In the present study, we conducted a detailed analysis of the genetic diversity and structural organization of 96 domestic Korean rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.) using 2,565 high-resolution TCS-based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Genetic structural variations were investigated using diversity indices, PCA, genetic similarity, and network analysis. Genetic diversity analysis revealed a significant expansion of the genetic foundation after the 1980s, marked by a sharp increase in the number of alleles (Na) from the 2000s. Despite this, high genetic homogeneity was maintained, with an average similarity of 77.7%. The observed 10% difference among same-cross varieties suggests that critical genetic variations are fixed by strong selection pressures for quality traits. Network analysis (85% similarity threshold) confirmed that the Korean rice breeding population followed a distinct core-periphery model (eight communities). The connected 84 varieties had a centrality range of 0.01 0.39. Core Variety Groups (e.g., ‘Junam’ and ‘Sindongjin’) exhibited the highest centrality (up to 0.39), indicating their extensive use as key breeding parents and their function as the central axis of the genetic network. Bridge Variety Groups (e.g., ‘Hwayeong’ and ‘Samkwang’) played an intermediary role linking clusters. Crucially, 12 ‘isolated accessions’ showed zero centrality (0.00), representing a genetic disconnect from the main pool. This quantitative network-based assessment provides essential fundamental data for breeders to select appropriate germplasms. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the current cultivar naming system, which inadequately reflects genetic relationships, requires reassessment, and that the establishment of
objective
management standards based on this research is warranted.

‘Eunhyang’ is a new strawberry cultivar developed in 2021 by the Strawberry Research Institute of the Chungcheongnam-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services for forcing culture. The cultivar was bred to diversify the domestic market dominated by the single cultivar ‘Sulhyang’ and to improve fruit quality, including sweetness, firmness, and flavor. ‘Daewang,’ characterized by excellent flavor, aroma, and high firmness was used as the female parent, while ‘Durihyang,’ bred by the same institute with large fruit size, strong vigor, and good taste, was used as the male parent. Artificial crossing was conducted in 2017, followed by seedling selection, evaluation of characteristics, and productivity testing from 2018 to 2020. The selected line, initially designated ‘Nonsan 16,’ was officially named ‘Eunhyang’ in 2021. ‘Eunhyang’ exhibits semi-spreading growth, strong plant vigor, and elliptic leaves. Its flowering date is slightly earlier than that of ‘Sulhyang,’ and it shows excellent continuous flowering ability. The first harvest date was similar to that of ‘Sulhyang.’ The fruits are conical and bright light red. The first flower cluster has 8.6 flowers, fewer than ‘Sulhyang’ (16.8), reducing labor for flower thinning. It demonstrates higher soluble solids content (11.0 °Brix), stronger fruit firmness (14.1 g/mm²), and a higher sugar-to-acid ratio (19.0) than ‘Sulhyang.’ The average fruit weight is 17.7 g, which is heavier than ‘Sulhyang’ (15.4 g). Total yield is 3,945 kg/10a, which is 93% of ‘Sulhyang’ (4,236 kg/10a). ‘Eunhyang’ is relatively susceptible to anthracnose, powdery mildew, and two-spotted spider mites. ‘Eunhyang’ was registered for plant variety protection in 2023 (Registration No. 9751).

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.

A new soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar, ‘Dadrim,’ was developed by the National Institute of Crop and Food Science (NICS). ‘Dadrim’ is characterized by its superior suitability for tofu processing and high adaptability to mechanized cultivation. This cultivar ‘Milyang374’ was developed using the pedigree method from an artificial cross made in 2012 between ‘Milyang231’ and ‘Chamol.’ Its agronomic characteristics and production stability were verified through regional adaptation trials conducted over three years (2020- 2022). ‘Dadrim’ exhibits a determinate growth habit, white flowers, and spherical seeds with a yellow seed coat and yellow hilum. It is a large-seeded variety with a 100-seed weight of 30.9 g. As a late-maturing variety, it reaches maturity around October 22. Despite a relatively short plant height, it features a high first pod height of 16 cm, making it advantageous for mechanical harvesting. ‘Dadrim’ is resistant to bacterial pustule and soybean mosaic virus and possesses excellent lodging resistance. Notably, ‘Dadrim’ demonstrates a high tofu yield of 283%, which is 67% points higher than ‘Daewonkong’. The resulting tofu has a soft texture, making it suitable for soft and silken tofu. It also received high preference scores for taste and texture in sensory evaluations. ‘Dadrim’ yielded 3.37 tons/ha, an 8% increase compared to ‘Daewonkong.’ This new variety is expected to increase farm income and advance the domestic tofu industry (Registration No. 10461).

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).

Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem. (the Korean angelica tree) is a popular wild spring vegetable crop in East Asia. Owing to its ease of cultivation and harvesting from the second year after planting, this species is a promising forest crop for short-term income. However, the presence of prickles on the stems and shoots reduces harvesting efficiency and negatively affects product quality. This study reports the breeding and morphological characteristics of a new prickle-less cultivar, ‘Seochun’, which exhibits strong cold tolerance and early sprouting. Among the 192 native accessions collected across Korea, a superior prickle-less and cold-tolerant clone was selected and evaluated over two years (2019-2020) of field trials. The stems of ‘Seochun’ were completely smooth and prickle-less, with a larger basal diameter (40.0 mm) compared to the control (29.7 mm). The sprouting and harvesting times were approximately seven days earlier than those of the control. As an early harvest and prickle-less cultivar of A. elata, ‘Seochun’ is expected to improve both the shoot productivity and labor efficiency during harvesting and cutback operations (Research support number: 375).

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.

Perilla is a traditional oilseed crop cultivated in Korea. The ‘Nulsaemi’ cultivar was developed for oil use because of its large seed size and high functional compound content. It originated from a cross between ‘Daesil’ (IT274265), with high crude fat content and a soft seed coat, and ‘Milyang16’ (K015415), with large, brown seeds and a hard seed coat. The cross was created in 2008, and promising lines were selected through pedigree breeding up to the F₆ generation. Advanced yield trials were conducted in 2016 and regional yield trials were conducted at four sites (Milyang, Suwon, Cheongju, and Iksan) from 2017 to 2019. ‘Nulsaemi’ matures around October 8, which is slightly later than the standard cultivar ‘Dayu’. It also has a 1,000-seed weight of 5.2 g, which is 1.4 g heavier than ‘Dayu’. The seed hardness was low, making it suitable for processing. The average yield was 125 kg/10a, about 3% higher than that of ‘Dayu’. The seeds contained approximately 45.1% crude fat and 63.4% alpha-linolenic acid, similar to those of the standard cultivar. However, rosmarinic acid content was significantly higher at 2,130.6 μg/g, about 18% more than ‘Dayu’. In sensory evaluation, oil extracted from ‘Nulsaemi’ showed better appearance, aroma, taste, and overall preference compared to the control, in both cold-pressed and roasted oil types. ‘Nulsaemi’ is expected to be a high-quality oilseed cultivar suitable for premium perilla oil production (Registration No. 8792).

The F₁ hybrid rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) exploits heterosis to deliver greater yield, stability, and uniformity than open-pollinated cultivars, making it suitable for large- scale cultivation. In Korea, cultivation is shifting from landscape and apiculture to expanding edible oil production and increasing the demand for paddy field-adapted hybrids. Using Mokpo-CGMS as the female and the pollen parent ‘09003-B-126-2-1-3,’ we developed the breeding line ‘Dangyo 80,’ which, after multi-environment evaluations of yield and oil quality against ‘Sunmang,’ was selected as a new cultivar ‘Areum. ’ ‘Areum’ exhibits growth habit type IV, yellow flowers, and a red seed coat. Its flowering and maturity times are comparable to ‘Sunmang. ’ Major growth indices did not differ significantly among cultivars; however, while ‘Areum’ showed slightly greater lodging susceptibility, it displayed higher resistance to Sclerotinia stem rot. Notably, in paddy fields ‘Areum’ achieved a higher plant density per square meter than ‘Sunmang’ which produced a 31% yield increase. In fatty acid composition, ‘Areum’ had higher oleic acid content (65% vs. 60%) and lower erucic acid (0.95% vs. 1.35%) than ‘Sunmang,’ indicating improved suitability for high-quality edible rapeseed oil production (Registration No. 9755).

Plant-based production of recombinant proteins has emerged as an efficient and cost-effective alternative to microbial fermentation and mammalian cell culture systems. Chloroplasts harbor high plasmid copy numbers and can be stably transformed, making them efficient platforms for protein production. In the present study, we used green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter to compare the three major chloroplast promoters (rrn, psbA, and rbcL) involved in protein production in Nicotiana tabacum cv. “Petit Havana.” Three chloroplast transformation vectors were constructed, each regulated by a different promoter, and the transformation was performed via biolistic particle bombardment. Transformants were selected based on spectinomycin resistance and were confirmed by PCR. Among the three promoters, psbA showed the highest transformation efficiency and protein expression levels. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR showed that the mRNA levels (relative to Actin) for psbA (218.21±19.64) were nearly twice that of rbcL (126.60±8.78), and five times that of rrn (43.27±1.57). This transcriptional hierarchy was also observed at protein level. Immunoblotting showed the GFP levels (relative to psbA) were: psbA (1.00), rbcL (0.87), and rrn (0.77), whereas quantification through ELISA revealed relative GFP concentrations of: 616.2±28.7 ng/g LFW for psbA, 510.3±32.4 ng/g LFW for rbcL, and 338.9±100.2 ng/g ng/g LFW for rrn. These quantitative results demonstrate the importance of promoter selection for efficient expression of recombinant proteins in chloroplasts and show that the psbA promoter is suitable for high-efficiency chloroplast expression systems, providing a foundation for advancing plant-based molecular farming.

Developing a unique local variety that adapts well to the regional environment and consistently expresses its own characteristics provides a significant competitive advantage in the branded rice market. The aim of this study was to develop a Mid-Late Maturing Rice Cultivar with High Grain Quality adapted to the Chungnam Plain. ‘Daebang’ was developed by crossing ‘Haedamssal,’ a stable and high-yielding cultivar, with ‘Jinsumi,’ known for excellent grain appearance and eating quality, during the winter of 2013-2014. The F₁ was grown in summer 2014 to produce F₂ seeds, and promising lines were selected via the pedigree method. Under normal transplanting, ‘Daebang’ headed on August 19, about four days later than ‘Samkwang. ’ It had a culm length of 75 cm (9 cm shorter than ‘Samkwang’), indicating better lodging resistance. It had 84 spikelets per panicle, a 1,000-grain weight of 21.9 g, and a milled rice yield of 6.06 MT ha^-1, which was numerically higher but not significantly different from that of ‘Samkwang.’ The head rice ratio was 95.9%, with a protein content of 5.4%, and glossiness value 78.5, indicating a superior grain quality. ‘Daebang’ also showed similar resistance to blast and bacterial leaf blight as ‘Samkwang.’ Therefore, ‘Daebang’ is expected to serve as a promising mid-late maturing cultivar for producing premium-branded rice in the Chungnam region because of its high grain quality, lodging tolerance, and stable yield (Registration No. 9169).

‘Amissal’ is a regionally specialized rice cultivar developed to strengthen the competitiveness of local rice and is characterized by its distinct long-grain japonica type. It was bred through a single backcross between ‘Boramchan’—a high-yielding japonica cultivar with excellent cultivation stability used as the recurrent parent—and ‘HR30198-AC33’ (DGS79), a breeding stock with extra-long and spindle-shaped grains used as the donor parent for japonica grain shape diversification. Population and pedigree breeding methods were used during the breeding process. During the selection stage, molecular marker-assisted selection targeting the major grain shape genes, GS3 and qSW5 was applied, enabling the identification of lines carrying the gs3-qSW5 allele combination associated with long grain shape. ‘Amissal’ was developed through yield trials, local adaptability tests, selection trials addressing regional needs, and on-farm research aimed at developing long-grain japonica rice for export. The heading date of ‘Amissal’ was August 17, two days later than that of ‘Nampyeong’. Compared to ‘Nampyeong’, ‘Amissal’ exhibited greater biomass due to longer culms, more spikelets per panicle but fewer panicles per hill, and a heavier 1,000-grain weight. It demonstrated strong resistance to bacterial blight (races K1, K2, and K3) but was susceptible to viral diseases and insect pests. In terms of yield, it outperformed ‘Nampyeong’. The average brown rice grain length was 6.14 mm, classifying it as long-grain type. The length-to-width ratio was 2.43, corresponding to a semi-spindle shape, which clearly distinguishes it from existing Korean japonica cultivars. While its milling recovery rate was similar to that of ‘Nampyeong’, a high proportion of broken rice due to its long grain shape resulted in a lower head rice. ‘Amissal’ had low protein content and provided the sticky and soft texture typical of japonica rice, with excellent scores in sensory evaluation tests. As a differentiated, regionally specialized rice cultivar featuring a long-grain japonica type and superior eating quality, ‘Amissal’ is expected to contribute to the advancement of the local rice industry, particularly through applications in rice export and the utilization of broken rice and rice straw (Registration No. 10167).

Wheat is a fundamental staple crop worldwide, contributing significantly to global food security due to its versatility and nutritional value. However, gluten proteins, including gliadins and glutenins, have been implicated in various health problems, such as celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergies. These disorders affect a wide variety of people globally, creating demand for wheat varieties that balance high-end-use quality with reduced immunogenic potential. This review examines the molecular and genetic mechanisms that regulate gluten protein synthesis, highlighting recent advances in genomic and mutagenic approaches aimed at modifying gluten proteins to enhance the health and quality traits of wheat. Technologies such as RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 offer promising avenues for reducing wheat immunogenicity without compromising its functional properties in food production. This study also examines the challenges and prospects of utilizing these genetic tools to develop wheat varieties that achieve the dual
objective
s of enhanced health outcomes and high product quality.

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

The lack of understanding of topics in uncharted research areas can often be mitigated through a careful review of the existing literature. However, when a field is not well-studied, relying on assumptions before starting a project should be avoided. This article highlights the dangers of such presumptions as demonstrated by the case of brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) detection in rice field. Although unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAVs) have shown promise in various agricultural applications, their effectiveness in the early detection of brown planthopper damage was initially assumed based on the expectation of visible symptoms. The image analysis in the current study indicated that images obtained from a camera mounted on a UAV could not detect the symptoms of the very early stages of damage from brown planthoppers. An overlooked factor was whether the pest damage was uniformly distributed across an entire rice plant. If symptoms appear consistently, early detection using a top-down view from a UAV is possible; otherwise, detection may be delayed. Our findings emphasize the need for thorough preliminary research to avoid failure. By investigating the biological characteristics of the target pest and the potential limitations of detection methods, researchers can greatly improve their chances of success. We hope that readers will recognize the importance of thoroughly examining unexplored areas before embarking on new research.

‘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.

To breed a Gogi Berry cultivar with high quality and high yield, CBP14639-56, as a Gogi Berry line, was selected from the hybrids(F1) of ‘CBP11542-206 (IT345448)’ and ‘CBP07445-64 (IT258918)’in 2015. The preliminary and the advanced yield were conducted to investigate yield characteristics during 2016 to 2017 and the selected line was named Cheongyang No. 34. The regional yield trials of Cheongyang No. 34 were performed at Cheongyang, Yesan and Geumsan areas during 2018 to 2020. As a result, Cheongyang No. 34 was registered as the new variety, ‘Hwaseon’. The specific characteristics of ‘Hwaseon’ are as follows. The type of tree is half opened shape and leaves are green and round-lanceolate. The observed flowering time is June 18, later than the comparative variety ‘Chengmyeong’. The shape of fruits is red, long oval type and a large fruit species. Self-compatibility rate was 71.7%, which was very high compared to 2.8% of the comparative variety, ‘Cheongmyeong’. The resistance against gall mite (Eriophyes spp.) was stronger. The content of betaine, the indicator component, was similar to the comparative variety, and the dried-fruit yield increased by 41% compared to ‘Cheongmyeong’ in the regional yield trials. The Gogi Berry ‘Hwaseon’ is a Self-compatibility variety that does not require mixing of pollinated varieties, and it is expected to help farmers growing Gogi Berry, who are suffering from low fertilization rates due to the recent decrease pollinating insect such as honeybees due to climate change and a decrease in high-temperature activity (Registration No. 9181).

Red skin coloration in pears is caused by anthocyanin accumulation, which contributes to antioxidant activity and enhances consumer preference because of its attractive appearance. However, anthocyanin levels are strongly affected by light, making it difficult to maintain stable coloration under bagging practices commonly used in Korea. In this study, we developed the first red-skinned pear cultivar in Korea, ‘Jungmojeoksaek1ho’ (Pyrus pyrifolia×(P. pyrifolia×P. communis)), and examined changes in anthocyanin content according to the timing of bagging. ‘Jungmojeoksaek1ho’ originated from a cross between ‘Manpungbae’ (P. pyrifolia) and ‘Oharabeni’ (P. pyrifolia×P. communis) in 2003 and was registered as a new cultivar in 2025 (Registration No. 10597). The trees were vigorous, with a spreading growth habit. The mean fruit weight was 291.5 g, lower than that of the control cultivar ‘Wonhwang’ (P. pyrifolia), with soluble solids content of 12.8° Brix and titratable acidity of 0.31%. Anthocyanin content analysis of the peel revealed that ‘Jungmojeoksaek1ho’ maintained high levels until 80 days after full bloom (DAFB), followed by a sharp decline. Bagging at 60 or 80 DAFB reduced anthocyanin accumulation, whereas bagging after 100 DAFB maintained relatively high levels in the later stages. These results suggested that bagging after 100 DAFB was optimal for achieving stable red coloration (Registration No. 10597).

‘Godangok 2’, a yellow sweet corn hybrid obtained by crossing inbred KSE14 (female) and KSE23 (male) varieties harboring the sugary enhancer (se) gene, was developed by the maize breeding team at the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration, Korea, in 2020. Days to silking of ‘Godangok 2’ (65 days) was 3 days later than ‘Danok 3’ (check hybrid, 62 days). The ear length of ‘Godangok 2’ (18.9 cm) was similar to that of ‘Danok 3’, but it exhibited a higher kernel filling rate (97%). In addition, the lodging tolerance of ‘Godangok2’ was greater than that of ‘Danok3’. The number of ears per 10a in Godangok2 (6,177) was 4% higher than that in ‘Danok 3’, whereas ear weights (1,075 kg) were 4% lower. ‘Godangok 2’ had a high sugar content of 23.4° Brix, a thin pericarp thickness of 21.4 μm, and a light 100-kernel weight of 25.4 g compared to that of the check hybrid. ‘Godangok 2’ showed the highest seed yield of 270 kg/10a at a 4 (female):1 (male) planting ratio. Because ‘Godangok 2’ carries the recessive se gene, its unique qualities may be compromised by cross-pollination with other corn varieties (e.g., sh2, bt, wx types). Therefore, to maintain sweet corn quality, corn should be grown and harvested separately in time and space (Registration No. 10059).

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).

To improve resistance to planthoppers and viral diseases, a new rice cultivar named ‘Drimi9ho’ was established. The F₁ population, derived from a cross between ‘Cheongcheong’ and ‘Nagdong’, was subjected to anther culture. Subsequent generations were advanced in the field under high selection pressure for agronomic traits and disease resistance. Ultimately, the line ‘CNDH-AC63-2-2-2-1’ was selected through the pedigree method and was named ‘Drimi9ho’ after undergoing yield trials and local adaptability tests. ‘Drimi9ho’ has a heading date of August 13, which corresponds to 107 days after sowing, making it a mid-late maturing variety that heads 3 d later than ‘Cheongcheong’. The culm length of ‘Drimi9ho’ is 57.3 cm, which is 15 cm shorter than that of ‘Cheongcheong’. This reduced culm length contributes to improved tolerance to field lodging. In addition, ‘Drimi9ho’ exhibits acquired resistance to rice black-streaked dwarf virus through introgression from ‘Nagdong’. Compared to ‘Cheongcheong’, ‘Drimi9ho’ shows lower protein content and higher amylose content, which resulted in a higher score for cooked-rice palatability. ‘Drimi9ho’ shows improved milling performance compared to ‘Cheongcheong’. The 1,000-grain weight of ‘Drimi9ho’ is 22.12±0.8 g, which is heavier than that of ‘Cheongcheong’ (19.42±0.8 g). The milled rice yield of ‘Drimi9ho’ is 546.6±3.8 kg/10a, representing a 4.7% increase compared to ‘Cheongcheong’ (522.2±5.8 kg/10a). However, ‘Drimi9ho’ is resistant only to bacterial leaf blight race K₁; thus, timely disease management is required to control other races such as K₂, K₃, and K_3a (Registration No. 10610).

The goji berry (Lycium chinense Mill.) line CBP17749-20 was selected from F1 hybrids of ‘CBP02261-1’ and ‘CBP11542-206’ in 2017 to establish a cultivar suitable for shoot and leaf production. Preliminary and advanced yield trials were conducted in 2019 and 2020 to investigate yield characteristics, and the selected line was named ‘Gugisoon 2.’ After regional adaptability tests from 2021 to 2022, it was officially registered as the cultivar ‘Cheongsoon.’ The cultivar Unk ‘Cheongsoon’ is characterized by vigorous growth, strong sprouting ability, and an upright growth habit. Its leaves are broadly oval with a higher chlorophyll content than those of the control cultivar ‘Gugisoon 1’ and both leaves and stems are thicker and heavier. It also exhibits excellent resistance to gall mites (Eriophyes spp.), which cause purplish galls on leaf surfaces. Compared to ‘Gugisoon 1,’ ‘Cheongsoon’ has a higher rutin content and a lower quercetin content, and its shoot production index is 224% greater. This cultivar is highly suitable for shoot and leaf production and can be grown in open fields; however, greenhouse cultivation produces tender shoots (Registration No. 10170).

‘KM7’, a maize hybrid for grain production, was developed for the Southeast Asian seed market by the maize breeding team of the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA) in 2020. The hybrid, ‘KM7’, was bred by crossing two inbred lines, CL32 and 14K23. After a one-year yield trial in Dong Trieu, Vietnam, country adaptability trials were performed three times in three different countries (Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia) in both 2019 and 2020. The seed type was flint-like and suitable for both food and feed. ‘KM7’ adapted well to conditions in northern Vietnam, northwestern Cambodia, and Central Java in Indonesia. The silking date of ‘KM7’ in Vietnam was 62 d, which was 1 d earler than that of LCH9, a leading cultivar in Vietnam. ‘KM7’ is an early maturing, high-grain yielding F1 hybrid that is also resistant to downy mildew. ‘KM7’ produced a grain yield of 842, 831, and 950 kg/10a in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia, respectively. This demonstrated a higher yield than that of the leading cultivars in each respective country. ‘KM7’ produced 26% more grain in Vietnam, 28% more in Cambodia, and 56% more in Indonesia than the respective control varieties (Registration No. 10034).

Male sterility is used to mass-produce F₁ hybrid seeds in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). In particular, the development of genetic male sterility (GMS)-linked molecular markers may play a crucial role in hybrid breeding of pepper. To date, approximately 20 GMS genes have been identified in pepper. Among these, several molecular markers for the ms₃ gene have been developed in previous studies; however, they are not completely linked and thus have limitations for use in selection. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to develop molecular markers for ms₃ selection using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis. Chi-square test was conducted using three F₂ segregating populations, and the results confirmed a 3:1 segregation ratio between male-fertile and male-sterile plants. A total of 128 primer sets were designed by selecting SNPs near the ms₃ gene, and 25 HRM markers were successfully developed. Using 420 individuals from the F₂ segregating population ‘GMS3,’ a high-density genetic linkage map of pepper chromosome 1 was constructed, with eight HRM markers found to be co-segregated with the ms₃ gene. Subsequent experiments using various plant materials validated these eight markers, ultimately identifying two HRM markers, HRM119655681 and HRM135273656, for the final selection. These two markers showed co-segregation between the phenotype and genotype of ms₃ across all plant materials used in the study. The markers developed in this study are expected to be effective for maternal line development and large-scale F₁ hybrid seed production using ms₃ in pepper.

Improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is essential for sustainable wheat production, given the global demand for high-yielding and environmentally resilient crop varieties. NUE is a complex trait governed by multiple genetic, physiological, and environmental factors. This review synthesizes recent advances in the genetic dissection of NUE in wheat, focusing on quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and transcriptome analyses. Furthermore, novel approaches such as protein turnover quantification, epigenetic regulation, NIR-based quality prediction, and genomic selection optimization are discussed as emerging strategies to enhance NUE. Key genes identified include nitrate transporters (NRT1, NRT2), nitrogen assimilation enzymes (GS, GOGAT), transcription factors (NLPs, WRKYs, NACs), and signal transduction components (SnRK, CIPK). Integrative studies combining genomics, transcriptomics, and machine learning offer new insights into the dynamic regulation of NUE. This review highlights the importance of multi-layered breeding approaches and provides valuable genetic resources and methodological frameworks for future wheat NUE improvement programs.

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.

Recently, crossbreeding between Asian rice (O. sativa) and African rice (O. glaberrima) has become an important solution for hunger refugees and food problems in Africa by improving grain yield. O. glaberrima exhibits important traits such as stress tolerance, and genetic diversity evaluation and structural analysis of agronomic traits have been conducted. In this study, 11 yield-related agricultural traits were analyzed in 45 lines of O. sativa and 28 lines of O. glaberrima under Korean climatic conditions. Through cluster analysis using the investigated yield-related traits, O. sativa and O. glaberrima were grouped into clusters by characterizing the remaining traits, except for the number of spikelets, grain width, and grain thickness. The number of spikelets was highly influenced by the environment and had the greatest variation, whereas grain width showed the least variation. In addition, rice yield components are quantitative traits, and in breeding to improve yield, it is important to analyze the interaction of agricultural traits and the influence of the environment to maintain an optimal balance and improve plant potential. Although O. sativa was found to exhibit different agricultural traits depending on its ecotype, it still belonged to the same group when clustered. The results of this study provide basic information on the yield-related agronomic characteristics of O. sativa and O. glaberrima under Korean climatic conditions, suggesting that O. glaberrima can be used as breeding material to diversify Korean rice genetic resources.