Genetically modified (GM) crops have been developed to enhance various agronomic traits and increase the production of functional compounds. In the present study, the major agronomic characteristics of protopanaxadiol (PPD)-enriched GM rice, which was developed by introducing dammarenediol-II synthase (PgDDS) and protopanaxadiol synthase (CYP716A47) genes from Panax ginseng into Oryza sativa cv. Dongjin, were evaluated. The stability of the introduced genes was confirmed using PCR and immunostrip tests, which showed consistent expression across multiple generations (T5-T7). Agronomic traits, including days to heading, culm length, panicle length, tiller number, and grain weight per plant, were compared between GM rice and its non-GM counterpart, Dongjin rice. No significant differences were observed for these traits, indicating that genetic modification did not affect the overall plant growth. However, seed morphology analyses revealed that PPD-enriched GM rice had significantly longer brown rice grains. In contrast, other seed traits remained within the natural range of commercial rice varieties. Furthermore, PPD was consistently detected in GM rice, whereas it was absent in non-GM Dongjin rice. These findings suggest that PPD-enriched GM rice maintains a stable agronomic performance while successfully accumulating PPD, supporting its potential as a functional crop. However, further research is required to evaluate its environmental impact, food safety, and efficacy as a functional food source.

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• Comparative Analysis of Compositional Equivalence in Drought-Tolerant Genetically Modified Soybeans
  Ha-Jung Kang, Hyoun-Min Park, Sung-Dug Oh, Ye-Jin Jang, Jong-Chan Park, Seon-Woo Oh, Sang-Gu Lee, Soo-Yun Park, An-Cheol Chang
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2025; 57(4): 445.     CrossRef

Soybean is one of the most important crops because of its high protein and oil content. Previous studies have refined protoplast isolation methods for soybeans to enhance transfection efficiency. However, these methods have limitations due to the inconsistent number of viable protoplasts for various applications. In this study, we propose an optimized protoplast isolation method to overcome this challenge. Hypocotyls grown in the dark were selected to ensure rapid growth and a steady supply of plant materials. The hypocotyls were cut to 1–2 cm in length and halved longitudinally to achieve consistent protoplast yields. Our new hypocotyl cutting method demonstrated 1.5 times improved protoplast yield and improved protoplast viability compared to that of previous methods. The isolated protoplasts were purified using the sucrose density gradient purification method to remove residues while stacking viable protoplasts. Fluorescein diacetate (FDA) staining was performed to determine the proportion of healthy protoplasts throughout the process. Consequently, we propose a new protoplast isolation protocol that ensures a higher yield, better viability, and healthier conditions. This enhancement is expected to improve the efficiency of soybean transfection.

The rice cultivar ‘Chamdongjin’ exhibits a distinctively large grain size and excellent eating quality but is weak with regard to pre-harvest sprouting (PHS), requiring genetic improvement. In contrast, the premium-quality rice cultivar ‘Younghojinmi’ exhibits strong PHS tolerance. This study conducted quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis on PHS and low-temperature germinability (LTG) using recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between ‘Chamdongjin’ and ‘Younghojinmi’ to elucidate the genetic factors. Thus, an elite line with improved PHS tolerance was selected. QTL analysis revealed that qPHS3 and qLTG3 were associated with PHS and LTG, respectively, and the candidate gene was identified as qLTG3-1. The loss-of-function allele qltg3-1 in ‘Younghojinmi’ enhanced PHS tolerance compared to the functional allele qLTG3-1 in ‘Chamdongjin,’ but it also showed a trade-off relationship by decreasing LTG. CY_RILs carrying qltg3-1 exhibited lower PHS and LTG rates of 17.9% and 41.6%, respectively, compared to 44.1% and 55.7%, respectively, for CY_RILs with qLTG3-1. The elite line, CY_RIL79, carrying qltg3-1, was selected from CY_RIL. This line was recognized for its PHS tolerance while maintaining the key agricultural traits of ‘Chamdongjin,’ thus designated ‘Jeonju697.’ ‘Jeonju697’ is expected to be utilized as a practical alternative for addressing the issue of enhancing PHS tolerance in ‘Chamdongjin’; however, considering its weak LTG, it is desirable to improve this trait through further breeding efforts.

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• Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis for Quality-Related Traits Using the Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from a Cross between “Boramchan” and “Pecos” Japonica Rice
  Hyun-Su Park, Chang-Min Lee, Jeonghwan Seo, Songhee Park, Hyeonso Ji, Keon-Mi Lee, Jae-Ryoung Park, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2025; 57(4): 373.     CrossRef
• ‘Amissal’: A Region-specific, Mid-late Maturing Long-grain Japonica Rice Cultivar
  Hyun-Su Park, Chang-Min Lee, Ki-Young Kim, O-Young Jeong, Ji-Ung Jeung, Su-Keyong Ha, Sang-Chul Park, Sang-Hyeok Lee, Jung-Pil Suh, Mina Jin, Hyun-Sook Lee, Jeonghwan Seo, Songhee Park, Jae-Ryoung Park, Kyeongmin Kang
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2025; 57(4): 547.     CrossRef
• Quantitative Trait Loci Analysis of Quality-Related Traits Using Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from a Cross between ‘Chamdongjin’ and ‘Younghojinmi’
  Hyun-Su Park, Jeonghwan Seo, Chang-Min Lee, Songhee Park, Keon-Mi Lee, Jae-Ryoung Park, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2024; 56(4): 395.     CrossRef

The decrease in seed vigor and grain quality during storage has become an increasingly critical issue due to the extended storage periods resulting from declining rice consumption and climate change in Korea. Despite its importance, few studies have investigated rice seed aging in a large number of Korean rice cultivars. In this study, 53 japonica rice cultivars were evaluated for seed germination, vigor, and grain quality-related traits under accelerated-aging conditions. Seed germination rate was evaluated 7 days after imbibition, following accelerated aging treatments at 42℃ and 95% relative humidity for 8, 12, and 16 days. The average germination rates were 72.9% in the control (0 d), 71.7% after 8 days, 59.0% after 12 days, and 5.6% after 16 days of treatment. Grain quality-related traits, including texture and pasting properties, were also evaluated in rice subjected to the accelerated aging treatment. Adhesiveness and stickiness decreased, whereas hardness and toughness increased, as seed aging progressed. Cluster analysis based on germination rates after accelerated aging identified three distinct clusters, with cultivars in Cluster 3 maintaining a high germination rate of 70.6% even after 12 days of aging, showing clear differences from the other clusters. A principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to investigate the relationship between germination rate and grain quality-related traits. The results showed that the germination rate and hardness tended to be negatively associated across all three clusters. These results suggested that cultivars with higher germination rates tend to maintain a softer cooked rice texture after aging. Our results provide insight into the relationship between seed aging and grain quality, highlighting elite cultivars that maintain both germination ability and grain quality during storage as valuable resources for breeding programs.

‘Ganghan’ is a high-yielding soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) cultivar developed for improved shattering resistance and suitability for mechanized harvesting. It was bred through pedigree selection after an artificial cross between ‘Taeseon’ (female parent) and ‘Cheonga’ (male parent) in 2015. ‘Ganghan’ is a determinate type with an average main stem length of 65 cm and first pod height of 19.6 cm, which is favorable for mechanical harvesting. Compared to the control cultivar ‘Daewonkong,’ it showed stronger lodging tolerance and carried a genetic allele associated with pod shattering resistance. In disease resistance evaluations, it exhibited higher resistance than ‘Daewonkong’ to soybean mosaic virus (G6H), bacterial pustule, and black root rot. Regarding seed quality, it contained 38.8% protein, 17.6% oil, 86.1% unsaturated fatty acids, and 3,124 μg/g total isoflavones. The tofu yield was 232%, with mechanical properties and color comparable to ‘Daewonkong.’ In fermentation processing tests, ‘Ganghan’ recorded a γ-PGA content of 11.4 mg/g and amino nitrogen content of 390 mg%, indicating potential use in traditional fermented soy foods. In regional yield trials (RYT) conducted across 10 locations from 2020 to 2022, ‘Ganghan’ had an average yield of 3.58 tons/ha, 14% higher than that of ‘Daewonkong’. The adoption and expansion of ‘Ganghan’ is expected to contribute to increased domestic soybean productivity, harvest efficiency, and cultivation stability under changing climate conditions, thereby improving the domestic soybean self-sufficiency rate (Registration No. 10459).

South America, particularly the Southern Cone region, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, serves as a global hub for soybean production, accounting for more than 56% of global supply. However, this region experiences recurrent and severe drought risks driven by climate variability associated with the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), resulting in significant economic losses. Consequently, biotechnology- based drought-tolerant soybean breeding has emerged as a critical national strategy across these countries. Argentina has positioned itself as a primary technology originator with the development of the HB4 soybean, the world’s first commercial drought-tolerant trait, utilizing the sunflower-derived transcription factor HaHB4. Brazil is advancing beyond single-trait approaches by developing multistacked biotech varieties that integrate drought tolerance with herbicide resistance, insect resistance, and oxidative stress mitigation. Furthermore, Paraguay and Uruguay are rapidly emerging as international hubs for field testing and commercialization, supported by streamlined regulatory frameworks and a “dual-track” strategy for both genetically modified (GM) and genome-edited (GE) crops. This review integrates molecular strategies, national regulatory systems, and commercialization trends in South America and discusses strategic implications for Korea. Despite Korea’s limited domestic experience in large-scale commercial cultivation owing to regulatory constraints, it possesses internationally competitive expertise in transcription factor engineering, CRISPR-based precision breeding, and AI-driven stress phenotyping. We propose a strategic technology export model that leverages Korea’s advanced R&D capabilities as a “technology provider” and “joint developer,” in partnership with South American countries. Such collaborations can foster a climate-resilient agricultural ecosystem and secure Korea’s position in the global biotech seed market.

Global climate change has intensified droughts and other extreme weather conditions, leading to serious declines in agricultural productivity. Genetically modified (GM) soybeans with drought tolerance have been developed to enhance crop resilience. Prior to commercialization, GM crops must undergo compositional equivalence assessments to confirm that no unintended compositional differences exist compared to their non-GM counterparts. In this study, we evaluated the nutritional and compositional equivalence of two drought-tolerant GM soybean lines (DIAT7 and DIAT15) compared to their non-GM parental line (Williams 82) and three reference cultivars (Kwangan, U13625, and U14511). Soybeans were cultivated under identical field conditions, and proximate components, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and antinutritional factors were analyzed using standard methods. Although several analytes exhibited statistically significant differences (p<0.05), all compositional values for DIAT7 and DIAT15 were within the natural variation ranges of the reference cultivated with GM, OECD (2012), and the AFSI Crop Composition Database (v10.1). The GM lines showed protein (36-37%), lipid (19-21%), and total dietary fiber (24-27%) contents similar to those of the reference cultivars. Amino acid profiles were dominated by glutamic acid and aspartic acid, whereas linoleic acid (42-51%) and oleic acid (29-36%) were the major fatty acids, consistent with conventional soybeans. The levels of minerals and antinutrients, including raffinose, stachyose, and phytic acid, were also comparable to the reference ranges. These findings demonstrate that the drought-tolerant GM soybeans DIAT7 and DIAT15 are compositionally and nutritionally equivalent to non-GM soybeans, supporting their substantial equivalence and providing a scientific basis for food and environmental safety evaluation.

The composition of high-molecular-weight-glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) is a key determinant of wheat baking properties. These subunits are encoded by the GLU-A1, GLU-B1, and GLU-D1 loci on the long arm of chromosome 1 and consist of x- and y-type subunits. Allelic variations in composition are a major factor influencing bakery quality. Unlike sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) or ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), which often fail to resolve closely related allelic variants, PCR-based markers allow for clear and definitive discrimination at the DNA level. Building on the results of a previous study that determined the GLU-B1 allele composition, we aimed to confirm—through the use of PCR markers—the allele compositions of GLU-A1 and GLU-D1 in 44 domestic wheat varieties. The results showed that “Jonong” and “Sinmichal1” contained the Glu-A1b (A1x2*) allele rather than Glu-A1a (A1x1) or Glu-A1c (A1x-null). Additionally, “Jonong” and “Sinmichal1” exhibited the allelic composition Glu-D1a (D1x2+D1y12), rather than Glu-D1d (D1x5+D1y10) or Glu-D1f (D1x2.2+D1y12). These results were compared with those obtained by SDS-PAGE and UPLC. The PCR-based markers used to identify GLU-A1 and GLU-D1 alleles in this study will be valuable for determining the allelic composition at the GLU-A1 and GLU-D1 loci in domestic wheat varieties. Furthermore, the re-evaluated genetic composition is expected to improve the precision of assessments related to the baking quality of domestic wheat.

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• Evaluation of Wheat’s (Triticum aestivum L.) Agronomic and Grain Traits and Protein and Starch Characteristics Under Cultivation Environments in Korea
  Hyeon-Seong Yoo, Hyun-Jin Jung, Na-Yun Lee, Eun-Chae Bae, Eun-Bin Hwang, Eun-Seong Baek, Se-Jin Oh, Yu-Mi Lee, Sang-Cheol Gwak, Moon-Sub Lee, Seong-Woo Cho, Tae-Young Hwang
  Agriculture.2026; 16(11): 1131.     CrossRef

Mung bean (Vigna radiata) is a rich natural source of vitexin and isovitexin—flavonoids known for their potential anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate, through the use of RAW 264.7 macrophages, the anti-inflammatory effects of extracts from mung bean seeds containing vitexin and isovitexin. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to quantify the levels of these compounds in various mung bean cultivars: “Jinhwang,” “Samhwang,” “Seonhwa,” and “Jangan,” as well as “Dahyeon,” and “Sanpo,” two of the most widely cultivated varieties in Korea. Cytotoxicity assays revealed no significant toxicity at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL, allowing further analysis at these levels. In nitric oxide (NO) inhibition assays, “Samhwang” (10.61 µM) and “Seonhwa” (9.7 µM) demonstrated the highest NO-suppressing activity at 50 µg/mL. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were significantly reduced by “Seonhwa” (83.6 pg/mL) and “Jangan” (72.3 pg/mL), with “Jangan” showing the strongest inhibitory effect. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) analysis revealed notable suppression in “Samhwang,” “Seonhwa,” and “Jangan” at 50 µg/mL, with “Samhwang” exhibiting the most potent effect (78.6 pg/mL). These findings suggest that the “Samhwang” cultivar, in particular, possesses significant anti-inflammatory potential and may serve as a valuable candidate for the development of natural anti-inflammatory agents.

The newly developed citrus cultivar, ‘Miraehyang’, was bred at the Citrus Research Center of the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science (Jeju, Korea) by crossing ‘Ehime Kashi No.28’ (maternal parent) and ‘Hayaka Ponkan’ (paternal parent). The first fruiting of ‘Miraehyang’ occurred in 2016, and field evaluations were conducted until 2021. After final selection in 2021, the cultivar was officially registered for plant variety protection in 2024. The tree exhibits strong vigor, an open growth habit, and high fruit-bearing capacity. When grown in a plastic greenhouse, ‘Miraehyang’ showed minimal occurrence of puffing and fruit-cracking. New shoots emerged in late March, and flowering began in late April, with full bloom occurring in mid-May. The average fruit weight was between 150-200 g, and the fruit shape slightly flattened with a small apex. Coloring started in mid-October and completed by mid-December, resulting in a deep orange hue. The fruit is rich in juice with thin membranes, providing a tender texture. Under unheated greenhouse conditions, the fruit matured in mid-to-late December and had a soluble solids content of 12-13°Bx and acidity of approximately 1.0%. Peel thickness averaged at 3.3 mm, similar to that of ‘Ehime Kashi No.28’, but with improved ease of peeling. This cultivar is male-sterile, producing seedless fruit when grown alone. Similar to its maternal parent, ‘Ehime Kashi No.28’, ‘Miraehyang’ is susceptible to citrus canker but resistant to scab. ‘Miraehyang’ is expected to gain high consumer preference due to its ease of cultivation, superior peelability, and outstanding fruit quality and appearance (Variety registration number: 10180).

Wheat, in conjunction with rice and maize, constitutes one of the three most significant staple crops worldwide, sustaining over 40% of the global population. In Korea, the annual per capita wheat consumption exceeds 30 kg, totaling approximately 4 million tons nationwide. However, more than 95% of this demand is met through imports, resulting in a meager self-sufficiency rate of approximately 0.7%, raising concerns regarding supply stability and price fluctuations. Enhancing wheat self-sufficiency in Korea requires addressing yield reductions caused by abiotic stressors, including elevated temperatures, drought, cold damage and pre-harvest sprouting induced by climate change, as well as biotic stressors such as Fusarium head blight. The development of high-quality wheat varieties with superior processing characteristics that satisfy consumer demands is crucial. This study provides critical insights for future research on the development of novel wheat cultivars in Korea. It reviews the current state of wheat cultivation and production, environmental and biological factors affecting growth, compositional elements influencing quality, domestic cultivars developed through conventional crossbreeding currently in commercial distribution, and contemporary breeding trends, with particular emphasis on novel breeding technologies, such as biotechnology.

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• Effects of Wheat Bran‐Derived Arabinoxylan Oligosaccharides on Dough and Noodle‐Making Properties
  Yunseo Kim, Meera Kweon
  Cereal Chemistry.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Quantitative Trait Loci for Grain Protein Content in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
  Min-Ju Kim, Myoung-Goo Choi, Go-Eun Lee, Chon-Sik Kang, Chang-Hyun Choi, Jun-Seok Choi, Myoung-Hui Lee, Jae-Han Son
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2026; 58(2): 109.     CrossRef
• From lab to field: accelerated cultivar release via integrated speed breeding framework in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
  Jin-Kyung Cha, Hyeonjin Park, Youngho Kwon, So-Myeong Lee, Woo-Jae Kim, Jong-Hee Lee
  BMC Plant Biology.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Stability and Yield Performance of Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) Genotypes Across Environments in Southern Peru
  Alexandra Pacheco-Andrade, María Elena Torres, Hector Cántaro-Segura, Luis Díaz-Morales, Daniel Matsusaka
  International Journal of Plant Biology.2025; 16(4): 127.     CrossRef

Climate change caused by global warming, is predicted to have severe consequences for ecosystems and economic sectors. In the agricultural industry, it is predicted that there will be decreased crop yields resulting from shifting planting seasons, as well as higher temperature and water stress which significantly reduce crop productivity. Kimchi cabbage, a cold-loving plant, is particularly vulnerable to high-temperature stress which can lead to stunted growth, increased susceptibility to pests like soft rot, reduced yield, and lower quality that will negatively impact the Kimchi cabbage market. Kimchi cabbage can be cultivated in highland regions with low summer temperatures and reduced pest occurrence, but rising temperatures and water stress are expected to increase pest pressure, resulting in a rapid decrease in the potential cultivation area of Kimchi cabbage. Currently, research is being conducted around the world to identify physiological mechanisms of heat tolerance at the molecular level, selection of heat-tolerant material, and studies on cellular responses of plants under high-temperature conditions. Despite numerous studies on physiological and biochemical responses of Brassica crops to high temperatures, there is a need to develop heat-tolerant Kimchi cabbage cultivars that can adapt to rapidly changing climates, new strategies for pest control under high-temperature conditions, and mitigation measures to ensure stable cultivation and production.

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• Selection of Effective Antibiotics and in vitro Monitoring of Sensitivity in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris Isolated from Highland Kimchi Cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) in Korea
  Hyeok Park, Younggyu Lee, Jeomsoon Kim
  The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science.2026; 30(2): 117.     CrossRef
• Identification of Early Stage Physiological Indicators for Summer Heat Resilience in Kimchi Cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) via Integrated GWAS and Machine Learning
  Jinhee Kim, Junho Lee, Yoonah Jang, Ye-Rin Lee, Eun-Su Lee, Do-Sun Kim, Seolah Kim, Na-Ri Yu
  Horticulturae.2026; 12(8): 970.     CrossRef
• Effects of non-thermal disinfection systems on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum decay and quality attributes of spring-harvested Napa cabbage during long-term storage in South Korea
  Ji-Yeon Lee, Ju-Hui Lee, Eun-Young Chung, Sang-Soon Kim
  Food Science and Biotechnology.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Effect of Micro-Sprinkler Irrigation and Cooling Mulch Film on The Microclimate and Productivity of Kimchi Cabbage During High-Temperature Periods
  Hyo In Yoon, Jin Yu, Seung Hwan Wi, Tae Cheol Seo, Hye Jin Lee, Jin-Hyoung Lee, Me Hea Park, Su-Hyun Choi, Gyu-Hyeon Park
  Journal of Bio-Environment Control.2025; 34(4): 526.     CrossRef
• Projections of cultivation area for summer Kimchi cabbage in South Korea under different global warming levels
  Su-Jeong Kang, Hyun Min Sung, Jin-Uk Kim, Jae-Hee Lee, Chu-Yong Chung, Kyung-On Boo
  Journal of Climate Change Research.2025; 16(5-1): 919.     CrossRef
• Optimizing fertilizer use efficiency for Kimchi cabbage production in Highland Agriculture: Comparing slow and fast release fertilizers on varying slopes
  Mavis Badu Brempong, Yang-Min Kim, Gye-Ryeong Bak, Jeomsoon Kim, Sumi Kim, Jeong-Tae Lee
  Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer.2025; 58(2): 177.     CrossRef

A white sesame variety, ‘Haniall’ (Sesamum indicum L.), exhibiting shattering resistance and early maturity, was developed in 2021. ‘Haniall’ originated from a cross between ‘Suwon195’ and ‘Early Russian’ in 2014. ‘Haniall’ features a plant type characterized many branches and single capsule per node. Notably, the ‘Haniall’ exhibited resistance to seed shattering. The yield of Haniall was about 104 kg/10 a, which is 20% higher than that of ‘Ansan.’ ‘Haniall’ showed crude fat content of 54%, a lignan content of 6.4 mg/g. This variety is expected to contribute to the increased sesame production in Korea through large-scale mechanical cultivation (Registration No. 10320).

This study aimed to develop a novel tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivar enriched in phytoene and phytofluene, colorless carotenoids known for their health-promoting properties. Parental lines with diverse fruit colors and morphological traits were selected and crossbred to generate three F₁ hybrids: ‘Rubybell’, ‘INDIGO-G’, and ‘BLACK-B’. The phytoene and phytofluene contents of the hybrids were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Among them, ‘Rubybell’ exhibited the highest concentrations of phytoene (0.105 mg/g) and total phytofluene (0.118 mg/g), representing increases of 51% and 29% compared to the maternal line APR-52-MU, and 14% and 1% compared to the paternal line CAPP1745, respectively. Compared to commercial tomato cultivars, ‘Rubybell’ exhibited 76- and 23-fold higher levels of phytoene and phytofluene, respectively. Furthermore, ‘Rubybell’ accumulated higher levels of these functional compounds when cultivated in March and October, underscoring the influence of the planting season on carotenoid biosynthesis. These findings offer valuable insights into the breeding of high-value functional tomatoes and support their potential use in health-promoting food applications (Registration number: 10514).

Early selection of grain quality traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.), is essential to improve the yield and quality of this staple crop. We analyzed four key traits—protein content, grain filling rate, height, and panicle length—in 85 Korean cultivars. Through whole- genome resequencing we identified 12,718,879 raw single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); after PLINK-based quality control (bi-allelic selection, call rate≥0.90, MAF≥0.03), ~2.20 million high-quality SNPs remained for machine-learning (ML) pre-screening. To rank the features (without marker-level inference), we applied a liberal univariate PLINK case-control scan using the top and bottom 30% per trait. We also analyzed associations with a linear mixed model (GCTA v1.93.2, MLMA; fixed covariates: ecotype, PC1, PC2; random effect: GRM) to verify calibration under population structure; with n=85, no genome-wide significant hits were detected, and QQ-plots indicated adequate calibration (per-trait effective tests m≈1.54-1.57 million under stricter filters). The random forest feature importance prioritized 26, 51, 19, and 20 core SNPs for the four traits, respectively. Across the algorithms, the best models achieved mean accuracies of 81.8% (protein content), 81.0% (grain filling rate), 73.1% (height), and 94.0% (panicle length). All selected SNPs met the Fluidigm array design requirements, supporting its deployment as a compact, genotype-based panel for early selection and a practical step toward digital breeding in rice.

The triploid seedless grape cultivar ‘Heukarong’ was developed in 2002 through artificial hybridization between ‘Black Olympia’ and ‘Campbell Early’ From 2003 to 2013, field trials were conducted under conventional cultivation practices in Chuncheon, Gangwon State, confirming that ‘Heukarong’ possesses strong resistance to both diseases and frost without the need for special protective measures, thereby demonstrating high tolerance to both environmental and biotic stresses. Based on these findings, an intensive three-year comparative evaluation of growth and fruit characteristics between ‘Heukarong’ and the triploid cultivar ‘Sweet Dream’ was conducted beginning in 2014. The results showed that ‘Heukarong’ consistently produced fruit with commercially valuable traits, leading to its final selection in late 2016 for varietal registration. Under standard cultivation, ‘Heukarong’ can produce high-quality fruits averaging 436 g in weight with a soluble solid content of 19.4 °Brix through a single application of gibberellin at full bloom, making it highly competitive in the market. Furthermore, ‘Heukarong’ exhibits strong resistance to frost damage and berry cracking, indicating excellent adaptability and stable productivity even under suboptimal growing conditions (Cultivar Registration No. 7766).

Flower color is one of the key trait that determines the marketability of chrysanthemums. However, genetic research on chrysanthemum remains limited because of numerous environmental factors and the complexity of the chrysanthemum genome. To gain a deeper understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying flower color in chrysanthemum, this study conducted genotyping analysis on 94 F₁ progenies derived from a cross between two wild chrysanthemum parents, ‘CWT2’ and ‘CWT8,’ which exhibit distinct flower colors. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) was used for SNP identification, resulting in 79,002 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). After stringent filtering, 2,548 SNP markers were selected to construct a GBS-SNP linkage map, which was subsequently used to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with flower color. Four QTL were identified, encompassing genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis, carotenoid degradation, and the methylerythritol phosphate pathway. Among the 16 candidate genes analyzed for their potential role in flower color determination, three genes (VDE, CYP707A4, and CYP707A2) were ultimately selected for molecular marker development. The findings of this study provide a valuable foundation for understanding the genetic basis of carotenoid degradation in chrysanthemums. Future in-depth research is expected to facilitate the development of new chrysanthemum varieties for breeding programs through marker-assisted selection in breeding programs.

‘Boramchan’ is a high-yielding, mid-late maturing temperate japonica rice cultivar developed in Korea, while ‘Pecos’ is an early-maturing tropical japonica cultivar from the United States with medium-grain shape characteristics. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was conducted on yield- and grain-related traits using recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between ‘Boramchan’ and ‘Pecos’ in order to broaden the genetic diversity of these traits in Korean japonica rice varieties. QTLs for heading date were identified on chromosomes 3 and 6, with Hd6 and Hd1 proposed as candidate genes for this trait. The major heading date gene Hd1 exhibited pleiotropic effects, influencing not only the heading date (HD) but also multiple yield components, including culm length, panicle length, number of spikelets per panicle (NS), 1,000-grain weight (TGW), ratio of ripened grain (RRG), brown/rough rice ratio, and grain yield per plant. The minor heading date gene Hd6 showed a masking effect on HD and NS, depending on the allele type of Hd1. Allelic combinations of Hd1 and Hd6 allowed HD regulation for approximately 30 days. As more functional alleles associated with delayed heading accumulated, the values of yield-related traits gradually increased. Three QTLs for grain-related traits–qGL2, GW5, and qGS10–were identified on chromosomes 2, 5, and 10, respectively. GW5 was confirmed as a major gene with significant effects on phenotypic variation, influencing all grain-related traits, including grain length (GL), width (GW), thickness (GT), length to width ratio, and TGW. qGL2 was associated with GL and colocalized with qNS2, a QTL related to NS. qGS10 was identified as a QTL that affected GW, GT, and TGW. Allelic combinations of qGL2, GW5, and qGS10 influenced not only grain-related traits but also variation in yield-related traits. Combinations carrying the gw5^- allele from ‘Boramchan’ generally exhibited favorable characteristics in terms of yield potential. Furthermore, the introduction of qGL2^P and qGS10^P alleles from ‘Pecos’ contributed to the diversification of grain shape and showed positive effects on NS, RRG, and yield. Novel allele combinations, such as qGL2^P-gw5^--qGS10^B and qGL2^P-gw5^--qGS10^P are expected to enhance the genetic diversity of yield- and grain-related traits in Korean japonica rice varieties.

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• QTL Analysis for Heading Date and Yield-Related Traits Using the Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from a Cross between ‘Koshihikari’ and ‘IS592BB’
  Hyun-Su Park, Jeonghwan Seo, Songhee Park, Jae-Ryoung Park, Keon-Mi Lee, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2026; 58(2): 147.     CrossRef
• Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis for Quality-Related Traits Using the Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from a Cross between “Boramchan” and “Pecos” Japonica Rice
  Hyun-Su Park, Chang-Min Lee, Jeonghwan Seo, Songhee Park, Hyeonso Ji, Keon-Mi Lee, Jae-Ryoung Park, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2025; 57(4): 373.     CrossRef

‘Chamdongjin’ is a rice cultivar with a distinctively large grain size and good palatability, similar to ‘Sindongjin,’ which is a mega-cultivar in Korea. ‘Younghojinmi’ is a rice cultivar known for having the highest taste value among premium quality cultivars. In this study, we conducted quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of quality-related traits using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between ‘Chamdongjin’ and ‘Younghojinmi’ to elucidate their genetic interactions. We analyzed 20 traits, including protein content, amylose content, glossiness of cooked rice, 7 traits related to grain appearance, 6 traits related to pasting properties, and 4 traits related to texture. Quality-related QTL were primarily detected on chromosome 3. In particular, GS3, one of the candidate genes for QTL, significantly influenced quality by affecting 14 different traits, including appearance traits such as head rice and the texture of cooked rice. Furthermore, RILs with the gs3 allele, which exhibited the large grains of ‘Chamdongjin,’ showed a lower protein content and higher amylose content than RILs with the GS3 allele. These lines also had lower head rice percentages and higher percentages of whiteness, opacity, and broken rice, indicating an inferior appearance quality. In terms of pasting properties, RILs with the gs3 allele showed a lower pasting temperature, peak viscosity, and breakdown, but a higher setback than RILs with the GS3 allele. Although the gs3 allele did not affect the glossiness, hardness, or toughness of the cooked rice, it resulted in higher adhesiveness and stickiness. Allelic alteration of the preharvest sprouting gene qLTG3-1 was found to affect seven quality-related traits, including pasting properties. Genes related to heading date (Hd18), culm length (SD1), and tiller number (OsTB1) were also associated with quality-related QTL. Alterations in the alleles of these genes caused variations in quality-related traits. Our identification of the association between quality-related traits and key agronomic genes is expected to support the effective development of rice cultivars with improved quality.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  

• Allele‐informed QTL‐seq identifies Hd18 as a minor modifier of heading date in elite rice cultivars
  Hayeong Lee, Mina Kim, Jiheon Han, Hyun‐Su Park, Seung Young Lee, Youngjun Mo
  The Plant Genome.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• QTL Analysis for Heading Date and Yield-Related Traits Using the Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from a Cross between ‘Koshihikari’ and ‘IS592BB’
  Hyun-Su Park, Jeonghwan Seo, Songhee Park, Jae-Ryoung Park, Keon-Mi Lee, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2026; 58(2): 147.     CrossRef
• QTL Analysis for Yield and Grain-Related Traits Using the Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from a Cross between ‘Boramchan’ and ‘Pecos’
  Hyun-Su Park, Chang-Min Lee, Jeonghwan Seo, Songhee Park, Keon-Mi Lee, Jae-Ryoung Park, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2025; 57(2): 131.     CrossRef
• Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis for Quality-Related Traits Using the Recombinant Inbred Lines Derived from a Cross between “Boramchan” and “Pecos” Japonica Rice
  Hyun-Su Park, Chang-Min Lee, Jeonghwan Seo, Songhee Park, Hyeonso Ji, Keon-Mi Lee, Jae-Ryoung Park, O-Young Jeong
  Korean Journal of Breeding Science.2025; 57(4): 373.     CrossRef

Rapid climate change has diversified the dynamics of brown planthoppers, necessitating the development of rice cultivars with enhanced resistance. Brown planthoppers contribute to reduced grain yield and quality, and the rapid ecological changes caused by global warming are expected to exacerbate this damage. In Korea, rice cultivars resistant to brown planthoppers have primarily been bred using Bph1, bph2, and Bph18. Despite the known resistance of Bph3 to brown planthoppers, this gene is underutilized in rice breeding programs. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to analyze the association between brown planthopper resistant genes and rice agronomic traits by breeding segregated populations incorporating Bph3, Bph18, and BPH26. Segregated populations were derived from crosses between ‘Jeonju686’ (carrying Bph3 and BPH26) and ‘JJ621MR’ (carrying Bph18). Our analysis revealed that Bph18 was significantly associated with a reduced fertility rate. However, Bph3 did not significantly affect fertility-related traits. As Bph3 has been reported to confer strong resistance to brown planthoppers, it is expected to be actively utilized in future resistance breeding programs. Ultimately, maximizing the efficiency of molecular breeding techniques is expected to provide valuable insights into the development of rice cultivars with enhanced resistance to brown planthoppers.