Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is a major winter forage crop requiring improved drought tolerance under climate change. This study evaluated 42 accessions, consisting of 20 Korean cultivars and 22 exotic germplasm under four polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations (0, 10, 15, and 20%) to assess germination and early seedling responses to drought stress. Increasing PEG levels significantly reduced germination percentage (GP), germination energy (GE), germination index (GI), and seedling vigor index (SVI), while mean germination time (MGT) increased. At 20% PEG, GP decreased by approximately 74% compared with the control. Early seedling vigor, expressed as SVI (integrating fresh weight, shoot length, and root length) also declined depending on concentration. Germination traits (GE and GI) showed strong positive correlations with SVI, indicating that early germination performance was closely associated with subsequent growth under drought stress. Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and principal component analysis consistently identified several accessions (Earlybird, IR602, IR901, Florida 98, Maximus, Orlando, and Moscovsky 74) as relatively drought tolerant. Overall, the integration of germination and seedling vigor index provides a reliable phenotypic screening approach for identifying drought-tolerant Italian ryegrass.

한국 특산종 조도만두나무의 열매에서 Nesendaeus monochrous Voss, 1953 (담갈색조도만두바구미, 신칭)을 처음으로 발견하였으며, 본 종 이 새로운 종자 섭식자임을 확인하였다. 구북구 지역에서 Nesendaeus Marshall, 1931 (조도만두바구미속, 신칭) 속은 본 종만이 중국에서 보고된 바 있으나, 그 생물학적 특성과 생활사는 알려진 바 없다. 이 종은 일본에서 보고된 Heterochyromera imerodeus Kojima and Morimoto, 1996와 유사하지만, 상대적으로 긴 딱지날개와 끝부분이 이중으로 만곡된 둥근 형태로 뚜렷하게 구별된다. 본 연구에서는 이 종의 주요 진단학적 형질, 서 식지, 유충의 섭식 습성 및 기주식물 등 기초적인 생물학적 정보를 제시한다.

Chilli (Capsicum spp.) is essential to Sri Lanka’s agricultural economy and household nutrition. However, the sector faces ongoing challenges, including low dry chilli productivity, pest and disease pressures particularly from the chilli leaf curl complex and a heavy dependence on expensive imported dried chillies. To tackle these issues, the Sri Lankan Department of Agriculture (DOA) and the Field Crops Research & D evelopment I nstitute ( FCRDI) developed MICH Hy1, a high-yielding, p est-resistant hybrid chilli variety suited to local conditions. From 2019 to 2021, the ‘KOPIA Chilli Project’ initiated a participatory hybrid seed production initiative in Kothmale, involving farmers in a decentralized seed system utilizing insect-proof net houses and capacity-building programs. This collaborative approach has successfully enhanced seed quality, improved farmers’ incomes, increased the availability of affordable hybrid seeds, and reduced reliance on imported varieties. The initiative highlights the potential of farmer-led hybrid seed systems to strengthen national seed security, empower rural communities, and promote sustainable chilli cultivation in Sri Lanka.

Silene baccifera (L.) Roth, belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae and the genus Silene, is a perennial herb that grows naturally in mountainous and field areas throughout Korea. The young shoots are edible, the whole plant is used medicinally, and the small star-shaped flowers have high ornamental value. Although this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) in the Korean Red List, studies on propagation and basic physiological information remain insufficient. This study was conducted to establish a foundation for propagation using seeds and to elucidate germination characteristics. Seed dissection revealed that the embryo was fully developed and of the peripheral type according to Martin’s classification, indicating the absence of morphological dormancy (MD). A 72-hour imbibition test showed a water permeability was 39.8 ± 2.26%, indicating the absence of physical dormancy (PY). The optimum germination temperatures were 20/10 °C and 25/15 °C, showing high germination percentage of 86.6% and 81.6%, respectively. As a result of GA3 treatments (0, 10, 100, and 1000 mg·L-1), the final germination percentage at 15/6 °C with GA3 1000 mg·L-1 was 47.6 ± 6.7%, compared with only 5.06 ± 2.9% in the control. Therefore, it is concluded that S. baccifera seeds possess physiological dormancy (PD). The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the systematic development of propagation and long-term conservation strategies for Silene baccifera.

This study aimed to elucidate the seed desiccation sensitivity and dormancy characteristics of two evergreen broadleaf tree species, Camphora officinarum Nees and Neolitsea sericea (Blume) Koidz., to provide baseline data for ex situ conservation strategies. Based on the probabilistic model of Daws et al. (2006), both species exhibited desiccation-sensitivity probabilities greater than 0.5 (C. officinarum = 0.706; N. sericea = 0.774), indicating a high likelihood of recalcitrant seed behavior. Imbibition tests revealed rapid water absorption within 24–72 hours in both species, confirming the absence of physical dormancy (PY). Furthermore, microscopic observations showed fully developed, non-endospermic embryos at dispersal, thereby ruling out morphological dormancy (MD). Following a 12-week cold stratification at 4℃, germination experiments were conducted under alternating temperature regimes (25/15℃ and 30/20℃) combined with GA3 treatments (0, 100, 500, 1000 ppm). Two-way ANOVA detected a significant Temperature × GA3 interaction for both species (p < 0.05). In C. officinarum, the highest final germination (46.3%) occurred at 25/15℃ with 500 ppm GA3, accompanied by reductions in mean germination time (MGT) and T50; these results suggest the alleviation of non-deep physiological dormancy (PD). Conversely, N. sericea showed overall low germination with a weak response to GA3, and partial germination occurred primarily at the higher temperature, implying a more complex, temperature-dependent PD. These findings provide a practical basis for optimizing ex situ conservation protocols for recalcitrant Lauraceae species.

Background: Cigarette smoke is a well-known reproductive toxicant that causes structural and functional damage to the testis through oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways. This study aimed to evaluate whether apple seed extract (ASE) can mitigate testicular damage induced by tobacco smoke extract (TSE) in a mouse model. Methods: Adult male mice were orally administered TSE to induce testicular injury. ASE was delivered intraperitoneally, either as a post-treatment or concurrently with TSE. Histological evaluation (H&E staining), immunohistochemistry (IGF-1 and VEGF), and immunofluorescence (TNF-α, Caspase-3, and BCL-2) were conducted to assess tissue morphology, growth factor expression, and apoptotic signaling. Results: TSE exposure led to degeneration of the seminiferous tubules, suppressed IGF-1 and VEGF expression, and increased pro-apoptotic markers (TNF-α, Caspase-3), along with reduced BCL-2 expression. ASE treatment restored seminiferous tubule architecture, enhanced the expression of growth and anti-apoptotic factors, and attenuated apoptotic signals. These restorative effects were particularly significant in the post-treatment groups. Conclusions: ASE demonstrated protective and reparative effects against TSE-induced testicular toxicity by modulating oxidative and apoptotic pathways. These findings highlight ASE as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for ameliorating smokerelated male reproductive dysfunction.

Gueldenstaedtia verna (Georgi) Boriss., a rare legume species native to limited parts of Korea, was studied to investigate its seed dormancy type and optimal conditions for its germination. Morphological and anatomical observations confirmed that the seeds possess a fully developed foliate-bent embryo and a hard, colliculate yellow seed coat. Water imbibition tests showed only a 5.1 ± 2.6% increase in seed weight after 72 h, indicating the occurrence of physical dormancy due to an impermeable seed coat. No germination occurred under any constant or alternating temperature regimes (4, 15/6, 20/10, or 25/15°C) in non-scarified seeds, nor under two seasonal simulation regimes (Move A: from winter to summer; Move B: from summer to winter). However, scarification of seeds (using sandpaper, a needle prick [0.1 mm depth], or sulfuric acid) significantly improved germination. Seeds scarified with sandpaper or a needle prick achieved 100% germination within 1 week at 25/15°C, while sulfuric acid treatments (5 and 10 min) resulted in germination rates of 13.3% and 58.3%, respectively. These results confirm that G. verna seeds exhibit physical dormancy only and require scarification for immediate germination, with relatively high temperatures (25/15°C) being most effective. These findings deepen our understanding of the seed ecology of this rare species and provide useful insights for its conservation and potential horticultural application.

The availability and proper use of native plant seeds are essential for effective ecological restoration in the face of rapid climate change. This study established practical seed zones for South Korea to aid in seed collection, management, and production, while also analyzing their current and future climatic characteristics. We delineated 15 seed zones based on administrative boundaries, topographic features, and ecological regions. Using six key bioclimatic variables derived from a 1-km climate dataset (current: 2000- 2019; future: SSP3-7.0, 2041-2060), we conducted evaluations using PERMANOVA and Linear Discriminant Analysis. The analysis revealed significant climatic differentiation among seed zones (R 2=0.6453, p<0.001). Projections indicate that the North Central Hilly (SZ01) and East Central Coastal (SZ11) zones will experience notable qualitative climatic changes, underscoring their susceptibility to climate change. These results serve as a foundation for prioritizing the collection of genetic resources and developing adaptive seed-sourcing strategies. Future work should focus on refining micro-scale seed zones and incorporating species-level genetic information.

본 연구는 상수리나무(Quercus acutissima) 종자의 발아 효율성과 유묘 생장 특성을 향상시키기 위하여, KNO3 priming 처리 시간(24, 48시간)과 농도(0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%)를 비교하여 최적 조건을 도출하고자 실시하였다. 충실 종자를 선별한 뒤 KNO3 용액에 priming 처리하여 발아특성과 유묘 생장특성을 평가하였다. 전반적으로 24시간-1.0% KNO3 처리구는 발아율, 발아속도, 발아균일지수 및 유묘 생장 특성에서 대조구보다 유의하게 높은 값을 보였다(p < 0.05). 그러나 농도가 높아지거나 처리 시간이 길어질수록 이러한 효과는 감소하여 대조구와 큰 차이를 보이지 않았다. 이상의 결과를 종합할 때, 상수리나무 종자의 발아 및 초기 유묘 생장에 가장 효과적인 KNO3 priming 조건은 KNO3 1.0%, 24시간 처리인 것으로 판단된다.

Through-silicon via (TSV) filling is indispensable for three-dimensional semiconductor packaging. Conventional processes rely on PVD (physical vapor deposition) or ALD (atomic layer deposition) seed layer deposition followed by copper electroplating, but these approaches face limitations in productivity and conformality. ALD and ELD (electroless deposition) have been investigated as seed-based approaches to overcome poor step coverage, while seedless strategies have also been proposed including additive-assisted electroplating, electroless alloy layers, metallic nanowires, and conductive pastes. These methods have demonstrated void-free or seam-free fills under specific conditions, yet challenges remain in achieving uniform superconformal filling across dense arrays, suppressing copper oxidation and interfacial contamination during rinsing/drying, and guaranteeing long-term reliability under thermomechanical cycling, electromigration, and humidity bias. In parallel, hybrid bonding has emerged as an alternative to thermo-compression bonding, where TSV filling performance, CMP (chemical mechanical polishing) planarization, and interface activation are crucial to reliable bonding. An integrated research approach incorporating both seed- and seedless-based TSV filling together with hybrid bonding provides a credible pathway to reliable three-dimensional stacking for high-bandwidth memory and artificial intelligence applications.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are closely associated with obesity mediated metabolic dysfunction, including hepatic injury, dyslipidemia, and glucose intolerance. Oenothera biennis seed (OBS) has been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but the protective effects against AGE-induced metabolic disorder remain unclear. In this study, a CML-high fat diet (HFCML) mouse model was used to evaluate the effects of the OBS extract. OBS supplementation significantly attenuated kidney hypertrophy induced by HFCML diet. The serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were elevated in the HFCML group, and were reduced significantly by OBS administration. OBS administration also improved lipid metabolism by lowering triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Furthermore, OBS administration enhanced glucose tolerance. Overall, OBS extract mitigates HFCML-induced metabolic dysfunction by improving liver function, normalizing lipid profiles, and enhancing glucose tolerance, highlighting its potential as a functional food ingredient for the prevention of AGE-associated metabolic diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance.

Abies koreana Wilson, a Korean endemic species, is facing challenges in a clonal seed orchard established for the conservation of genetic resources and the production of superior seeds. The orchard has poor flowering and fruiting, which hampers the production of viable seeds. Cone analysis, a technique used to evaluate seed orchards, was conducted on 71 clones for three years (2021-2023) to assess seed potential and recommend better management practices. In 2021, 20 clones produced cones, with an average of 15 cones per clone, while 13 clones averaged 11 cones in 2022, and 25 clones produced an average of 27 cones in 2023. The year 2022 had the longest, widest, and heaviest cones. However, there were no significant differences in cone morphology among years. The number of infertile scales were highest in 2022 and it also had the most aborted ovules. In contrast, the year 2023 had fewer aborted ovules and infertile scales. Significant difference in pest-damaged seeds was noted between years, and there was a positive correlation between cone morphology and seed potential. The findings offer valuable information for improving seed orchard management and conserving genetic resources through better tree breeding and sexual propagation practices.

While potatoes are a representative crop in Bolivia, their cultivation requires a significant amount of chemical pesticides. Some seed treatment chemicals used for seed potatoes in Bolivia can be highly toxic. Additionally, farmers face financial constraints that make it difficult to use these pesticides. In this paper, we investigated the potential of applying plant ash to seed potatoes as an eco-friendly alternative for seed potato disinfection. We also examined the effects of seed tuber cutting in combination with the ash treatment. The potato variety used was “Jatun Puka,” a new variety developed in Peru that has been studied at the Bolivian National Institute of Agricultural and Forestry Innovation (INIAF). The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four repetitions in Sipe Sipe and Sapanani o f Cochab amb a, and Mairana of S anta Cruz. The r esults s howed that the e ffects of the ash treatment and tuber cutting were significantly influenced by the local environment of each region in Bolivia. The ash treatment was more effective than the others only in the Sapanani region, where the soil pH was low enough to fall within the optimal range for potatoes after the ash treatment. Generally, cutting seed potatoes had a negative effect on yield across all three regions, with the negative impact increasing in proportion to the humidity or precipitation of each area. However, considering the cost of seed potatoes per unit area, cutting them remains an adoptable option under certain circumstances. We hope this research will serve as an important reference for future studies on eco-friendly potato cultivation in Bolivia.

The experiment was conducted to determine the effects of nitrogen fertilizer levels on seed production of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) in mountainous regions of Gangwon Province. The 'Green Call' variety of Italian ryegrass was sown in Pyeongchang, Gangwon in September 2021. The experiment consisted of three nitrogen application levels (100, 120, and 140 N kg/ha) and was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Harvest was carried out on June 28. The plant height was tallest in the 140 N kg/ha treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant. Lodging resistance, disease resistance and winter hardiness showed no significant differences among treatments, although severe lodging occurred in all plots. The average spike length was 54.77 cm, with no significant difference among treatments, while the number of seeds per spike was highest in the 100 N kg/ha treatment. Seed yield increased with higher nitrogen levels, with an average of 2,820 kg/ha (based on air-dry weight). The average dry matter content of seeds and straw was 56.70% and 38.80%, respectively, with no significant differences among treatments. The average dry matter yield of residual straw after seed harvest was 4,144 kg/ha, with the highest yield observed in the 120 N kg/ha treatment. Meanwhile, the feed value of the harvested straw did not differ significantly among treatments. The average contents of ADF, NDF, CP, IVDMD, and TDN were 43.04%, 70.63%, 8.65%, 52.77%, and 54.88%, respectively. In conclusion, the optimal nitrogen fertilization level for Italian ryegrass seed production through autumn sowing in the mountainous areas of Gangwon Province was found to be 120 N kg/ha.

This study was conducted to investigate the changes in seed productivity of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) according to harvest time after heading in a mountainous area of Gangwon Province. The Italian ryegrass variety ‘Greencall’ was sown in the fall of 2021 in the Pyeongchang region of Gangwon and harvesting was performed every 10 days from 30 to 60 days after heading.. The treatments consisted of four seed harvest times (30, 40, 50, and 60 days after heading), arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Plant height reached its maximum (93.0 cm) at 30 days after heading and subsequently declined with delayed harvest. Lodging resistance, disease resistance, and winter hardiness did not differ significantly among treatments, but lodging became more severe with time (rated 8∼9). Diseases were also more prevalent in the plots harvested 50 and 60 days after heading. The length of the spike was longest at 40 days after heading (54.33 cm), while the number of seeds per spike was lowest in the 60-day harvest plot (76 seeds/spike). The 1,000-seed weight was highest at 50 days after heading but decreased at 60 days. Seed dry matter content increased with delayed harvest, and dry seed yield increased up to 50 days after heading (3,742 kg/ha) but decreased at 60 days (2,442 kg/ha). The dry matter content of seed straw peaked at 50 days after heading, followed by a slight decline at 60 days, which was attributed to rainfall during the harvest period. Dry matter productivity was highest in the 50-day harvest plot. The feed value of seed straw decreased with delayed harvest, with an average Relative Feed Value (RFV) of 83. In conclusion, the optimal harvest time for fall-sown Italian ryegrass for seed production in the mountainous areas of Gangwon is 50 days after heading.