• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.117-124
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• 2018

The imports of Centella asiatica L. Urban are increasing year-by-year due to the fact that its extract is a raw material used for skin wounds and in cosmetics. However, studies on the cultivation and identification of native C. asiatica species in Korea have been extremely rare. Therefore, this study was conducted in order to investigate the physiological and functional activity of Korean native C. asiatica plant cultivated in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. As a result, the highest antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities were examined with methanol extract while skin-whitening and wrinkle improvement were examined with water extract. Seven bacterium and one fungus were treated with 50% methanol extracts of C. asiatica and most of the bacterium showed similar or low levels of antibacterial activity compared to the control group of Omiza (Schisandra chinensis) extract, except for Streptococcus pyogenes, which showed higher antimicrobial activity than that of Omiza extract. However, neither C. asiatica and Omiza extracts showed antimicrobial activity against the fungus, C. albicans. The results of anti-inflammatory effect analyses with Raw 264.7 cells confirmed that the treatment of methanol extract reduced the level of NO by 50% or more compared to the control group. In addition, the water extract showed the highest reduction of melanin content of up to 20% more than the control group when examined with B16F10 cell line, indicating a significant skin-whitening effect. Furthermore, we were able to show the significant skin wrinkle improvement caused by C. asiatica extract with NHDF cell as an indicator, but strong cytotoxicity was also observed, suggesting that further studies are necessary.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.74-82
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• 2004

This study was conducted to estimate the optimum application rate of fertilizer N based on $NO_3-N$ concentration in soils for tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivation in plastic film house. Tomato plants were cultivated with and without fertilizer in twelve soils which have different concentrations of $NO_3-N$ ranging from 46 to $344mg\;kg^{-1}$. Dry weight (DW) of above-ground part of tomato with no fertilizer ranged from 28.9 to $112.5g\;plant^{-1}$, depending on N-supplying capability of soils. The soil $NO_3-N$ was positively correlated with DW ($r=0.83^{**}$) and N uptake ($r=0.78^{**}$) by tomatoes in no fertilizer treatment, and negatively correlated with fertilizer effciencies resulted from the differences of DW and N uptake between fertilized and non-fertilized plot. The relationships between soil $NO_3-N$ concentration and DW, N uptake, and fertilizer efficiency were analyzed to determine the critical levels of soil $NO_3-N$ for tomato cultivation. The limit critical levels of soil $NO_3-N$ were estimated to be more than $280mg\;kg^{-1}$ for no application of fertilizer N and to be less than $50mg\;kg^{-1}$ for recommended application of fertilizer N. These critical levels of soil $NO_3-N$ were nearly the same as those calculated from regression equation between electrical conductivity(EC) and soil nitrate for critical levels of EC in recommendation equation of fertilizer N for tomato under the plastic film house by NationaI Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology. Consequently, the optimal application rate of ferdilizer N for tomato cultivation in the soils containing $NO_3-N$ concentration between $280mg\;kg^{-1}$ and $50mg\;kg^{-1}$ was estimated by the equation Y = -0.4348X＋121.74, where Y is the percent(%) to the recommended application rate of N fertilizer and X is the soil $NO_3-N$ concentration ($mg\;kg^{-1}$).

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.59-65
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• 2004

Interactions of phosphorus and zinc in soils are important to determine the availability of the elements because those elements are closely related in the agricultural environment. The objective of this study was to investigate the interactions of P and Zn using desorption quantity (Q)-intensily(I) isotherms. Physically and chemically different soils, acidic Egan, acidic sandy Egeland, calcareous Glenham, and neutral Maddock, were used. The soils were enriched with different concentrations of P and Zn as $KH_2PO_4$ and $ZnSO_4$ solutions, respectively. Zinc enrichments affected availability of P in the Egan soil, which contained higher amounts of clay, organic matter, and exchangeable Fe than the other soils tested. After Zn enrichments, the pH drastically decreased in Egeland sandy soil, not changed in the calcarious Glenham soil, and slightly decreased in Egan and Maddock soil systems. The values of $Q_{max}$ and $I_0$ of phosphorus decreased with increasing Zn concentrations enriched in all soils, the changes of those values did not influence the P buffering power, |$BP_o$| values, in most soils. The influences of P treatment on Zn availability were varied. The values of Zn buffering capacity, $BC_{Zn}$, were lowest in the Egeland soil that had the lowest soil pH, amounts of clay minerals, organic matter, CEC, and exchangeable Fe, and were highest in the calcareous Glenham soil. The $BC_{Zn}$ values ranged from 202 to 4480. With P application, the changes of $BC_{Zn}$ values were more affected by the changes of soil solution Zn contents (I) than the changes of DTPA extractable Zn contents(Q). The change of Q and I values was found to be dependent upon soil properties, especially, soil pH.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.664-672
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• 2012

As an artificial light source, light-emitting diode (LED) with a short wavelength range can be used in closed-type plant production systems. Among various wavelength ranges in visible light, individual light spectra induce distinguishing influences on plant growth and development. In this study, we determined the effects of monochromatic LEDs on leaf shape index, growth and the accumulation of phytochemicals in a red leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. 'Sunmang') and a green leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. 'Grand rapid TBR'). Lettuce seedlings grown under normal growing conditions ($20^{\circ}C$, fluorescent lamp + high pressure sodium lamp, $130{\pm}5{\mu}mmol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$, 12 hours photoperiod) for 18 days were transferred into incubators at $20^{\circ}C$ equipped with various monochromatic LEDs (blue LED, 456 nm; green LED, 518 nm; red LED, 654 nm; white LED, 456 nm + 558 nm) under the same light intensity and photoperiod ($130{\pm}7{\mu}mmol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$, 12 hours photoperiod). Leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots, shoot/root ratio, SPAD value, total phenolic concentration, antioxidant capacity, and the expression of a key gene involved in the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), were measured at 9 and 23 days after transplanting. The leaf shape indexes of both lettuce cultivars subjected to blue or white LEDs were similar with those of control during whole growth stage. However, red and green LEDs induced significantly higher leaf shape index than the other treatments. The green LED had a negative impact on the lettuce growth. Most of growth characteristics such as fresh and dry weights of shoots and leaf area were the highest in both cultivars subjected to red LED treatment. In case of red leaf lettuce plants, shoot fresh weight under red LED was 3.8 times higher than that under green LED at 23 days after transplanting. In contrast, the accumulation of chlorophyll, phenolics including antioxidants in lettuce plants showed an opposite trend compared with growth. SPAD value, total phenolic concentration, and antioxidant capacity of lettuce grown under blue LED were significantly higher than those under other LED treatments. In addition, PAL gene was remarkably activated by blue LED at 9 days after transplanting. Thus, this study suggested that the light quality using LEDs is a crucial factor for morphology, growth, and phytochemicals of two lettuce cultivars.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.913-920
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• 2010

This study was conducted to improve the seed germination by low temperature and $GA_3$ in $Orostachys$ $japonicus$ A. Berger (Jirisan) and $O.$ $iwarenge$ (Mak.) Hara (Jejuyeonhwa), Korean native plants. Observation of the seeds using a stereo microscope showed that all seeds of the two species have wrinkled surface and oblong shape. Seed size ranged 0.77-1.00/0.25-0.37 mm (length/width), indicating that the seeds are minute seeds. When the seeds of two $Orostachsis$ species were sown into petri-dish and placed in a plant growth chamber of 10, 15, 20, or $25^{\circ}C$, 'Jirisan' showed seed germination below 20% at all temperatures and 'Jejuyeonhwa' 80% at only $10^{\circ}C$. Seed germination of 'Jirisan' increased up to 44% at $10^{\circ}C$ by low temperature ($4^{\circ}C$) storage for 10 days, but decreased again at storage for more than 20 days. The seeds of 'Jejuyeonhwa' showed a large increase in seed germination by low temperature for 20-30 days, which was 95% at $10^{\circ}C$, but low temperature for more than 40 days significantly decreased seed germination. Dipping treatment in GA3 solution of $50-400mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ for different periods (3, 6, 12, and 24 hrs) remarkably improved germination rate and speed in both species, 80-100% in 'Jirisan' and 90-100% in 'Jejuyeonhwa' at all concentrations and dipping times used in this study.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.609-617
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• 2010

The effect of vase water temperature and leaf number on water relations and senescence responses was determined in cut roses. Freshly harvested 'Red Sandra' roses were re-trimmed to 50 cm leaving two or four upper leaves and held in one of three solutions: ambient temperature distilled water ($23^{\circ}C$; AT-DW), low temperature distilled water ($7^{\circ}C$; LT-DW) and low temperature preservative solution (LT-PW). Flowers were kept in an environmental controlled room. Treatment effects evaluated were vase life, flower diameter, and changes in fresh weight and water uptake. Differences in water relations were determined by measuring $CO_2$ assimilation, stomatal conductance, and stem water flux rate (SFR). The water uptake rate was significantly increased in roses in LT-DW and decreased in those in LT-PW. While showing lower solution uptake rate during vase period, roses in LT-PW exhibited greatest fresh weight, longest positive water balance duration and largest flower diameter. Flowers with two leaves attached exhibited a higher fresh weight and improved water balance, thereby extending vase life. $CO_2$ assimilation rate and stomatal conductance were significantly decreased by placing flowers in LT-PW, yet increased by reducing leaf number to two leaves on the flower stems. Compared to the upper stem, the SFR of the basal stem of roses in AT-DW was lower, whereas SFR in basal stems of roses in LT-DW was much higher, suggesting that low-temperature water improved the hydraulic conductance in the stems. In contrast, roses in LT-PW had a stable SFR during the experimental period and displayed a similar pattern in SFR between upper and basal portions of the stems. Consequently, the vase life of cut roses in LT-PW and LT-DW was extended by more than eight and four days, respectively, compared to those in AT-DW.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.574-579
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• 2010

Waste nutrient solution (WNS) that was the drained nutrient solution of Horticultural Research Institute of Japan for culture tomato in perlite hydroponics showed $1.9-2.4dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$ of EC and 5.7-7.1 pH from April to July. Although ${NH_4}^+-N$ concentration of WNS decreased remarkably, the other nutrients did not change significantly, as compared with supplied solution. There were no significant differences in plant height, stem diameter, and the other growth characteristics of tomato plants grown by 2 fertigation nutrient solutions; BHF (Bountiful Harvest Fertilizer, 10% of N, 13% of $PO_4$, 13% of K, 0.05% of B, 0.05% of Zn, and 0.0023% of Cu that made in Korea) and Megasol (11% of N, 8% of $PO_4$, 34% of K, 0.032% of Mn, 0.002% of B, 0.048% of Fe, 0.0122% of Zn, and 0.0023% of Cu that made in Belgium.); however, the chlorophyll content of tomato leaf was highest in WNS. The fresh and dry weight of tomato plants were higher in 3 fertigation treatments than irrigation of tap water, while there were no significant differences in fresh and dry weight among the 3 fertigation treatments. The mineral content of tomato leaf also did not show any differences among the 3 fertigation treatments and any regular tendency in all minerals. Total yield, fruit weight and fruit numbers of tomato were higher in WNS, followed by Megasol, BHF and control, although there were not any difference among the 3 fertigation nutrient solution treatments. BER(blossom-end rot)of tomato fruits decreased in fertigation treatments, especially, fruits grown in WNS and BHF showed lower BER. However, the transpiration rate of leaf was higher in control, followed by BHF, WNS and Megasol, The fruit size and soluble solids content was higher in 3 fertigation nutrient treatments than control. These results suggest that WNS can be used for fertigation solution in tomato because yield and quality of tomato fruit grown in WNS fertigation treatment were similar to those in 2 fertigation nutrient solutions treatments(BHF, Megasol).

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.973-979
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• 2010

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of electrical conductivity (EC) of nutrient solution on the growth, nutrient uptake of potted kalanchoe plants ($Kalanchoe$ $blossfeldiana$ 'New Alter') and the nutrient accumulation at the growing media with growth stage in ebb and flow subirrigation systems. Significant differences in leaf area, plant height, and dry weight of the plants were found among the different ECs of nutrient solution of 0.8, 1.6, 2.4, and $3.2dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$. Particularly the difference in plant growth became significantly greater from 5 weeks after treatment. The overall growth was the highest at EC $1.6dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$. Leaf area, plant height, and dry weight were maintained higher when EC increased to $2.4dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$, but rapidly decreased after EC $3.2dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$. The uptake of NO3-N was the greatest while that of $Mg^{2+}$ was the lowest at EC $1.6dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$, even though small differences were found among macro elements. The EC at the top layer of the growing media was 1 to 3 times higher than that at the bottom layer. Nutrient accumulation was accelerated in both the top and bottom layers with growth stage. At EC $3.2dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$, the growth of the plants was suppressed due to higher nutrient accumulation at the growing media. From the results, the strength and composition of nutrient solution should be determined by considering nutrient accumulation at the growing media in addition to EC of nutrient solution in ebb and flow subirrigation systems.

• Journal of Korea Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.34-45
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• 2016

Global warming and climate change have been caused by combustion of fossil fuels. The greenhouse gases contributed to the rise of temperature between $0.6^{\circ}C$ and $0.9^{\circ}C$ over the past century. Presently, fossil fuels account for about 88% of the commercial energy sources used. In developing countries, fossil fuels are a very attractive energy source because they are available and relatively inexpensive. The environmental problems with fossil fuels have been aggravating stress from already existing factors including acid deposition, urban air pollution, and climate change. In order to control greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2, fossil fuels must be replaced by eco-friendly fuels such as biomass. The use of renewable energy sources is becoming increasingly necessary. The biomass resources are the most common form of renewable energy. The conversion of biomass into energy can be achieved in a number of ways. The most common form of converted biomass is pellet fuels as biofuels made from compressed organic matter or biomass. Pellets from lignocellulosic biomass has compared to conventional fuels with a relatively low bulk and energy density and a low degree of homogeneity. Thermal pretreatment technology like torrefaction is applied to improve fuel efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass, i.e., less moisture and oxygen in the product, preferrable grinding properties, storage properties, etc.. During torrefacton, lignocelluosic biomass such as palm kernell shell (PKS) and empty fruit bunch (EFB) was roasted under an oxygen-depleted enviroment at temperature between 200 and $300^{\circ}C$. Low degree of thermal treatment led to the removal of moisture and low molecular volatile matters with low O/C and H/C elemental ratios. The mechanical characteristics of torrefied biomass have also been altered to a brittle and partly hydrophobic materials. Unfortunately, it was much harder to form pellets from torrefied PKS and EFB due to thermal degradation of lignin as a natural binder during torrefaction compared to non-torrefied ones. For easy pelletization of biomass with torrefaction, pellets from PKS and EFB were manufactured before torrefaction, and thereafter they were torrefied at different temperature. Even after torrefaction of pellets from PKS and EFB, their appearance was well preserved with better fuel efficiency than non-torrefied ones. The physical properties of the torrefied pellets largely depended on the torrefaction condition such as reaction time and reaction temperature. Temperature over $250^{\circ}C$ during torrefaction gave a significant impact on the fuel properties of the pellets. In particular, torrefied EFB pellets displayed much faster development of the fuel properties than did torrefied PKS pellets. During torrefaction, extensive carbonization with the increase of fixed carbons, the behavior of thermal degradation of torrefied biomass became significantly different according to the increase of torrefaction temperature. In conclusion, pelletization of PKS and EFB before torrefaction made it much easier to proceed with torrefaction of pellets from PKS and EFB, leading to excellent eco-friendly fuels.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.171-177
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• 2007

This study suggested a new method to stabilize molten salt wastes generated from the pyre-process for the spent fuel treatment. Using conventional sol-gel process, $SiO_2-Al_2O_3-P_2O_5$ (SAP) inorganic material that is reactive to metal chlorides were prepared. In this paper, the reactivity of SAP with the metal chlorides at $650{\sim}850$, the thermal stability of reaction products and their leach-resistance under the PCT-A test method were investigated. Alkali metal chlorides were converted into metal aluminosilicate($LixAlxSi1-_xO_{2-x}$) and metal phosphate($Li_3PO_4\;and\;Cs_2AlP_3O_{10}$) While alkali earth and rare earth chlorides were changed into only metal phosphates ($Sr_5(PO_4)_3Cl\;and\;CePO_4$). The conversion rate was about $96{\sim}99%$ at a salt waste/SAP weight ratio of 0.5 and a weight loss up to $1100^{\circ}C$ measured by thermogravimetric analysis were below 1wt%. The leach rates of Cs and Sr under the PCT-A test condition were about $10^{-2}g/m^2\;day\;and\;10^{-4}g/m^2\;day$. From these results, it could be concluded that SAP can be considered as an effective stabilizer for metal chlorides and the method using SAP will give a chance to reduce the volume of salt wasteform for the final disposal through further researches.