• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.1052-1061
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• 2023

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of fermentation by B. subtilis (BPLE), L. brevis (LPLE), S. cerevisiae (SPLE) and C. militaris (CPLE) on the antioxidant activity of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae fed with mushroom substrates (king oyster mushroom). The total polyphenol content of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae (PLE), BPLE, LPLE, SPLE and CPLE were 58.07±0.67, 83.33±0.98, 79.21±1.32, 61.02±0.87 and 57.90±1.02 mg GAEs/extract g, respectively. The flavonoid contents of the PLE, BPLE, LPLE, SPLE and CPLE were 17.35±1.57, 19.49±0.95, 16.90±1.57, 18.12±0.95 and 16.99±0.95 mg QEs/extract g, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging activity showed no significant difference between the PLE, BPLE, LPLE, SPLE and CPLE at a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml. However, at a concentration of 0.4 mg/ml or more, the DPPH radical scavenging activity of the BPLE and LPLE was higher than that of the PLE. The reducing power of the BPLE and LPLE was also higher than that of the PLE, and more than twice as high at a concentration of 0.8 mg/ml or more. The ORAC value of the BPLE (79.77±0.82 uM TEs/extract g) was higher than that of the PLE (61.34±0.97 uM TEs/extract g). A WST-1 assay of the RAW 264.7 cells indicated that the PLE, BPLE, LPLE, SPLE and CPLE showed no cytotoxicity.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.69 no.1
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• pp.25-33
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• 2024

This experiment was conducted at the affiliated farm of the Suncheon University from 2022 to 2023 to investigate the growth, yield, and quality characteristics of soybeans based on the treatment method of Methyl Sulfony Methane (MSM) for the establishment of stable production practices. In the initial investigation of growth characteristics in 2022, an increasing trend in characteristics such as plant height, stem thickness, and branching index was observed as the treatment concentration increased from 50% to 200%. Yield components also followed the same trend, with the basal fertilization + top dressing 3 times at 200% treatment showing the highest yield at 355 kg·10a^-1, with the highest number of pods. In the subsequent study to determine the optimal concentration exceeding 200% in 2023, growth characteristics showed a trend of 400% > 200% > 800%. The basal fertilization + top dressing 3 times at 400% treatment exhibited the longest plant height (106.7 cm) and the most branches (6). In terms of seed quality, this treatment also had the highest proportion (66.9%) of seeds with a diameter over 6.7 mm. Additionally, in yield components such as pods, seeds per pod, and 100-seed weight, the basal fertilization + top dressing 3 times at 400% treatment showed the highest values, resulting in a maximum yield of 374 kg·10a^-1, representing a 23.4% increase compared to the control. Therefore, for the optimal production of high-quality soybeans, it is recommended to apply the treatment of basal fertilization + top dressing 3 times at 400% concentration, with top dressing occurring at 30-day intervals before harvest.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.44-53
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• 2024

Global interest in natural functional materials to strengthen human immunity is increasing due to the increase in immune-related diseases associated with COVID-19 and the aging population. In this study, we determined the potential therapeutic effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus stems on immune enhancement according to the cultivation region. The contents of eleutheroside B and E, which are chemical components of E. senticosus stems, were analyzed. We showed that the eleutheroside B content of E. senticosus stems in different cultivation regions ranged from 2.96±0.11 to 6.24±0.05 mg/g and from 1.11±0.05 to 2.11±0.03 mg/g in 70% ethanol and hot water extracts, respectively. The eleutheroside E content ranged from 4.93±0.20 to 10.79±0.03 mg/g and 1.75±0.14 to 3.64±0.05 mg/g in 70% ethanol and hot water extracts, respectively. In addition, the immunomodulatory effect of E. senticosus stems was evaluated using RAW 264.7 macrophages. The 70% ethanol extract of E. senticosus stems showed no cytotoxicity up to 200 ㎍/mL, and the hot water extract showed no cytotoxicity up to 500 ㎍/mL. Additionally, the E. senticosus stem extract significantly increased the production of nitric oxide and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) compared to their production in the control group. These results suggest that E. senticosus stem extracts are a potential functional food material and ingredient to enhance the immune response.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.4
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• pp.392-401
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• 2023

Corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the world's most important crops, along with wheat and rice, with a global corn production expected to reach 1,154.5 million tons in 2023. Considering this grain production, The generation of corn cob is expected to reach approximately 207.8 million tons in 2023. However, as an agricultural by-product, corn cobs are often considered waste and remain underutilized. Phytosterols, which are abundant in vegetable oils such as corn oil, provide a number of health benefits, including liver health, cholesterol reduction, and protection against chronic diseases such as diabetes. In this study, we investigated the potential of Kwangpyeongok ears, which are commonly used as grain and silage corn in Korea. We also examined the variation in phytosterol content with the maturity of corn ears to identify the optimal time for utilization. At the beginning of physiological maturity, corn cobs had 113.3 mg/100g DW of total phytosterols, which was highest phytosterol abundance during the growth stage. Corn kernels also had the highest phytosterol content at the beginning of physiological maturity. While previous studies on corn bioactive compounds have mainly focused on the kernels, the results of this study highlight that cobs are an excellent source of these compounds. Furthermore, phytosterol levels were influenced by genetic factors and developmental stages, suggesting the to increase the use of cobs as a source of bioactive compounds.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.4
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• pp.304-312
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• 2023

Plant breeding is a time-consuming process, mainly due to the limited annual generational advancement. A speed breeding system, using LED light sources, has been applied to accelerate generational progression in various crops. However, detailed protocols applicable to soybeans are still insufficient. In this study, we report the optimized protocols for a speed breeding system comprising 12 soybean varieties with various maturity ecotypes. We investigated the effects of two light qualities (RGB ratio), three levels of light intensity (PPFD), and two soil conditions on the flowering time and development of soybeans. Our results showed that an increase in the red wavelength of the light spectrum led to a delay in flowering time. Furthermore, as light intensity increased, flowering time, average internode length, and plant height decreased, while the number of nodes, branches, and pods increased. When compared to agronomic soil, horticultural soil resulted in an increase of more than 50% in the number of nodes, branches, and pods. Consequently, the optimal conditions were determined as follows: a 10-hour short-day photoperiod, an equal RGB ratio (1:1:1), light intensity exceeding 1,300 PPFD, and the use of horticultural soil. Under these conditions, the average flowering time was found to be 27.3±2.48 days, with an average seed yield of 7.9±2.67. Thus, the speed breeding systems reduced the flowering time by more than 40 days, compared to the average flowering time of Korean soybean resources (approximately 70 days). By using a controlled growth chamber that is unaffected by external environmental conditions, up to 6 generations can be achieved per year. The use of LED illumination and streamlined facilities further contributes to cost savings. This study highlights the substantial potential of integrating modern crop breeding techniques, such as digital breeding and genetic editing, with generational shortening systems to accelerate crop improvement.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2024

Understanding changes in fermentation characteristics and microbial populations of forage silage during ensiling is of interest for improving the nutrient value of the feed for ruminants. This study was conducted to investigate the changes in fermentation characteristics and bacterial communities of whole crop rice (WCR) silage during the ensiling period. The chemical compositions, pH, organic acids and bacterial communities were evaluated at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months after ensiling. The bacterial communities were classified at both the genus and species levels. The dry matter content of WCR silage decreased with the length of storage (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in crude protein and NDF contents. Following fermentation, the pH level of WCR silage was lower than the initial level. The lactic acid content remained at high levels for 3 to 6 months after ensiling, followed by a sharp decline at 12 months (p<0.05). Before fermentation, the WCR was dominated by Weissella (30.8%) and Pantoea (20.2%). Growth of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (31.4%) was observed at 3 months after ensiling. At 6 months, there was a decrease in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (10.2%) and an increase in Levilactobacillus brevis (12.8%), resulting in increased bacteria diversity until that period. The WCR silage was dominated by Lentilactobacillus buchneri (71.2%) and Lacticaseibacillus casei (27.0%) with a sharp reduction in diversity at 12 months. Overall, the WCR silage maintained satisfactory fermentation quality over a 12-month ensiling period. Furthermore, the fermentation characteristics of silage were found to be correlated to bacterial microbiome.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.64-70
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• 2024

The experiment was conducted to determine the changes in seed productivity of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) according to nitrogen fertilization levels in the southern region of Korea. Italian ryegrass (IRG) variety 'Green Call' was sown in the fall of 2021 in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do. The experiment consisted of three nitrogen fertilizer levels (100, 120, and 140 N kg/ha) with three replications using a randomized complete block design. Harvesting was done approximately 30 days after heading on May 18th. There was no difference in heading date among treatments, which occurred on April 18th. The longest IRG was observed in the 140 N kg/ha treatment, but there was no significant difference. No significant differences were observed in lodging, disease resistance, and cold tolerance among treatments, but lodging was severe in all treatments. The length of the spike averaged 44.95 cm, with no difference among treatments, and the number of seeds per spike was highest in the 120 N kg/ha treatment. Seed yield increased with increasing nitrogen fertilizer levels, averaging 3,707 kg/ha (as-fed basis). DM content of seed and straw averaged 76.95% and 62.19%, respectively, with no significant differences among treatments. The remaining straw after harvesting averaged 6,525 kg/ha on a dry matter basis, with the highest value observed in the 140 N kg/ha treatment. Overall, considering the results, the optimal nitrogen fertilizer application rate for seed production of Italian ryegrass in the southern region when sown in autumn was found to be 120 N kg/ha.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.99-105
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• 2024

This study was conducted to estimate the effects of the forage process on rumen fermentation characteristics and greenhouse gas emissions of rye. Rye was grown at the Taeyoung Livestock farm and harvested at the heading stage. The harvested rye (5 kg) was sub-sampled for fresh forage, hay, and silage in triplicates. The sub-sampled rye was freeze-dried or air-dried for fresh forage or rye hay, respectively. For rye silage, the sub-sampled rye forage was ensiled into a 10 L mini bucket silo and stored for 90 days. For 72 h rumen incubation, each forage (0.3 g) was placed into the incubation bottle with the rumen mixture (30 mL) in quadruplicates. After the incubation, total gas was measured and sub-sampled for CO₂ and CH₄ analyses, and the bottle content was centrifuged for in vitro digestibilities of dry matter (IVDMD) and neutral detergent fiber (IVNDFD), and rumen fermentation characteristics. Silage had higher crude protein, crude ash, and acid detergent fiber concentrations than fresh forage and hay but lower non-fiber carbohydrates and relative feed value (p<0.05). And, silage had higher lactic acid bacteria than the other forages but lower pH (p<0.05). After 72 h incubation in the rumen, fresh forage had higher IVDMD and butyrate content than the other forages (p<0.05). However, silage had higher rumen pH and propionate content than the other forages but lower A:P ratio (p<0.05). Regarding greenhouse gases, silage had lowest total gas (mL/g DMD and NDFD) and CH₄ (mL/g DMD and NDFD) emissions, while fresh forage had lowest CO₂ (mL/g DMD) emission (p<0.05). Therefore, this study concluded that the ensiling process of rye can effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions of Hanwoo.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.319-327
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• 2023

To harvest marketable cucumbers, high quality seedlings must be used. Producing seedlings in the greenhouse during the low radiation period decreases marketability due to insufficient light for growth. Supplemental lighting with artificial light of different quality can be used to improve low light conditions and produce high quality seedlings. Therefore, this study was conducted to select the appropriate supplemental light sources on the growth and seedling quality of grafted cucumber seedlings during the low radiation period. Three cultivars of cucumber were used as scions for grafting; 'NakWonSeongcheongjang', 'Sinsedae', and 'Goodmorning baekdadagi'. Figleaf gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia) 'Heukjong' was used as the rootstock. The seeds were sown on January 26, 2023, and grafted on February 9, 2023. After graft-taking, cucumbers in plug trays were treated with RB light-emitting diodes (LED, red and blue LED, red:blue = 8:2), W LED (white LED, R:G:B = 5:3:2), and HPS (high-pressure sodium lamp), respectively. Non-treatment was used as the control. Supplemental lighting was applied 2 hours before sunrise and 2 hours after sunset for 19 days. The stem diameter and fresh and dry weights of roots did not differ significantly by supplemental light sources. The plant height and hypocotyl length were decreased in W LED. However, the leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, and fresh and dry weights of shoots were the highest in the RB LED. Seedling qualities such as crop growth rate, net assimilation rate, and compactness were also increased in RB LED and W LED. After transplanting, most of the growth was not significant, but early yield of cucumber was higher in LED than non-treatment. In conclusion, using RB LED, W LED for supplemental light source during low radiation period in grafted cucumber seedlings improved growth, seedling quality, and early yield of cucumber.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.475-483
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• 2023

This study was conducted to determine the optimal irrigation starting point by analyzing tree growth, physiological responses, fruit quality, and productivity in peach orchards. Seven-year-old 'Kawanakajima Hakuto' peach trees were used in an experimental field (35°49'30.4"N, 127°01'33.2"E) located within the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science located in Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do. The irrigation starting point was set with four levels of -20, -40, -60, and -80 kPa from June to September 2022. While there were no significant differences in increase of trunk cross-section area and leaf area among treatments, shoot length and diameter decreased in the -80 kPa and -20 kPa treatments. The photosynthetic rate measured in August was highest for -60 kPa (17.7 μmol·m^-2·s^-1), followed by -40 kPa (15.6 μmol·m^-2·s^-1), -20 kPa (14.5 μmol·m^-2·s^-1) and -80 kPa (14.0 μmol·m^-2·s^-1). SPAD value measured in May and August was lower in the -80 kPa and -20 kPa treatments than in the -60 kPa and -40 kPa treatments. The harvest date reached three days earlier in the -20 kPa treatment compared to other treatments. The fruit weight was highest in the -60 kPa (379.1 g), followed by -40 kPa (344.0 g), -80 kPa (321.0 g) and -20 kPa (274.9 g). Firmness was the lowest in the -20 kPa treatment. The soluble solid content was highest in the -60 kPa treatment (13.3°Bx).The ratio of marketable fruits was highest in the -60 kPa treatment (50.7%) and lowest in the -80 kPa treatment (23.4%). In conclusion, we suggest that setting the irrigation starting point at -60 kPa could improve the fruit quality and yield in peach orchards.