduced. Specifically, bakanae disease incidence in the SCS was limited to only 7.8% for 80 days after sowing, as compared to 91.6% of the non-SCS control. For the 45-days-old SCS nursery seedlings, the fresh weight was increased by 11% and was two times heavier, with only mild damage compared to that observed for non-SCS. Even after transplanting, SCS treatment contributed to a lower incidence of further infections and possibly to recovery of the seedlings to normal growth as compared to that observed in symptomatic plants in the pot. The active pathogenic macro-conidia and micro-conidia were considerably lower in the soil, root, and seedling sheath base of the SCS. In particular, the underdeveloped macro-conidia with straight oblong shape without intact septum were isolated in the SCS ; this phenotype is likely to be at a comparative etiological disadvantage when compared to that of typical active macro-conidia, which are slightly sickle-shaped with 3-7 intact septa. A active intact conidia with high inoculum potential were rarely observed in the tissue of the seedlings treated only in the SCS. We propose that promising result was likely achieved via inhibition of the development of intact pathogenic conidia, in concert with the aerobic, acidic conditions induced by the physiochemical characteristics associated with the air porosity of zeolite, alkalinity of silicate and the seed husk as a carbon source. In addition, the resistance of the healthy plants to pathogenic conidia was also important factor.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the endophytic bacterium Herbaspirillum spp effect on seed germination and sprout growth of tartary buckwheat. Inoculant concentration (%v/v) and seed soaking time were applied 10, 20 and 40% and 0, 4, 8, 12 hour, respectively. The experiment was carried out in a growth chamber maintained temperature at 20, 25 and 30ºC without light for 7 days. Results showed that, 10 to 20% (v/v) inoculant concentration by 4 to 8 h seed soaking time at 20°C temperature increased seed vigor rate and total seed germination rate 80-95% and 90-100%, respectively. On the other and, seed inoculation with Herbaspirillum spp. increased hypocotyl length (13-15 ㎝), root length (8-11 ㎝), total fresh weight (135-296 g) and total dry weight (7-10 g), compared to control. It is indicated that sprouts growth and yield depends on inoculation concentrations, seed soaking time and temperature. Therefore, it would be suggested that seed inoculation with Herbaspirillum spp. at concentration of 10 to 20% (v/v), soaking time 4 to 8 h and temperature 20°C promote seed germinations and sprout growth rate of tartary buckwheat.

This study was carried out to investigate the quality characteristics of fermented milk containing Rhus verniciflua seed (RVS) extracts (0.0%, 0.1%, 0.3% and 0.5%) and antioxidant activity of RVS extracts. The proximate composition of RVS was moisture (4.76%), crude ash (1.40%), crude fat (5.33%) and crude protein (11.10%). A total polyphenol content of 70% ethanol extract of RVS (554±2.64 mg/g) was higher than that of RVS water extract (145±3.47 mg/g). 70% ethanol extract (1103±6.42 mg/g) of RVS showed higher content in the total flavonoids (37±2.30 mg/g) and activities on DPPH free radical scavenging (73.23%) and ABTS free radical scavenging (83.47%) when compared with water extracted of RVS. The quality characteristics, such as pH, titratable acidity, and the number of lactic acid producing bacteria were not remarkably different between the fermented milk samples subjected to treatments with and without the addition of RVS extracts.

We compared the germination rate of dehisced ginseng (Panax ginseng) seeds that were dried under two different conditions, slowly at 15℃ [relative humidity (RH) 10-12%] and rapidly under a laminar airflow cabinet at 25℃ (RH 22-25%). The measurements showed that drying rate and seed moisture content (SMC) play important roles in storage ability and vigor. The seeds that were dried rapidly at 25℃ showed high GR compared with the seeds that were dried at 15℃ after 6 and 12 months of storage at -80℃ irrespective of MC. Seeds dried slowly at 15℃ with MC higher than 7.0% showed high GR maintenance after storage at -18℃ and at 4℃ in comparison with rapidly dried seeds. However, the GR of the slowly desiccated seeds decreased as mean SMC was reduced to less than 5.0%, whereas the rapidly dried seeds were distinguished by significantly high GR irrespective of the storage conditions. The ginseng seeds desiccated under different conditions showed differences in storage performance. Seeds with 7-9% MC that were dried slowly at 15℃ for 5-7 days showed high GR after 4℃ and -18℃ storage; however, longer periods of desiccation decreased the germination level remarkably compared with that of rapidly dried seeds.

Early maturity of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is an important character for double cultivating system with winter crops such as onion or garlic in southern area of Korea. Soybean cultivars released in the past, especially ‘Keunolkong’ was widely cultivated but it was weak at abiotic stress and low yield potential because of too short growing period and short stem height. ‘Hanol’, a new early maturing cultivar showing better abiotic stress tolerant and higher yield potential, was developed from the cross between SS91408 and ‘Hwaeomputkong’, and released in 2009. ‘Hanol’ is, compared to ‘Keunolkong’, Hanol’s growing period is five days longer and its height is 5cm higher. In addition, it showed better excess-water tolerant and 26.5g 100-seed weight. At regional adaptation yield trials (RYT) in six regions from 2007 to 2009, ‘Hanol’ showed 2.04 tons of seed per hectare, 14% higher than ‘Keunolkong’ (1.80ton/ha). ‘Hanol’ is promising for double cropping system with higher yield.

In this study, we analyzed seed storage proteins in order to investigate the main factors related to the eating quality of japonica and tongil-type rice varieties. Sensory evaluation was performed by a trained panel to assess the appearance (color and glossiness), flavor, taste, stickiness, texture, and overall score of nine japonica and three tongil-type rice cultivars. Moreover, the pattern of variation in rice storage proteins was examined by electrophoresis of protein extracts. The electrophoretic pattern of rice proteins showed 16.4 kDa albumin, 26.4 kDa globulin, 34-39 kDa and 21-22 kDa glutelin, and 14.3 kDa prolamin. In terms of storage protein, the varietal differences between japonica and tongil-type rice were found in albumin, globulin, and the α-1, and α-2 sub-units of acidic glutelin. Furthermore, the overall sensory evaluation score was observed to be positively correlated with albumin (0.495 ** ) and globulin (0.567 ** ), and negatively correlated with α-1 glutelin (-0.612 ** ). Therefore, the results indicated that albumin, globulin, and α-1 glutelin can affect the eating quality of japonica and tongil-type rice varieties, with the latter having lower eating quality than the former.

For the last few decades, much research has been tried to improve crop’s characteristics such as crop yield, quality, seeding period and environmental adaptability. In this paper, the effect of nanobubbles on the germination rate of barley seed is experimentally investigated. The air nanobubble was generated in water by gas-liquid mixing method. The results were shown that the mean diameter and concentration of nanobubble fabricated in DI water are 133 ㎚ and 8.59✕108 particles/㎖, respectively. Also, the seed germination rate for the nanobubble water was approximately 40 % higher than that of pure water.

Due to problems concerned with environment pollution in urban areas, the city dwellers’ social demand for urban green space is ever more increasing. The purpose of this investigation is to define the relationship between the Ornamental Linum usitatissimum L. seed germination and temperature for effective use of the seed. The petri-dish (90 mm in diameter) was covered with two sheets of filter papers and 50 Ornamental Linum usitatissimum L. was layered for four times. After then, 10ml of distilled water was supplied. Then, the sprouting test was conducted in chamber where the temperature was controlled at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C. The light was adjusted to 12 hours. The source of light was 1341㎛ol･m -2 s -1 by using fluorescent light and halogen. The germination growth was investigated on two day term after the radicle projected by 3 mm. The investigation stopped when there was no further germination growth for seven days. The finding was that the final sprout growth rate was 80% at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C, while it was 70% at 35°C. In the optimal temperature investigation that leveraged normal distribution function standardized at the reciprocal of T50, the temperature was found to be 12~13°C, and the sprout growth rate was 80% within the range of 5~30°C.

Background : In previous studies, adlay seeds showed a prevalence of diversified fungal flora with the predominant fungal genera being Fusarium (45.6%) and In vitro test showed that fungal toxins like Fumonisin and Zearalenone were produced by Fusarium fujikuroi, F. asiaticum and F. graminearum. Because of this we performed experiments to selecting disinfective chemicals for controlling the Fusarium contamination in the adlay seed. Methods and Results : We carried out the chemical efficacy test such as seed disinfectants selection test appling before planting and pesticides selection test using in the earing season. In the present study, eleven different commercially available seed disinfectant were applied to the adlay seeds. Among 11 seed disinfectants, Hexaconazole+Prochloraz emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and Prochloraz emulsifiable concentrate (EC) had control value of 80% or above against Fusarium species tested. In the pesticides selection test, seven different commercially available pesticides for Fusarium blight (Scab) control were applied and we observed that Metconazole suspension concentrate(SC) strongly inhibited the mycelial growth of 10 Fusarium species all. Conclusion : From the above results, we selected Hexaconazole+Prochloraz EC and Prochloraz EC as a seed disinfectants and Metconazole SC as a pesticide using in the earing season for Scab control.

Background : This experiment was conducted to select GAP applying seed disinfectants in Astragalus membranaceus and Platycodon grandiflorum. Methods and Results : We carried out the chemical efficacy and injury test. For the efficacy test, we investigated fungal detection rate by seed disinfectants and for the chemical injury, we investigated germination rate and emergence rate by seed disinfectants in reference amount and fold amount. These experiments carried out two times. The results obtained are as follows. In the experiment for seed disinfectants selection of Astragalus membranaceus, all tested chemicals such as Tebuconazole emulsifiable concentrate(EC), Thiophanate-methyl + Triflumizole wettable powder(WP), Prochloraz copper chloride complex+Tebuconazole suspension concentrate(SC), Prochloraz emulsifiable concentrate(EC), Fludioxonil wetting liquid(WL) and Hexaconazol+Prochloraz emulsifiable concentrate(EC) had control value of 80% or above against seed contaminated fungi. However two chemicals such as Tebuconazole EC and Prochloraz copper chloride complex+Tebuconazole SC and two chemicals such as Prochloraz EC and Hexaconazol+Prochloraz EC exhibited chemical injury significantly in reference amount and in fold amount respectively, compared to non treated control. In the case of seed disinfectants selection of Platycodon grandiflorum, Prochloraz copper chloride complex+Tebuconazole SC, Prochloraz EC and Hexaconazol+Prochloraz EC had control value of above 80% against seed contaminated fungi except Thiophanate-methyl+Triflumizole WP and Fludioxonil WL. However Hexaconazol+Prochloraz EC and Prochloraz copper chloride complex+Tebuconazole SC exhibited chemical injury significantly in reference amount and in fold amount respectively, compared to non treated control. Conclusion : From the above results, we finally selected three items of seed disinfectants including Thiophanate-methyl+Triflumizole WP and Fludioxonil WL in Astragalus membranaceus and Prochloraz emulsion in Platycodon grandiflorum.

Background : Perilla frutescens L. is a bisexual, annual plant belonging to the Labiatae. Dormancy period of Perilla seed usually ranged from 85-200 days. The germination enhancing effects in a reduced seed vigor during the GA3 treatment has been reported. Objectives of the present study was to evaluate the effect of GA3 on germination rate and the expression of germination-related genes expression by using perilla seeds. Methods and Results : Three different cultivars (Saeyeopsil, Okdong) and accession (line 141) of perilla were used in the experiment and treated with GA3 at different concentration (50, 100, 300, 500 μM) for one day at dark condition. Germination test for perilla seed was carried out by using 100 perilla seeds treated with GA3 at 25℃. Rate of germination were evaluated after 10 days and the experiments were repeated three times in similar condition. Samples were collected from each cultivar and accessions for RNA extraction. After cDNA synthesis quantification, templates were subjected to RT-PCR using actin primers. EST blast performed for sequencing the RT-PCR products. Conclusion : Result showed that 100μM GA3 treated seeds of three perilla cultivars and accessions showed the highest germination rate. However, concentration of GA3 over 100 μM and lower than 100 μM resulted into reduced germination rate. Furthermore, expression of germination-related genes from 100 μM treated GA3 was higher compared to untreated sample by using 100 μM GA3 treated sample by using pC12, pJ14 primers.

Background : This study for the stable production and supply of seeds of Angelica gigas Nakai(Man-chu Korean Angelica), when seeds harvested using nets, seed productivity was investigated. Methods and Results : Planting density is 50 × 25cm, Fertilizer per 10a was sprayed amount of N-P2O5-K2O = 16-17-10kg. And the amount of compost per 10a was sprayed 3000kg. Seed harvesting nets were used for a time formed the endosperm of the seeds (later in mid-August to late). And net for seed production was used for onion nets (at least 13 × 18cm). Shoot growth conditions were as follows. Bolting rate was 89.0% in the untreated, the treated group was 93.1%. The length and thickness of each stem was 129.3 ~ 130.8cm, 1.8cm. The number of nodes per plant was 6.7 ~ 7.5 pieces, and the number of petiole was 14.8 ~ 15.5 per plant. The number of umbel was 10.3 ~ 11.1 piece per plant, and number of deleted umbel was 7.1 ~ 7.2 piece. Seed weight per plant was 24.2g of the net treatment, but ripening seeds 19.6g, 1000 grain weight were all treated and untreated 2.8g. The total seed weight per plant, the net treated was 24.2g, was the weight of the ripening seeds 19.6g. The weight of the ripening seeds were heavier than those of the control. However, the weight of 1000 grain were both treated and untreated 2.8g. When treated nets, the total seed yield per 10a was 88.0kg production, increased by 60.9% compared to untreated. In addition, the ripening seed production per 10a was 71.5kg production, increased by 50.1% compared to untreated. Researching after germination Seed Production, germination rate was 50.8% in the control group and the treatment group was 54.9%. When applying the germination rate, high-quality seed production per 10a was able to produce 39.2kg, compared to control obtain the results increased by 65%. Conclusion : Through the above results, When producing angelica seed, use of net for seed production is thought to be used as a way to prevent early shattering and insect damage.(True bug, etc.).

Background : In this study, we investigated the renoprotective effects of serotonin and its derivatives, on the renal function and expression of inflammation and apoptosis in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity mice. Methods and Results : Serotonin and its derivatives were orally administered at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg body weight for 5 days before the intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin 20 mg/kg body weight, and the effects were compared with those of vehicle-treated nephrotoxicity control and normal groups. In the serum and kidney, renal function parameters, reactive oxygen species and expression of protein related to pro-oxidant, antioxidant, inflammation and apoptosis were examined. As a result, serotonin and its derivatives administrations to nephrotoxicity mice lowered serum BUN and creatinine concentrations. These results were derived, at least in part, from attenuation the expression of antioxidant enzymes-related proteins, SOD and GPx. In the cisplatin-induced renal condition, augmented p-p38, p-ERK and p-JNK (mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway) were reduced with a increase in antioxidant enzymes on serotonin and its derivatives treatment. Moreover, in the serotonin and its derivatives-treated groups, NF- κB-induced inflammatory factors and apoptotic protein expressions were regulated in the kidney. Conclusion : The present study indicates that serotonin and its derivatives exerts a renoprotective effect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity through the recovery of kidney function deterioration and attenuation of renal inflammation and apoptosis by regulating oxidative stress condition.

The number of areas where slopes is exposed is increasing constantly due to continuous expansion of infrastructure and urban development in our country where is mostly mountainous areas, and the number of man-made disasters is also increasing accordingly. It is necessary to develop new durable seed spraying soil materials that enable stable greening on rock slopes and establish the optimal construction method that is suitable for such materials. Therefore, a basic rearch on a method to replicate the field construction method of seed spraying soil materials indoors, produce and evaluate the specimen was carried out in this study.

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is an annual herbaceous crop of the Malvaceae family. Recently, kenaf is being used in many diversified applications such as pulp, animal feed, bioplastics and cellulosic biofuel etc. A new cultivar 'Jangdae' was developed by mutation breeding using irradiated with 300 Gy gamma-rays. Jangdae has a few distinguishable characteristics such as early flowering, high seed yield and palmate leaf, compared to wild type (Jinju). The fresh matter (FM) and dry matter (DM) yield of Jangdae are similar to those of Jinju, their seed yield (833.3 kg/ha) is approximately 4 times higher than that of Jinju. In addition, the FM and DM yield of Jangdae are 40% higher than those of early-maturing cultivar (C11). We performed the nutritive value of four kenaf cultivars (Jangdae, Jinju, C11 and Hongma300) at 100 day after seeding. The crude protein content of Jangdae, Jinju, C11 and Honma300 were 10.5, 11.0, 9.4 and 10.6%, respectively. The crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents were no significant difference among the cultivars. Jangdae, which afforded both a high biomass and seed yield in South Korea, may be useful as potential source of feed and industrial materials.

A soybean cultivar for soy-paste, ‘Uram’, was developed from the cross between ‘Suwon190’ and ‘SS99244’ (Shinpaldal-2 X T243) by soybean breeding team at the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS) in 2010. A promising line, SS00232-B-B-3SSD-9-4-1-1, was selected and designated as the name of ‘Milyang188’. It was prominent and had good result from regional adaptation yield trials (RYT) in southern area of Korea for three years from 2008 to 2010 and released as the name of ‘Uram’. It has a determinate growth habit, white flower, gray pubescence, yellow seed coat, yellow hilum, spherical seed shape and large seed (25.8 grams per 100 seeds). ‘Uram’ was found to be resistant to bacterial pustule and soybean mosaic virus, the major soybean diseases in Korea. The lowest pod height of ‘Uram’ was 19cm and it will be able to reduce seed loss during mechanical harvesting. The average yield of ‘Uram’ is 3.27 ton per hectare in southern double cropping area. Through these results, ‘Uram’ is soybean cultivar that is favorable for mechanization harvesting, resistant to diseases and highly yield.

This research was performed to develop seminal propagation method of Saururus chinensis (Lour.) Baill. by conducting a rigorous germination study. Well-selected seeds were dry-stored at 4 ± 1.0℃ during the experiment. To study dormancy type, non-stored seeds were analyzed by embryo observation, germination test and detecting for any difficulties in seed coat to absorb moisture. Then to improve germination, seeds were submerged for 24 hours in a solution of varying concentrations containing one of plant growth regulators and minerals. According to research, fleshly matured seeds had an undifferentiated embryo and had a low germination rate below 5%. In addition, water submersion led to moisture absorption, embryo in the seeds grew and germinated so it was deemed morphophysiological dormant seeds. Percent germination (PG) and germination energy (GE) was greatly improved by soaking in plant growth regulators and minerals for 24 hours. Especially, 500 ㎎/L GA3 treatment resulted in the highest GE as 46.1%. KNO3 meaningfully improved PG (54.3∼57.7%) at 10∼20 mM but effect of minerals on germination acceleration as GE were negatively impacted in all concentrations.

Background: Developing new ginseng cultivars is a significant time-consuming process owing to the three years of growth required for ginseng to flower. To shorten the ginseng breeding process, it is necessary to establish rapid progression through each generation. In this study, we examined it was possible to rapidly break ginseng seed dormancy using gibberellic acid (GA3) treatment and alternating temperature. Methods and Results: Seeds were obtained from local variety. Seeds were treated with either GA3 at a concentration of 100 ㎎/ℓ, constant temperature (−2℃ and 2℃), alternating temperature (2℃ followed by −2℃, followed by 2℃) or a combination GA3 and temperature treatment. Following experimental treatment, seeds were sown into trays and placed in a greenhouse. Low germination rates were observed in seeds that did not receive GA3 treatment, which were similar following 2℃ and −2℃ constant temperature treatment. Germination rates increased in proportion to GA3 and more so when combined with alternating temperature treatment. In additon, stem and leaf lengths of the resulting ginseng plants were increased following GA3 treatment, although no synergistic effect was observed with alternating temperature treatment. Conclusions: These results suggest that a combination GA3 and alternating temperature treatment enhances ginseng seed germination, which can contribute to shortening the time required to progress through a single ginseng generation for breeding.