• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.50
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• pp.142-154
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• 2023

Plant abscission is a natural process in which plant organs or tissues undergo detachment, a strategy selected by nature for the disposal of nonessential organs and widespread dissemination of seeds and fruits. However, from an agricultural perspective, the abscission of seeds or fruits represents a major factor that reduces crop productivity and product quality. Therefore, during the crop domestication process in traditional agriculture, mutants exhibiting suppressed abscission were selected and crossbred, thereby enabling the production of modern crop varieties such as rice, tomatoes, canola, and soybeans. These crops possess a unique trait of retaining ripe fruits or seeds in contrast to disposal via abscission. During the previous century, research on quantitative trait loci along with genetic and molecular biological studies on Arabidopsis thaliana have elucidated various cell biological mechanisms, signaling pathways, and transcription regulators involved in abscission. Additionally, it has been revealed that various hormone signals, which are involved in plant growth, play crucial roles in modulating abscission activity. Researchers have developed several chemical treatments that target these hormones and signal transduction pathways to enhance crop yields. This review aimed to introduce the previously identified signal transduction pathways and pivotal regulators implicated in abscission activity. Moreover, this review will discuss the future direction of research required to investigate crop abscission mechanisms for their potential application in smart farming and other areas of agriculture, as well as areas within model systems that require extensive research.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.503-511
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• 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro antioxidant activities of defatted Camellia japonica L. seeds (DCJS). The DCJS were extracted using ethanol and then fractionated with butanol (BuOH), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), chloroform, and hexane. To evaluate antioxidant activity of extract and fractions from DCJS, we investigated free radical scavenging activities such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS⁺), hydroxyl radical (^•OH), and superoxide anion (O₂^-) radicals. The five extract and fractions of DCJS dose-dependently increased DPPH, ABTS⁺ and O₂^- radical scavenging activities. The BuOH fraction of DCJS showed the highest free radical scavenging activities among other extract and fractions. The contents of total polyphenol and flavonoid in BuOH fraction of DCJS were 23.26 mg GAE/g and 32.39 mg QE/g, respectively. The polyphenol and flavonoids contents of BuOH fraction has highest than other extract and fractions. In addition, BuOH and EtOAc fraction of DCJS contained 102.37 and 165.05 ㎍/g of camelliaside B, respectively. Therefore, DCJS has higher antioxidant activity and may be useful as a natural antioxidant material.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-17
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• 2001

Forming a part of "Cooperative Practical Study for the Modernization of the Management of National Forest", this study was conducted to provide overall ecological information for the natural regeneration of major tree species on the basis of community structural attributes in the deciduous forest ecosystem. Followings are summarized characteristics of the natural regeneration for the selected tree species. Betula costata : Although large number of seeds are dispersed by wind, they require mineral soils to germinate. Thick litter layer could be an obstacle to germinate. After germination, the seedling requires large amount of light for successful establishment. Acer mono : Characterized by high shade tolerance and weak drought resistance, the seedling should be overcasted with more than 50% of canopy coverage. High stand density should be maintained to produce good quality of timber. The potential of coppice may be high. Ulmus laciniata : Since this species needs high rate of troll moisture and light, around 60% of canopy coverage should be maintained to retain moisture and incoming light. The competition with other vegetation should be removed for the favor of successful seedling establishment. Fraxinus mandshurica : This species requires moist mineral soils to germinate. After germination, the seedling needs large amount of light and moisture for successful establishment. Site preparation should be applied to reduce competition with weedy vegetation. Fraxinus rhynchophylla : Interval of large seed crops may be highly varied. Thick litter layer could be an obstacle to germinate. Site preparation should be applied to reduce competition with weedy vegetation so as to achieve successful seedling establishment. Quercus mongolica : Including the difficulty of seed supply by the consumption, thick litter layer and mountain bamboo cover could be the obstacle to germinate. More than 50% of relative light intensity is necessary to achieve successful seedling establishment. Kalopanax pictus : Thick litter layer could be an obstacle to germinate. The seedling needs large amount of light and moisture for successful establishment. Abies holophylla : In spite of high shade tolerance, the growth rate in sapling stage may be extremely slow. Cornus controversa : Seeds (drups) are consumed and dispersed by animals, tending to be not sufficient in seed supply. This species requires large amount of light for successful germination and seedling establishment. Tilia amurensis : The difficulty of seed supply might be expected with low seed purity and double dormancy. Since thick litter layer could be an obstacle to germinate, the species requires moist mineral soils for successful germination. The potential of coppice may be extremely high.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.89-95
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• 2002

We screened biotic and abiotic preventative,i(preventers) from natural resources to prevent the rusty phenomenon in ginseng roots. To select preventatives(preventers), soil microbes such as Agrobacterium and certain microbes isolated from the rusty ginsengs and the soil in which the rusty ginsengs were planted and used. It is also performed with germination tests of the seeds of Latuca Sativa L. We identified that how selected preventatives(preventers) effect the germination of ginseng seeds. Furthermore, how these influence on the rusty phenomenon and the growth of 1 -year-old ginsengs treated in the pavement. The final preventatives; ICPE-C1$\sub$05/, ICPE-P$\^$107/ were effective in not only the growth of ginseng, but also inhibition of the rusty phenomenon. Moreover, we selected abiotic soil improvers; called P, R, and W, respectively; to promote the effects of preventatives. R and W was excellented among choring improvers. The germination rate of 2-year-old ginsengs treated with ICPE-C$\sub$105/P, and ICPE-P$\sub$107/P was the highest under the effects of naturally selected preventatives mixing with abiotic soil improvers. All treat which was compounding preventers & improvers were so excellented of growth ginseng. Especially treats of ICPE-C$\sub$105/R and ICPE-P$\sub$107/R showed growth increased of each 67.3% and 52.7% As well, the growth of ginseng was the highest in the treatment of ICPE-C$\sub$105/R, and ICPE-P$\sub$105/R. Though rusty of rate was emerged 35% in control, preventers ICPE-C$\sub$105/R and ICPE-P$\sub$107/R were emerged 5.3%. It was affirmed effective of preventer. On the other hands, amounts of ginsenoside treated with preventatives showed to be changed. The ginsenoside was increased to 14.2% with treatment with ICPE-P$\sub$107/R which is highest among groups compared to control, and ICPE-C$\sub$105/P was increased to 5.0%. To sum up with total results, it is judged that biotic preventatives (ICPE-C$\sub$105/R, and ICPE-P$\sub$107/R) which we created improve both a high yield of ginseng and the inhibition of the rusty phenomenon. phenomenon.

• Asian Journal of Turfgrass Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.163-176
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• 2009

Investigating endophyte distribution, naturally occurring in native grasses, is important for understanding endophyte-grass associations and using the beneficial effects of endophytes in cultivated plants. The goal of this study was to investigate endophytes from natural Festuca spp. in Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan Provinces of China, and to study the compatibility between the endophytes and turf type tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) which is widely used for lawn and athletic fields in that region. Of 628 accessions in F. ovina, 421 had endophytes identified in leaf sheath from on-site microscopic examination. From Festuca spp, three isolates were obtained from the seeds and ninety isolates were obtained from seedlings established from the collected seeds. The isolates from F. ovina and F. stapfii were tentatively identified as Neotyphodium typhinum and Neotyphodiumstarii, respectively. We tested compatibility of the two fungal species with seven tall fescue cultivars, Little Hero, Sub Boy, Eldorado, Arid III, Millennium, Crossfire, and Fawn. N. typhinum or N. starii did not infect 'Fawn' with either seed injection or seed soaking method. The highest infection rate byboth N. typhinum and N. starii was in 'Sun Boy' and 'Eldorado'. There were significant interaction effects between tall fescue cultivar and type of endophyte on infection.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.96 no.6
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• pp.633-638
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• 2007

The Elaeagnus macrophylla is a stenoecious evergreen plant with nitrogen-fixing symbionts and its timing of fruit-ripening coincides with spring migration of many birds in southwestern Korea. To recognize bird species which eat fleshy fruits of the Elaeagnus macrophylla and to evaluate the effects of bird ingestion on seed germination and dispersal, we monitored birds and carried out germination experiments using its fruits and seeds from March to April 2007 at Hongdo Island, Jeonnam Province, Korea. As a result, eight species of birds including the Gray Starling (Sturnus cineraceus), the Brown-eared Bulbul (Hypsipetes amaurotis) and the Dusky Thrush (Turdus naumanni) ingested the fruits. Germination rate was enhanced but length of seed dormancy was instead shortened in ingested (collected from the feces of birds) and manually extracted seeds (obtained directly from the fruits) than in intact fruits collected directly from the plant. Moreover, the possible scale of seed dispersal by the frugivorous birds ranged up to 6.9 ha based on home ranges of starlings. Consequently, the Elaeagnus macrophylla supplies food resources for migratory birds, and the birds give the plant opportunities of new colonization. We suggest that this kind of interaction between the nitrogen-fixing plant and avian seed dispersers is applicable as a process of natural restoration in degraded coastal evergreen forests.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.536-544
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• 2017

Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai is deciduous shrubs of flowering plant in Oleaceae. It is important plant resources and consists of one species in the world. Also the endemic plant of A. distichum has been protected and designed endangered plant in Korea. For this reason, study on the immature seeds of A. distichum (ADS) hasn't progressed. In the present study, we evaluated the antioxidant activity and inhibitory effects on proteins and mRNA levels were related in the whitening effect in B16F10 cells. ADS was effective for reaction oxygen species (ROS). ROS causes various diseases such as aging, inflammation, cancer, and etc. Antioxidant properties were evaluated DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activity and Reducing power. Plants were known that contained phenolic compounds were related in antioxidant activity. Phenolic compounds were phytochemicals commonly named natural polyphenols. These are secondary metabolites of plants involved in the defense against different types of stresses. In results, ADS suppressed the expression and transcription of Tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, and Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). Tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-2) are known to play an important role in melanin biosynthesis. MITF regulated the expression and transcription of Tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2. In conclusion, ADS was effective in both antioxidant activities and whitening effects. Also, they were associated with the content of phenolic compounds. We suggested that ADS can be use antioxidants and skin-whitening functional cosmetics material derived from natural plant resources.

• Journal of Korean Philosophical Society
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• v.144
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• pp.339-369
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• 2017

Mengzi's biological analogies of man's moral tendency need to be analyzed in order to understand his ethical perspective because he uses lots of analogies to advocate his own moral naturalism. The biological analogies he uses are composed of human body, plant's seeds and sprouts. First, Mengzi thinks that human beings have inborn moral nature as if our bodies are given and plants can be grown from their seeds. His ethical approach to define morality in terms of natural properties such as the Four Sprouts(四端) causes a philosophical debate with Gaozi who thinks that morality cannot be described by natural property. Second, we have a moral preference as if we have a physical desire. This kind of moral sentimentalism emphasizing the preference is continued to Jeong Yakyong's ethical theory that nature is a preference(性嗜好說). Third, if we examine our preference and desire, then we can find that the moral preference is more valuable than the physical desire. Fourth, the biological analogies accepts monism that mind and body are composed of material force(氣). For this reason, the innate moral tendency is manifested on body such as a facial expression, a visceral reaction, and affect. Finally, Mengzi's theory of Four Sprouts causes two different interpretation. One is Zhuxi's interpretation that Duan端 is the visible end(緖) of a thread out of pack, the other is Jeong Yakyong's interpretation that Duan端 is a starting point(始) to cultivate virtues. While Zhuxi considers the Four Sprouts as a clue to find virtues in one's mind, Jeong Yakyong believes that we can cultivate our virtues by preserving the Four Sprouts.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.684-696
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• 1995

A mutant for chalky endosperm and genetic male sterility (GMS) was newly developed in rice. The two characters were found to be controlled by single recessive gene which has pleiotropic effect, indicating that chalky seeds should be GMS seeds in segregating populations. Chalky seeds showed the same shape and size as normal seeds. However, starch composition of central part of endosperm was looser and shape of starch granules was rounder compared with normal endosperm, resulting in significantly lower grain weight, absolute density and grain hardness in chalky grains than in normal ones. Amylose content and gel consistency of chalky grains were much lower and harder, respectively. Male sterile plants showed much shorter plant height, poorer panicle exsertion and lesser panicle number compared with normal plants. Microspore abortion stage in pollen developmental process was observed as before meiosis. Male sterility of the mutant was stable regadless of temperature and day length. A system breeding hybrid rice using this mutant was discussed, comp ring with other systems utilizing cytoplasmic-genic male sterility(CGMS) and environment sensitive GMS(EGMS). Separation of GMS seeds in mixed seed bulks by specific gravity (1.14∼1.16g / cm3) was successful about 85∼90%. But some mixed normal plants were seemed to be easily removed by the apparent difference in growth characters at seedling stage. The highest natural outcrossing rate of this GMS line was as 17.3 % in a plot treated with 2-row pollinator, I-row GMS, and GA3 + cutting of flag leaf + pollen-scattering by rope.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.65-72
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• 2019

This study was aimed at investigating the levels of the natural preservatives of benzoic, sorbic and propionic acids in cereal grains, nuts and seeds. Benzoic and sorbic acid were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) and further confirmed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), whereas propionic acid was analyzed using a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and further confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Benzoic, sorbic and propionic acids were found in 44, 22, and 550 samples out of 702 samples, respectively. From the total of 702 samples. The concentrations of benzoic, sorbic and propionic acid were ranged from not detected (ND) to 23.74 mg/L, from ND to 7.90 mg/L, and from ND to 37.39 mg/L in cereal grains, nuts and seeds, respectively. The concentration ranges determined in this study could be used as standard criteria in the process of inspecting cereal grains, nuts and seeds for preservatives as well as to address consumer complaints or trade disputes.