• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.292-303
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• 2022

Background: Climate change significantly influences the geographical distribution of plant species worldwide. Selecting indicator species allows for better-informed and more effective ecosystem management in response to climate change. The Korean Peninsula is the northernmost distribution zone of warm temperate evergreen broad-leaved (WTEB) species in Northeast Asia. Considering the ecological value of these species, we evaluated the current distribution range and future suitable habitat for 13 WTEB tree species designated as climate-sensitive biological indicator species. Results: Up-to-date and accurate WTEB species distribution maps were constructed using herbarium specimens and citizen science data from the Korea Biodiversity Observation Network. Current northern limits for several species have shifted to higher latitudes compared to previous records. For example, the northern latitude limit for Stauntonia hexaphylla is higher (37° 02' N, Deokjeokdo archipelago) than that reported previously (36° 13' N). The minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6) is the major factor influencing species distribution. Under future climate change scenarios, suitable habitats are predicted to expand toward higher latitudes inland and along the western coastal areas. Conclusions: Our results support the suitability of WTEB trees as significant biological indicators of species' responses to warming. The findings also suggest the need for consistent monitoring of species distribution shifts. This study provides an important baseline dataset for future monitoring and management of indicator species' responses to changing climate conditions in South Korea.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.229-238
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• 2022

Q. mongolica and Q. dentata are representative species of deciduous forest communities in Korea and are known to be relatively resistant to soil drying condition among Korean oaks. This study attempted to elucidate the degree of competition and ecological niche characteristics of the two species by comparing the ecological responses of the two species according to soil moisture. Competition between Q. mongolica and Q. dentata was shown to be more intense under the conditions where moisture content was low than under the conditions where moisture content was high. As for the ecological niche overlaps of the two species for soil moisture, the structural traits of plant such as stem diameter overlapped the most, the traits of biomass such as petiole weight overlapped the least, and photosynthetic organ-related traits such as leaf width and length overlapped intermediately. When looking at the competition for soil moisture between the two species, it can be seen that Q. mongolica won in nine traits (leaf width length, leaf lamina length, leaf lamina weight, leaf petiole weight, leaf area, leaves weight, shoot weight, root weight, and plant weight) and Q. dentata won in the remaining seven traits (leaf petiole length, leaves number, stem length, stem diameter, stem weight, shoot length, and root length). Competition between the two species for the moisture environment of the soil was shown to be intense under the conditions where moisture content was low. The degree of competition between Q. dentata and Q. mongolica for soil moisture is high under the conditions where soil moisture content is low, and it is judged that Q. mongolica is more competitive for soil moisture than Q. dentata.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.12
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• pp.1860-1870
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• 2022

Objective: The observation that temperate C₃ and tropical C₄ forage silages easily produce large amounts of ethanol or acetic acid has puzzled researchers for many years. Hence, this study aimed to assess the effects of epiphytic microbiota from C₃ forages (Italian ryegrass and oat) on fermentative products and bacterial community structure in C₄ forage (sorghum) silage. Methods: Through microbiota transplantation and γ-ray irradiation sterilization, the irradiated sorghum was treated: i) sterile distilled water (STSG); ii) epiphytic microbiota from sorghum (SGSG); iii) epiphytic microbiota from Italian ryegrass (SGIR); iv) epiphytic microbiota from oat (SGOT). Results: After 60 days, all the treated groups had high lactic acid (>63.0 g/kg dry matter [DM]) contents and low pH values (<3.70), acetic acid (<14.0 g/kg DM) and ammonia nitrogen (<80.0 g/kg total nitrogen) contents. Notably, SGIR (59.8 g/kg DM) and SGOT (77.6 g/kg DM) had significantly (p<0.05) higher ethanol concentrations than SGSG (14.2 g/kg DM) on day 60. After 60 days, Lactobacillus were predominant genus in three treated groups. Higher proportions of Chishuiella (12.9%) and Chryseobacterium (7.33%) were first found in silages. The ethanol contents had a positive correlation (p<0.05) with the abundances of Chishuiella, Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Chryseobacterium, and Sphingobacterium. Conclusion: The epiphytic bacteria on raw materials played important roles in influencing the silage fermentation products between temperate C₃ and tropical C₄ forages. The quantity and activity of hetero-fermentative Lactobacillus, Chishuiella, Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Chryseobacterium, and Sphingobacterium may be the key factors for the higher ethanol contents and DM loss in silages.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.692-703
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• 2023

Objective: The main goals of this investigation were to i) assess the population structure and genetic diversity and ii) determine the efficiency of the ongoing breeding program in a closed flock of Angora rabbits through pedigree analysis. Methods: The pedigree records of 6,145 animals, born between 1996 to 2020 at NTRS, ICAR-CSWRI, Garsa were analyzed using ENDOG version 4.8 software package. The genealogical information, genetic conservation index and parameters based on gene origin probabilities were estimated. Results: Analysis revealed that, 99.09% of the kits had both parents recorded in the whole dataset. The completeness levels for the whole pedigree were 99.12%, 97.12%, 90.66%, 82.49%, and 74.11% for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations, respectively, reflecting well-maintained pedigree records. The maximum inbreeding, average inbreeding and relatedness were 36.96%, 8.07%, and 15.82%, respectively. The mean maximum, mean equivalent and mean completed generations were 10.28, 7.91, and 5.51 with 0.85%, 1.19%, and 1.85% increase in inbreeding, respectively. The effective population size estimated from maximum, equivalent and complete generations were 58.50, 27.05, and 42.08, respectively. Only 1.51% of total mating was highly inbred. The effective population size computed via the individual increase in inbreeding was 42.83. The effective numbers of founders (f_e), ancestors (f_a), founder genomes (f_g) and non-founder genomes (f_ng) were 18, 16, 6.22, and 9.50, respectively. The fe/fa ratio was 1.12, indicating occasional bottlenecks had occurred in the population. The six most influential ancestors explained 50% of genes contributed to the gene pool. The average generation interval was 1.51 years and was longer for the sire-offspring pathway. The population lost 8% genetic diversity over time, however, considerable genetic variability still existed in the closed Angora population. Conclusion: This study provides important and practical insights to manage and maintain the genetic variability within the individual flock and the entire population.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.103 no.4
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• pp.593-598
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• 2014

In this study, we developed the carbon emission factors for 4 major species of warm-temperate region in Korea, and tried to provide their carbon emissions and removals estimates using these carbon emission factors. We selected Castanopsis cuspidata, Camellia japonica, Quercus acuta and Quercus glauca as target species and derived their carbon emission factors. The basic wood density that serve as one of the carbon emission factors were 0.583 for Castanopsis cuspidata, 0.657 for Camellia japonica, 0.833 for Quercus acuta and 0.763 for Quercus glauca and their uncertainties ranged from 5.3 to 17.9%. Biomass expansion factors were calculated as well: 1.386 for Castanopsis cuspidata, 2.621 for Camellia japonica, 1.701 for Quercus acuta and 2.123 for Quercus glauca and associated uncertainties varied from 14.7 to 30.5%. Lastly root-shoot ratios for each species were also determined: 0.454 for Castanopsis cuspidata, 0.356 for Camellia japonica, 0.191 for Quercus acuta and 0.299 for Quercus glauca with the uncertainties lying within a range from 19.8 to 35.7%. These three carbon emission factors including basic wood density had the uncertainties of less than 40% recommended by FAO. Therefore the application of country-specific emission factors seemed to provide quite accurate estimates of carbon emissions and removals. The estimation of the carbon stored in the 4 species were also conducted which amounted to $186.10tCO_2/ha$ for Castanopsis cuspidata, $280.63tCO_2/ha$ for Camellia japonica, $344.04tCO_2/ha$ for Quercus acuta and $278.91tCO_2/ha$ for Quercus glauca and their annual carbon removals were $6.65tCO_2/ha/yr$, $6.25tCO_2/ha/yr$, $11.70tCO_2/ha/yr$ and $12.29tCO_2/ha/yr$, respectively. This systematic assessment of forest resources can be a reliable source of information for managing evergreen broadleaved forest in warm temperate regions and thus serve as useful data for effective decision-making to address vegetation zone shifts due to climate change.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.145-150
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• 1986

The experiments were conducted to study the influence of growth location and cutting microelements macro-and on managements in temperate grasses in Korea and West Germany from 1975 to 1979. The field trials were designed as split plot with three grass species of Dactylis glomerata L., Lolium perenne L. and Festuca pratensis Huds under three cutting regimes at grazing stage, silage stage and hay stage. The results obtained are summarized as follows: 1. Concentrations of macro-and microelements in temperate grasses showed a different response to growth location and growing season. P concentration in the plants was decreased under hot stress in summer, whereas Mg and Na tended to be increased. The seasonal changes in K and Zn were not significant. 2. Morphological growth stage was to be found as an important factors influenced to mineral components. P and K contents in temperate grasses tended to be decreased as morphological development especially under high temperature in Suweon and Cheju. Ca and Mg were less affected by morphological stage and cutting managements. 3. Mean value of Ca/P ratio in the plants were 1.58, 1.33 and 1.21 for meadow fescue, perennial ryegrass and orchardgrass, respectively. Ca/P ratio in grasses tended to be increased as morphological development. 4. Zn deficiency in the plants occured in all grass species and experimental sites. Mean Zn concentration of the plant were 34.2%, 31.2% and 37.8% for Suweon, Cheju and Taekwalyong, respectivelly. Na deficiency occured in orchardgrass and meadow fescue, especially in taekwalyong. Cool temperature resulted in a decrease of Na absorption and accumulation.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2014

This study was carried out to investigate the range of distribution and vegetation structure of habitats of genus Cymbidium which is distributed in Jeju Island, Korea. This genus is distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia and North Australia. In Korea, there are six species [i. e. C. goeringii (Rchb. f.) Rchb. f., C. kanran Makino, C. lancifolium Blume var. aspdistrifolium (Fukuy.) S. S. Ying., C. macrorhizum Lindl., C. nagifolium Masam. and C. ensifolium L.], which were also distributed in Jeju Island. The habitats of this genus ranged between 16 meter and 574 meter above sea level in Jeju Island. C. macrorhizum had the broadest altitudinal range (16-574 meter above sea level), whereas C. ensifolium, C. nagifolium and C. lancifolium var. aspidistrifolium had the narrow altitudinal range. According to the classification analysis by TWINSPAN, the plant communities were divided into five groups of Castanopsis sieboldii community, Castanopsis sieboldii-Pinus thunbergii community, Pinus thunbergii-Quercus acutissima community, Pinus thunbergii community and Quercus glauca- Aphananthe aspera community. Three species, C. kanran, C. nagifolium, and C. ensifolium inhabited Castanopsis sieboldii community and C. lancifolium var. aspdistrifolium inhabited Castanopsis sieboldii-Pinus thunbergii community. C. macrorhizum inhabited Pinus thunbergii community, Pinus thunbergii-Quercus acutissima community and Quercus glauca-Aphananthe aspera community. C. goeringii inhabitated Castanopsis sieboldii-Pinus thunbergii community and Pinus thunbergii-Quercus acutissima community. The populations of the genus Cymbidium have been extremely decreased due to illegal collection in Jeju Island. Especially, the distribution range of C. kanran, C. nagifolium, and C. ensifolium was narrow and limited to evergreen broad-leaved forests, therefore, conservation plans are needed for the protection of these species.

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.68-80
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• 2011

This study was conducted to investigate characteristics and variations of rice panicle traits for breeding temperate japonica varieties adapted to tropical environment. Eleven panicle traits were investigated from nine Korean rice varieties cultivated in Korea and wet season of the Philippines. Tested cultivars were composed of six temperate japonica varieties, three Tongil-type varieties, and one indica variety bred in the Philippines. The number of spikelets on secondary rachis branches (SRBs) was the most variable trait in both environments, while the mean number of spikelets on a primary rachis branch (PRB) was the least variable. Compared with PRB-related traits, SRB traits showed higher correlation with the number of spikelets per panicle. Compared with the plants grown in Korea, the number of spikelets on SRBs, the number of SRBs, spikelets, and rachis branches per panicle were decreased more than other traits in the Philippines. According to path analysis, the number of spikelets on SRBs per panicle affects the number of spikelets per panicle more than the number of spikelets on PRBs per panicle. Climatic factors such as growth duration, cumulative mean temperature, and integrated solar radiation were highly correlated with the relative rate of number of spikelets per panicle. To breed temperate japonica rice varieties adapted to tropical environment, it would be important to select lines which maintain proper growth duration and spikelets on SRBs in target region.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.579-593
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• 2021

In order to understand the types of vegetation in warm temperate-climate zones, vegetation was investigated in several island areas in Jeollanam-do (Jindo, Wando, Gangjin, Goheung, and Yeosu). The evaluation standard for degraded level of warm temperate forests were proposed based on the importance percentage (IP) in canopy layer of the evergreen broad-leaf forests and the number of arboreal evergreen broad-leaf species. Through these measurements, the restoration types and techniques for each degraded level were estimated, and it is intended to be used in establishing restoration plans for the southwest coast island area. The vegetation was analyzed using the two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) method using survey data of 307 plots. As a result, it was divided into 8 communities, and the appearance characteristics of evergreen broad-leaf species were identified in each community. Community I was located on the lower slope at an altitude of 86.6 m, and Neolitsea sericea and Castanopsis sieboldii were dominant. Communities II and III were the vegetation types that appear on the coast below an altitude of 10.5 to 22.5 m, and Machilus thunbergii, Cinnamomum japonicum, N. sericea, and C. sieboldii were dominant. Communities IV and V were vegetation types that appeared in the lower and middle slops between the altitudes of 71.9 to 153.4m, and C. sieboldii was dominant. In community VI, the N. sericea was dominant in the lower and middle slops at an altitude of 166.9 m. The last communities VII and VIII were the vegetation types that appeared on the middle slop at an altitude of 187.8 to 246.2 m. Also, Quercus acuta and Q. salicina were present. In summary, the evergreen broad-leaf forests dominated by M. thunbergii, C. japonicum, and N. sericea appeared mainly in the coastal areas of the lowlands. The community of C. sieboldii was distributed higher inland than this community. The communities that appeared mainly in the inland highlands at levels above these two communities were Q. acuta and Q. salicina. The degraded level was classified as 0 to V, according to the IP of arboreal evergreen broad-leaf species and the number of arboreal evergreen broad-leaf species. According to the degraded level, the restoration types (preservation, induction, improvement, creation) and the restoration techniques were determined.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.167-172
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• 1999

We report for the first time the life history of a 'social' spider, Philoponella prominens, living in a temperate region. Philoponella prominens hibernated as immatures or subadults for 7-8 months in 1995 and 1996 from September-October to April-May in central Korea. When they emerged from their winter hibernation, a majority began their lives as commensals in the webs of other species. As the mating season approached, however, commensal spiders switched to become colonial or solitary. The mating season began in early June and lasted until early August. Newly-hatched spiderlings began to appear in the field in late June. They formed a colony by building their webs connected to the mother's by using pan of the mother's web as supporting substrates. As the season progressed, however, some of the colonial spiderlings became commensal or solitary individuals. Our field observations suggest that Philoponella prominens form colonies or commensal associations to reduce the web-building cost.