• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.253-262
• /
• 2015

The sustainability of Cypripedium japonicum, a rare plant designated by the Korea Forest Service, is threatened due to artificial factors such as habitat loss and climate change etc. and internal factors such as changes in biological properties of the habitat etc. but conservation research has not been performed in South Korea. The objective of this study is to establish the species conservation strategies by analyzing the characteristics of their habitats, including: 1) Population characteristics, and 2) habitat analysis of the vegetation and abiotic environments. From April to September, 2014, population characteristics [density (stems $m^{-2}$), flowering rate (%), and leaf area ($cm^2$)] in Cypripedium japonicum habitats such as Chuncheon (CC), Hwacheon (HC), Muju (MJ), and Gwangyang (GY) and vegetation characteristics (plant sociological research and ordination analysis), and abiotic environments [temperature ($^{\circ}C$), relative humidity (%), transmitted light ($mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}d^{-1}$) and canopy openness (%)] were measured. Cypripedium japonicum was mainly distributed at elevation 450 to 990 m and 5 to $30^{\circ}$ slope. Slope direction was shown as 0 to $110^{\circ}$. Habitats temperature (mean $18.94^{\circ}C$) was well matched to seasonal changes. Differences among sites showed greater level according to latitude difference. It showed the highest in habitat, GY located in the South. On the other hand, relative humidity (77.38%) didn't show much difference among sites. The average degree of canopy openness was 18.17%. It showed the highest at HC (22.1%) and the lowest at MJ (16.1%). The average degree of transmitted light was $9.1mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}d^{-1}$. It showed the highest at CC ($10.6mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}d^{-1}$) and the lowest at GY ($6.87mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}d^{-1}$). Chlorophyll content showed average 26.12 SPAD. It showed the highest at MJ (30.64 SPAD value) and the lowest at HC (23.69 SPAD value). Leaf area was average $253.35cm^2$. It showed the highest at CC ($281.51cm^2$) and the lowest at HC ($238.23cm^2$).

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.36 no.6
• /
• pp.639-650
• /
• 2022

Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai, a rare plant with distylous characteristics, is native to certain parts of the Korean Peninsula. It is registered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as a globally endangered plant. This study was conducted to establish an appropriate local conservation management plan suitable for future A. distichum populations by comparing and analyzing the flowering characteristics and population size according to distyly based on the results of quantitative surveys in 14 regions, including 8 areas with native populations of A. distichum and 6 natural monument populations. The number of individuals appearing in each population group was surveyed, and the flowering individuals were identified by style as being either pin or thrum flower types as they were being examined and recorded on the site. In total, 13,130 individuals of A. distichum (7,003 flowering and 6,127 non-flowering individuals) were recorded, but the balance of the number of pin- and thrum-flowered individuals in each population was not significant (p<0.05), indicating an imbalanced state. In particular, the Yeongdong (YD) population was very disproportionate compared to other populations, suggesting that its genetic diversity was low and the possibility of inbreeding was high. The average flowering and fruiting rates by management unit were much higher in the natural monument populations (89.2% and 55.3%, respectively) than in the natural habitat populations (39.0% and 8.5%, respectively). It may be due to a difference in reproductive growth resulting from light inflow into the forest caused by the upper crown closure. The area of occupation (AOO) of A. distichum on the Korean Peninsula covered an area of 23,224.5 m². Although the natural monument population was smaller than the natural habitat population, its density was higher, likely as a result of the periodic management of natural monument populations, where the installation of protective facilities in certain areas restricts population spread. Conservation of A. distichum populations requires removing the natural monument populations suspected of anthropogenic and genetic disturbances and expanding the conservation priority population by designating new protected areas. Although the habitats of natural monument populations are managed by the Cultural Heritage Administration and local governments, there are no agencies that are responsible for managing natural habitat populations. Therefore, institutional improvement in the overall management of A. distichum should be prioritized.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.280-304
• /
• 2013

This study was carried out to investigate the flora of Mt. Gilsangsan (Ganghwa-Isl.). The vascular plants were collected 14 times (from March to November 2012), and were identified as 595 taxa; 122 families, 359 genera, 529 species, 7 subspecies, 51 varieties, 2 forms and 3 hybrids. The plant formation of Mt. Gisangsan is the deciduous broad-leaved and conifer mixed forest which is the common one in the middle part of Korean peninsula. All most mountain covered with young secondary forest which is mainly composed of Pinus and Quercus. The family represented by the largest number of species diversity were Asteraceae (11.%), Poaceae (10.7%), Cyperaceae (6.38%), Fabaceae (3.86%) and Rosaceae (3.52%) respectively. Korean endemic plants of this area were 12 taxa; Asarum misandrum, Clematis brachyura, Philadelphus schrenkii, Forsythia koreana, Polygonatum infundiflorum, etc. The red list of vascular plants according to IUCN valuation basis were examined, endangered species (EN) Abies koreana, Near Threatened species (NT) both Wikstroemia trichotoma and Sparganium erectum, Least Concern species (LC) Platycladus orientalis, Swertia diluta var. tosaensis and Iris minutoaurea and by Not Evaluate species (NE) Polygonatum infundiflorum. The floristic regional indicator plants found in this area were 45 taxa comprising two taxa of grade V and VI, nine taxa of grade III, three taxa of grade II, 29 taxa of gradeI. The naturalized plants were identified as 64 taxa and the percent of naturalized index (NI) was 10.7% of total 595 taxa vascular plants. Ecosystem disturbance wild plants were consisted of eight taxa; Rumex acetosella, Sicyos angulatus, Solanum carolinense, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Ambrosia trifida, Aster pilosus, Hypochaeris radicata and Lactuca scariola. Furthermore, therophytes (26.5%), hemicryptophytes (26.0%), Geophyte (14.0%) showed high proportional ratio in life form spectrum.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.34 no.5
• /
• pp.372-395
• /
• 2020

This study aimed to elucidate the distribution of vascular plants in Mt. Goryeo in Ganghwa-gun, Korea. The results of 14 field surveys from March 2018 to August 2019 identified 629 total taxa, representing 568 species, 10 subspecies, 45 varieties, two forms, and four hybrids in 371 genera and 112 families. The plant formation of Mt. Goryeo is the deciduous broad-leaved and conifer mixed forest, which is the common one in the middle part of the Korean Peninsula. Most parts of the mountain are covered with a young secondary forest, mainly composed of Quercus and Pinus spp. Out of the 629 taxa, 314 were first recorded in the region, six were endemic to Korea, four were listed on the Korean Red List of threatened species, 63 were floristic target plants, and 58 were invasive alien plants. The percentages of the naturalized index (NI) and urbanization index (UI) were 9.2% and 15.5%, respectively. The area showed a high plant diversity with many rare plants and phytogeographically important plants. This study discussed in detail conservation strategies to ensure biodiversity and effective management of Mt. Goryeo. The study results can be used as the reference for the preparation of biodiversity conservation and the establishment of management measures.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.181-188
• /
• 2012

Salicornia europaea (glasswort) is succulent, annual, halophytic plant mainly distributed throughout reclaimed land or salt marsh. It has strong tolerance to salt so that it plays the part of the pioneer species in the first succession. According to domestic and foreign studies, S. europaea contains plenty of minerals and antioxidant in the body. Since people take note of an availableness of this plant as health diet, the natural growth sites are threatened. In addition to development of salt marsh and sea shore, imprudent harvest has a bad effect to S. europaea population maintenance. To seek ways to preserve the population of this plant, we carried out the continuity of seed germination and restoration test. Seokmo Island, Daebu Island, Youngjong Island and Sudokwon landfill in Korea are selected sites for research. Result of germination continuity shows that most S. europaea seeds germinate on March but no more after July. However the germination was occurred after that time in the greenhouse. So we concluded that no germination after July is a matter of environmental condition not the number of remaining seeds. Also germination was seldom occurred in the spot where seeds production was not happened. In result of continuity test of seed germination by soil depth, germination was occurred vigorously only in top soil. From these results, we note that most S. europaea germinate in the early spring, and germination is finished by July. And this rapid germination speed makes the number of seeds in soil seed bank rare. If a large number of S. europaea in some area are harvested after July, the number of this species will dramatically decrease in that area the following year. In Seokmo Island, we carried out reintroduction experiment by sowing S. europaea seeds. On the first year, a small number of S. europaea settled and they produced seeds successfully. On April 2010, the second year, we observed many S. europaea in seed sowing sites. And we found out that plowing is more efficient than treatment sea water for settlement of S. europaea.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.239-244
• /
• 2015

Calanthe striata f. sieboldii Decne. ex Regel is a terrestrial orchid with beautiful flowers arranged in racemose inflorescences. This species is threatened due to over-collection and loss of suitable habitats. Asymbiotic germination is useful in the conservation efforts to re-establish plants in the wild, and for commercial propagation. In this study, we investigate the effects of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), three types of culture media (Phytomax Orchid Maintenance - POM, Seed Germination Maintenance - SGM, and Murashige and Skoog 1962 - MS), and plant growth regulators on embryo swelling, protocorm formation, and embryo diameter of C. striata f. sieboldii. Treatment with 1% NaOCl for 30 min greatly enhanced embryo swelling (28.3%), embryo diameter ($205.8{\mu}m$), and embryo protocorm formation (54.8%) compared to seeds without NaOCl treatment (embryo swelling 8.5%, embryo diameter $14.6{\mu}m$, and protocorm formation 13.4%) on POM medium. Protocorm formation on POM medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L N6-benzyladenine (BA) (95.6%) was better than the control (54.5%). Additionally, the effects of activated charcoal (AC) and sucrose on seedling growth in in vitro culture were examined. The protocorm converted into healthy plants with well-developed shoot primordia on the POM medium with AC and sucrose. The most suitable conditions for seedling growth after 10 weeks of culture were the POM medium with AC or sucrose. These results show effective asymbiotic seed germination and in vitro seedling growth of C. striata f. sieboldii.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.303-310
• /
• 2020

This study was conducted on propagation use for conservation scheme of a threatened plant; Wikstroemia ganpi (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim(Geomundo false ohelo). The seed propagation was showed higher (95%) in storage and lower values in ground and cutting. Softwood cutting was higher than hardwood cutting and it was possessing higher ratio of rooting that increase concentration of IBA and NAA. It was determined that for Geomundo false ohelo seedling was effective than cutting. In-situ and ex-situ conservation and restoration of substitute habitats of Geomundo false ohelo is therefore necessary due to human trampling in the habitats, damage, natural selection, loss and suppression.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
• /
• v.46 no.2
• /
• pp.213-246
• /
• 2016

Algific talus slopes tend to occur on steep north-facing slopes with bedrock that retains ice and emits cold air throughout the growing season. Algific talus slopes provide a suitable microclimate for disjunct or relict populations of northern plant species at low altitude habitats in temperate zones. The purpose of this study is to suggest a strategy for the comprehensive conservation of the vegetation of algific talus slopes through studies of the floristics and plant species compositions and threat factors at present and in the future of 15 major algific talus slopes in Korea. As a result, the vascular plants surveyed on 15 major algific talus slopes were recorded, with a total of 587 taxa, 109 families, 323 genera, 531 species, 7 subspecies, 47 varieties 1 form and 1 hybrid. Of them, endemic plants numbered 26 taxa, and threatened species according to the IUCN valuation basis numbered 8 taxa. Fourth (IV) and fifth (V) degree indicator species as specified by floristic subregions numbered 31 taxa. Peculiarly, several subalpine-native plant species, in this case Cystopteris fragilis, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Huperzia selago, Rosa koreana, Vaccinium vitis-idaea and Woodsia hancockii, were distributed on algific talus slopes at 100-600 m above sea level. Numerous and diverse biological resources native to algific talus slopes in Korea have been consistently disturbed or damaged by human activities without some form of protection. An all-taxa biodiversity inventory should be surveyed to provide more information about all biological species living on algific talus slopes. In addition, conservation strategies to ensure biodiversity and effective management of algific talus slopes are discussed in detail.

• Journal of Advanced Marine Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.165-173
• /
• 2016

On March 11, 2011, a massive earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale and subsequent 10-.14 m waves struck the Fukushima Daiichi (FD) Nuclear Power Plant. The main and backup electric power was damaged preventing the cooling system from functioning. Fuel rods overheated and led to hydrogen explosions. If heat in the fuel rods is not dissipated, the nuclear fuel coating material (e.g., Zircaloy) reacts with water vapor to generate hydrogen at high temperatures. This hydrogen is released into the containment area. If the released hydrogen burns, the stability of the containment area is significantly impacted. In this study, researchers performed an explosion analysis in a high-risk explosion area, analyzing the hydrogen distribution in a containment building [1] and the effects of a hydrogen explosion on containment safety. Results indicated that a hydrogen explosion was possible throughout the containment building except the middle area. If an explosion occurs at the top of the containment building with more than 40% of the hydrogen collected or in the bottom right or left side of the of containment building, safety of the containment building could be threatened.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.49-57
• /
• 2013

Malaysia possesses about 1.56 million ha of Peat Swamp Forest (PSF). The PSF safeguard enormous biological diversity, while providing crucial benefits for the sustainable development of human communities. Numbers of threatened plant species are associated with the PSF, including the commercially important Gonystylus bancanus timber. To prevent significant losses of biodiversity, it is important to manage the PSF for both biological conservation and sustainable use. Equally important is to restore all degraded PSF in an attempt to ensure the PSF ecosystem is suitable for the vegetation to grow and rehabilitate back to the normal condition. Prior to plan any forest restoration program, there is a need to properly map the degraded PSF in order to estimate the forest conditions and determine the vegetations status. Most of the time this need to be done at a landscape level and requires a technology that can provide accurate, timely and reliable information for the planner to make decision. This paper describes a study using geospatial technology in combination with ground survey to classify the degraded PSF in South East Pahang Peat Swamp Forest (SEPPSF), Malaysia, into different degree of vegetation classes. With map accuracy of about 83%, the technique proved to be useful in delineating the different degree of PSF degradation from which the information can be used to properly plan forest restoration program in the area. The final output which is in the form of map can be used in developing a Restoration Master Plan for the degraded PSF areas.