• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.845-852
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• 2014

Among various abiotic stress factors, soil salinity decreases the photosynthetic rate, growth, and yield of plants. Recently, many genes have been reported to enhance salt tolerance. The objective of this study was to characterize the Brassica rapa Salt Stress Resistance (BrSSR) gene, of which the function was unclear, although the full-length sequence was known. To characterize the role of BrSSR, a B. rapa Chinese cabbage inbred line ('CT001') was transformed with pSL94 vector containing the full length BrSSR cDNA. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the expression of BrSSR in the transgenic line was 2.59-fold higher than that in the wild type. Analysis of phenotypic characteristics showed that plants overexpressing BrSSR were resistant to salinity stress and showed normal growth. Microarray analysis of BrSSR over-expressing plants confirmed that BrSSR was strongly associated with ERD15 (AT2G41430), a gene encoding a protein containing a PAM2 motif (AT4G14270), and GABA-T (AT3G22200), all of which have been associated with salt tolerance, in the co-expression network of genes related to salt stress. The results of this study indicate that BrSSR plays an important role in plant growth and tolerance to salinity.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.205-211
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• 2018

In this study, we estimated the applicability of length-weight relationship-based biomass calculations by comparison of body length of genus Polyarthra collected from different habitats. Through the comparison, we also tested availability of representative species-specific biomass value of Polyarthra which is often used without length measurement. Polyarthra samples were collected from rivers (Han River and Nakdong River) and reservoir (Paldang Reservoir), and the body length was measured for statistical comparison among habitats and biomass calculations using different equations suggested previously. According to the results, the body length of Polyarthra spp. was significantly different among sampling sites, and the necessity of body length measurement for rotifer species in each situation has been suggested rather than using the representative biomass values which is fixed without considering time and space. Comparison of suggested biomass calculations based on our measured Polyarthra body length, the equation suggested by McCauley showed more reasonable range of biomass values than that suggested by EPA. In addition, in order to calculate more accurate biomass, it is necessary to measure the body length of rotifers, at least more than 44 individuals to reduce error probability to less than 5% with 99% probability. However, since direct measurement of rotifers biomass is limited, it is considered that further analyses are required for more precise application of rotifer biomass of which has high variability due to complex morphologies and species-specific cyclomorphosis often induced by biotic and abiotic factors in the habitats.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.214-227
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• 2018

An object oriented crop model was developed to perform crop growth simulation taking into account complex interaction between biotic and abiotic factors in an agricultural ecosystem. A set of classes including Atmosphere class, Plant class, Soil class, and Grower class were designed to represent weather, crop, soil, and crop management, respectively. Objects, which are instance of class, were linked to construct an integrated system for crop growth simulation. In a case study, yield of corn and soybean, which was obtained at an experiment farm in Rural Development Administration from 1984 to 1986, were compared with yield simulated using the integrated system. The integrated system had relatively low error rate of corn yield, e.g., <4%, under sole and intercropping conditions. In contrast, the system had a relatively large underestimation error for above ground biomass except for grain compared with those observed for corn and soybean. For example, estimates of biomass of corn leaf and stem was 31% lower than those of observed values. Although the integrated system consisted of simple models, the system was capable of simulating crop yield under an intercropping condition. This result suggested that an existing process-based model would be used to have more realistic simulation of crop growth once it is reengineered to be compatible to the integration system, which merits further studies for crop model improvement and implementation in object oriented paradigm.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.156-164
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• 2018

In order to investigate the upwelling and island effects following the wind storm events in the East Sea (i.e., Uljin-Ulleungdo-Dokdo line) during spring, we assessed the vertical and horizontal profiles of abiotic and biotic factors, including phytoplankton communities. The assessment was based on the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) and field survey data. A strong south wind occurred on May 3, when the lowest sea level pressure (987.3 hPa) in 2016 was observed. Interestingly, after this event, huge blooms of phytoplankton were observed on May 12 along the East Korean Warm Current (EKWC), including the in the offshore waters of Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Although the diatoms dominated the EKWC area between the Uljin coastal waters and Ulleungdo, the population density of raphidophytes Heterosigma akashiwo was high in the offshore waters of Ulleungdo-Dokdo. Based on the vertical profiles of Chlorophyll-a (Chl. a), the sub-surface Chl. a maximum appeared at 20 m depths between Uljin and Ulluengdo, whereas relatively high Chl. a was distributed equally across the entire water column around the waters of Ulleungdo and Dokdo islands. This implies that the water mixing (i.e., upwelling) at the two islands, that occurred after the strong wind event, may have brought the rapid proliferation of autotrophic algae, with nutrient input, to the euphotic layer. Therefore, we have demonstrated that a strong south wind caused the upwelling event around the south-eastern Korean peninsula, which is one of the most important role in occurring the spring phytoplankton blooms along the EKWC. In addition, the phytoplankton blooms may have potentially influenced the oligotrophic waters with discrete time lags in the vicinity of Ulleungdo and Dokdo. This indicates that the phytoplankton community structure in the offshore waters of Ulleungdo-Dokdo is dependent upon the complicated water masses moving related to meandering of the EKWC.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.100-116
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• 2002

There are several purpose to introduce microorganism into the Soil. The major purpose is to promote plant growth and inhibit plant pathogens. The model example is to put in nitrogen fixing symbiotic bacteria, Pythium and Rhizobium. In order to achieve the intended goal, the introduced microorganism should survive and colonize with sufficient density. The survival of introduced microorganism depend upon biotic and abiotic factors. Predation and competition are important among biotic factor. Water tension, organic carbon, inorganic nutrients(N, P), pH are important factor among abiootic factor. Soil texture and distribution of soil pore are also important in the survival and colonization of introduced microorganism. Selection by soil ecosystem for inoculant is a crucial factor for colonization. Good example are control of autochtonous microorganism and the introduction of surfactant biodegrading Pseudomonas. Sometimes, carriers such as peat and montmorillonite can be added to help colonization. Carriers can protect introduced microorganism by supplying protective microhabitat. Organic polymer is also used as a carrier to immobilize bacteria or industrial enzymes. Examples of these carrier are calcium alginate, agarose and k-carrageenan. The function of these carrier is to provide microhabitat and help colonization for introduced microorganism.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.114-123
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• 2015

Plants can respond and adapt to cold stress through regulation of gene expression in various biochemical and physiological processes. Cold stress triggers decreased rates of metabolism, modification of cell walls, and loss of membrane function. Hence, this study was conducted to construct coexpression networks for time-based expression pattern analysis of genes related to cold stress in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis). B. rapa cold stress networks were constructed with 2,030 nodes, 20,235 edges, and 34 connected components. The analysis suggests that similar genes responding to cold stress may also regulate development of Chinese cabbage. Using this network model, it is surmised that cold tolerance is strongly related to activation of chitinase antifreeze proteins by WRKY transcription factors and salicylic acid signaling, and to regulation of stomatal movement and starch metabolic processes for systemic acquired resistance in Chinese cabbage. Moreover, within 48 h, cold stress triggered transition from vegetative to reproductive phase and meristematic phase transition. In this study, we demonstrated that this network model could be used to precisely predict the functions of cold resistance genes in Chinese cabbage.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.180-188
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• 2019

Auxin plays a crucial regulatory role in plant growth and development processes. Three major classes of auxin-responsive transcription factors controlled by the Auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA), Gretchen Hagen 3 (GH3), and small auxin up RNA (SAUR) genes regulate auxin signaling. Aux/IAA, in particular, encodes short-lived nuclear proteins that accumulate rapidly in response to auxin signaling. In this study, we isolated a PagAux/IAA1 gene from poplar (Populus alba ${\times}$ P. glandulosa) and investigated its expression characteristics. The PagAux/IAA1 cDNA codes for putative 200 amino acids polypeptide containing four conserved domains and two nuclear localization signals (NLSs). Utilizing Southern blot analysis, we confirmed that a single copy of the PagAux/IAA1 gene was present in the poplar genome. The expression of this gene is specific to leaves and flowers of the poplar. PagAux/IAA1 expressed in the early exponential growth phase of cell-cultured in suspension. PagAux/IAA1 expression level reduced in drought and salt stress conditions, and the presence of plant hormones such as abscisic acid. However, expression enhanced in cold stress, cambial cell division, and presence of plant hormones such as gibberellic acid and jasmonic acid. Thus, these results suggest that PagAux/IAA1 participates in cold stress response as well as developmental processes in the poplar.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.402-407
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• 2019

In this study, we investigated the habitat characteristics of a reservoir in Gyeongju City, Gyeongbuk, in which a large group of Mauremys reevesii (endangered species Class II and natural monument No. 453 in Korea) was discovered. We examined the biotic and abiotic factors that directly and indirectly threaten the survival of M. reevesii within the habitat. The reservoir where M. reevesii was discovered was built for agriculture and surrounded by submerged trees, dam, forests, reeds, and farmland (paddy field). All of the M. reevesii were found only in the submerged trees on the north side of the reservoir. We found 28 M. reevesii (8 juveniles) and 21 M. reevesii (16 juveniles) from field surveys on May 10th and August 9th, 2018, respectively. A number of red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and American bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana), which threaten the survival of M. reevesii, were also found in and around the reservoir. Moreover, there were signs of excavation of cultural asset, chemical fertilizer, and household garbage, all of which are considered to be major threats to the survival of M. reevesii, all over the reservoir. Newborn turtles in this year were not observed. However, we estimated that natural breeding had sufficiently occurred since we observed many young turtles in the reservoir. Furthermore, the presence of young T. s. elegans individuals can be a persistent problem for M. reevesii as they are competing species. In conclusion, in-situ conservation method should be considered for protecting the endangered turtle and their habitat.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.11
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• pp.1281-1293
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• 2019

The rhizosphere is the active zone where plant roots communicate with the soil microbiome, each responding to the other's signals. The soil microbiome within the rhizosphere that is beneficial to plant growth and productivity is known as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). PGPR take part in many pivotal plant processes, including plant growth, development, immunity, and productivity, by influencing acquisition and utilization of nutrient molecules, regulation of phytohormone biosynthesis, signaling, and response, and resistance to biotic- and abiotic-stresses. PGPR also produce secondary compounds and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that elicit plant growth. Moreover, plant roots exude attractants that cause PGPR to aggregate in the rhizosphere zone for colonization, improving soil properties and protecting plants against pathogenic factors. The interactions between PGPR and plant roots in rhizosphere are essential and interdependent. Many studies have reported that PGPR function in multiple ways under the same or diverse conditions, directly and indirectly. This review focuses on the roles and strategies of PGPR in enhancing nutrient acquisition by nutrient fixation/solubilization/mineralization, inducing plant growth regulators/phytohormones, and promoting growth and development of root and shoot by affecting cell division, elongation, and differentiation. We also summarize the current knowledge of the effects of PGPR and the soil microbiota on plants.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.100 no.1
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• pp.34-41
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• 2011

Vegetation structure, composition and diversity were quantified for 10 samples ($10m{\times}10m$) representing woody vegetation and for 30 samples ($1m {\times}3m$) representing understory vegetation in Pinus parviflora and Tsuga sieboldii forest of Taeharyeong, Ulleung-gun (Gyeongsangbuk-do). P. parviflora was limitedly advanced to sapling layer from seedling stage, and based on Mantel tests, composition of canopy layer was not established in ground woody vegetation. Non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed influence of biotic and abiotic factors in species composition of woody and understory vegetation. In the result of multiple regression model, abundance of P. parviflora (density and breast height area) and percent cover of woody debris were significant predict variables for understory diversity. These results suggest that relatively large disturbance is required for regeneration of P. parviflora and T. sieboldii forest, and control of expansion of monocultural understory species that monopolize resources such as Carex blepharicarpa and Maianthemum dilatatum, is necessary for maintenance of diversity.