• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.78-89
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• 2020

Tomato fruit quality is determined by the contents of various functional metabolites in addition to fruit appearance. To develop tomato cultivars with higher amounts of functional compounds, an efficient quantification method is required to identify the natural variations in the compounds in the tomato germplasm. In this study, we investigated tomato varieties, which included 23 inbred lines and 12 commercial F₁ cultivars, for their contents of seven watersoluble vitamins (vitamin C, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9) and five polyphenolic compounds (quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, myricetin, and naringenin chalcone). The results of high performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that vitamin C and naringenin chalcone were the major water-soluble vitamins and polyphenolic compounds, respectively, and their abundance was highly variable depending on the cultivar. By contrast, the contents of vitamin B1, quercetin, and kaempferol were lowest among the cultivars. With regard to the relationship between metabolic compounds and fruit characteristics, a significant association was found in fruit size, indicating that cherry tomato varieties contain higher amounts of the compounds compared to large fresh-type varieties. However, no direct association was detected in fruit color, except for naringenin chalcone. The results of this study provide new insights on the quantification of metabolic compounds and the selection of breeding materials, which are prerequisites for the development of functional tomato varieties.

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2009

This study was carried out to breed and develop high quality and functional nutrient tomato with multi disease resistance as well as a stable growing adaptation for fresh market usage under protected plastic houses cultivation. The materials were used 5 inbred lines and their 6 hybrids of large tomato group, which have been bred and developed from 1999 to 2007 in Division of Plant Resource Department of Chungnam National University. Fruit weight showed hybrid vigor effect that $F_1$ hybrids weighed more than their parent lines, fruit shape formed three type of oblate, deep oblate and globe shape, in firmness and pericarp thickness have got a high significant correlation, inbred DN611 line was measured the most firm fruit with 6.04 mm pericarp thickness. In fruit color at maturity, pink color crossed to red color appeared all red fruit color in the $F_1$ hybrids, it means red skin color is a dominant gene compared to pink skin color is a recessive gene in tomato, while between fruit skin color and shoulder part color showed no any co-relationship. The sugar content and titratable acid of $F_1$ hybrids inherited an intermediate data of their parent lines, the flavor of KP543 inbred line and the hybrid (JB535 x KP543) revealed the better taste with high brix and proper titratable acid content$^{*}$. In beta carotene content DN611 line showed 2~3 times higher than other materials so that its 3 hybrids contained an increased level of beta carotene, lycopene content was not so much difference among inbred lines and $F_1$ hybrids, of them MD508 contained higher of 8.72 mg and hybrid (JB535 x JA517) had 8.05 mg lycopene content per 100 g fruit, overall pink skin color and red skin color measured a higher lycopene content than yellow and orange skin color at ripe stage. In disease resistance test by PCR marker for Fusarium race2 (I2), Nematode (Mi1), ToMV ($Tm2^2$), Cladosporium (Cf9), (JB535 x JA517) hybrid have got multi-resistance with homozygote band in Nematode, ToMV, Cladosporium and heterozygote band in Fusarium race2. Through this breeding program we could select high quality and functional nutrient with multi resistant $F_1$ hybrids and inbred lines in tomato which are two best hybrids (JB535 x MD508), (JB535 x JA517), additionally developed high beta carotene inbred line DN611 and increased the level of lycopene inbred line MD508. These results will be very useful to make a high quality tomato variety continuously.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.153-160
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• 2006

Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is an attractive reverse-genetics tool for studying gene function in plants. We showed that silencing of a phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene is maintained throughout TRV-PDS-inoculated tomato plants as well as in their flowers and fruit and is enhanced by low temperature ($15^{\circ}C$) and low humidity (30%). RT-PCR analysis of the PDS gene revealed a dramatic reduction in the level of PDS mRNA in leaves, flowers and fruits. Silencing of PDS results in the accumulation of phytoene, the desaturase substrate. In addition, the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll in the leaves of PDS-silenced plants was reduced by more than 90%. We also silenced the LeEIN2 gene by infecting seedlings, and this suppressed fruit ripenning. We conclude that this VIGS approach should facilitate large-scale functional analysis of genes involved in the development and ripening of tomato.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.50
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• pp.239-247
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• 2023

This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in enhancing plant performance and bioactive compound concentrations in tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). This factorial pot experiment included nine replications over 120 days of cultivation. Three AMF species (Rhizophagus prolifer, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, and Acaulospora mellea) were utilized as inoculum, while non-mycorrhizal controls with or without synthetic NPK fertilizer were compared. Interestingly, C. etunicatum KS-02 inoculations effectuated the best fruit growth and weight, which were statistically higher than those of the control without AMF. However, only fruit fresh weight was higher in plants inoculated with C. etunicatum KS-02 than those treated with the synthetic NPK fertilizer. In addition, C. etunicatum KS-02 inoculations induced a ≥ 11% increase in DDPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) activity, lycopene content, and carotenoid content compared to the control. This study is the first to report Claroideoglomus species' effectiveness in promoting growth, fruit yield, and bioactive compound production in L. esculentum Mill. These findings substantiate the significant potential of C. etunicatum KS-02 for tomato cultivation without the adverse effects of excessive synthetic fertilizer use.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.771-780
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• 2014

In this study, we aimed to understand the effect of sorbitol and salicylic acid (SA) on quality and functional food contents of tomato. Sole or combined application of sorbitol and SA in different concentrations (0.5 mM and 1.0 mM) greatly improved the characteristics of tomato, such as red color tone, soluble solid content, hardness and weight as well as increasing the functional food contents such as of lycopene, anthocyanins and vitamins in comparison with the control. The cyanidin content increased approximately 52-61% and delphinidin contents also increased 20-24% and 39-41% in tomato plants treated with SA alone and sorbitol with SA, respectively. Furthermore, the sole or combined application of sorbitol and SA also increased the vitamin $B_1$ and C contents. In particular, vitamin C content was increased 1.2-fold by treatment with sorbitol alone and was increased 2-fold by SA treatment compared to the control. In the sorbitol with SA treatments, vitamin C content was approximately 4-fold increased relative to control plants.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.331-335
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• 2006

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of deep sea water on fruit quality and yield of tomato. In the deep sea water treatments, fruit growth and weight were decreased as the concentration of deep sea water increased. Especially, the fresh weight of second truss was decreased significantly than first truss. Soluble solid content was increased significantly in higher concentration treatment especially at 30mM and 40mM treatment. That was increased more in the first than in the second truss fruits. Most of hexose in fruits were glucose and fructose. The reason of increased glucose and fructose contents was the decline of growth because of salinity stress by deep sea water treatment. however deep sea water treatment increased the lycopene content, especially in 20mM treatment. It is assumed that deep sea water treatment cause induction and promotion of ethylene. The higher concentration of deep sea water to the solution, the eater fruit quality improvement was noticed. However, proportional yield reduction accompanied concentration, 20mM deep sea water improved fruit quality without a significant yield reduction. The Re content was the highest among ginsenosides in all treatments. The contents total of ginsenosides in all treatments, except EC 8 treatment, was higher than those in the controlled treatment. The PT/PD value was 1.31 of the lowest in the EC 8 treatment and was 2.52 of the highest in the EC6 treatment. Rf contents in high increase was detected at all treated ginseng roots.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.271-291
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• 2022

Pectin methylesterase (PME) plays an important role in vegetative and reproductive development and biotic/abiotic stress responses by regulating the degree of methyl-esterification of pectic polysaccharides in the plant cell wall. PMEs are encoded by a large multigene family in higher land plant genomes. In general, the expression of plant PME genes shows tissue- or cell-specific patterns and is induced by endogenous and exogenous stimuli. In this study, we identified PME multigene family members (CsPMEs) from the sweet orange genome and report detailed molecular characterization and expression profiling in different citrus tissues and two fruit developmental stages. We also discussed the possible functional roles of some CsPME genes by comparing them with the known functions of PMEs from other plant species. We identified 48 CsPME genes from the citrus genome. A phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the identified CsPMEs were divided into two groups/types. Some CsPMEs showed very close phylogenetic relationships with the PMEs whose functions were formerly addressed in Arabidopsis, tomato, and maize. Expression profiling showed that some CsPME genes are highly or specifically expressed in the leaf, root, flower, or fruit. Based on the phylogenetic relationships and gene expression profiling results, we suggest that some CsPMEs could play functional roles in pollen development, pollen tube growth, cross incompatibility, root development, embryo/seed development, stomata movement, and biotic/abiotic stress responses. Our results shed light on the biological roles of individual CsPME isoforms and contribute to the search for genetic variations in citrus genetic resources.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.284-288
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• 2005

This study was conducted to clarify the effects of supplying methods of selenium on the growth and Se uptake of hydroponically grown tomato plants. Tomato seeds (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill. cv. Momotaro T-93, Daki Seed Co.) were sown in plug tray with fifty holes, and raised for sixty days. Tomato seedlings transplanted to coco fiber slabs were supplied with the nutrient solutions adjusted to EC $2.3dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$ and pH $5.8\~6.2$ recommended by the Japanese Horticultural Experiment Station. Selenium forms used were inorganic $SeO_2$ (here in after referred to Se) and organic selenium chlenium with sugar fatty acid ester (here in after referred to chelated-Se). 10 ppm selenium solutions were treated to tomato plants with foliar applications, drenching, and foliar application plus drenching. Growth characteristics in terms of plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and chlorophyll content were significantly increased in the plot of foliar application ot Se, and in the plot of foliar application plus drenching of chelated-Se than other plots, respectively. Transported contents of selenium into the tomato fruits were highest as 0.302 ppm in the plot of foliar application plus drenching of chelated-Se. Also, it had tended to be higher in the plot of foliar application plus drenching than in the plots of foliar application or drenching in both of Se and chelated-Se. Foliar application and drenching of organic chelated-Se were effective to produce the functional tomato fruits.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.153-160
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• 2011

In this study, we have developed taste and other functional enhancements of yam chips, from tasteless and flavorless yam slices, through the process of soaking freeze-dried yam in different commercially available juices, including apple, omija (fruit of Maximowiczia typica), grape, wild grape, orange, tomato, red ginseng, and black garlic juice. The analyses of color (brightness, redness and yellowness), pH, brix, acidity, total polyphenol, total flavonoids, total sugar and reducing sugar, DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity, reducing power and nitrite scavenging activity, of the different yam chips showed that the freeze-dried yam slices absorb various components of fruit juices, such as flavonoids, sugars, organic acids and flavors, during the soaking process. These changes resulted in increased taste (both sweet and sour tastes), flavor and antioxidant activity in the yam chips. The soaking time for yam slices in juice is considered to be a crucial factor for the taste and bioactivity of yam chips. In the case of grape juice-yam chips, which had the highest preference among the 8 different chips, the optimum soaking time was noted as 120 seconds. The optimization of the soaking process is necessary for various juices. These results suggest that taste, and other functional enhancements, in yam chips can be developed by juice-soaking and freeze-drying methods.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.146-152
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• 2011

In the course of a study in relation to the production of taste, and functional enhancements in root crop chips, which were prepared by soaking dried yam slices in fruit juices, we investigated the physiological characteristics and biological activities of 8 different commercially available juices including; apple, omija (fruit of Maximowiczia typica), grape, wild grape, orange, tomato, red ginseng and black garlic juice. The average water contents, pH, brix and acidity of the juices used were $85.59{\pm}5.80%$, $3.90{\pm}0.64$, $12.19{\pm}4.70%$, and $0.49{\pm}0.19%$, respectively. The polyphenol content of black garlic and grape juice were 1.50 and 1.21 mg/ml, respectively, and those were higher than the average content (0.57 mg/mL) of the juices. Evaluation of anticoagulation activity showed that only omija juice has a strong thrombin inhibition, which is comparable to that of aspirin (1.5 mg/mL). Omija, grape and orange juice all exhibited antibacterial activity, but no antifungal activity. The 8 different juices, and in particular grape and black garlic juice, showed strong antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity assays, with wild grape juice demonstrating potent nitrite scavenging activity. These results suggest that omija, grape and black garlic juice can be used as soaking solutions to produce taste, and other functional enhancements, for root crop chips.