“Jeongdami” is a specialized rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety developed to enhance the competitiveness of regional branded rice through its distinct characteristics, setting it apart from those from other regions. It is an early-maturing, semi-dwarf variety with strong resistance to rice blast and features intermediate stickiness with a low amylose content (11.6%), using “Wolbaek” as the maternal parent. The paternal parent is an F₁ hybrid created by crossing the large-grain, intermediate-maturity glutinous rice variety “Nunbora,” which is resistant to bacterial blight (K1, K2, and K3), with “Boramchan,” a high-yield, medium-late Japonica variety that is resistant to bacterial blight (K1, K2, and K3) and stripe virus. The breeding process culminated in 2020, resulting in “Jeongdami.”. Key agricultural characteristics include an average heading date of August 15, which is 6 days earlier than “Baekjinju”, an important low amylose mid-late cultivar, making it a medium-late variety when grown in the four plains regions in the central plains of Korea. Its culm length is moderately short at 77 cm, with an average of 16 panicles per hill and 96 spikelets per panicle. The 1,000-grain weight of brown rice is 20.0 g, similar to that of “Baekjinju.” There was no premature heading, leaf senescence at maturity was moderate, and the pre-harvest germination rate was 1.7%, lower than that of “Baekjinju” (7.5%). The overall cold tolerance rating was 7, indicating weak tolerance similar to “Baekjinju;” however, the variety showed strong lodging resistance in the field. “Jeongdami” exhibited strong resistance to bacterial blight (K1, K2, and K3) and moderate resistance to leaf blast but showed susceptibility to stripe virus, brown planthopper, and white-backed planthopper. The average polished rice yield was 547 kg per 10a, a 16% increase compared to that of “Baekjinju” (472 kg). The grain shape, with a paddy grain length-to-width ratio of 2.2 and a brown rice length-to-width ratio of 1.8, was similar to that of “Baekjinju,” maintaining a short and round shape. The endosperm is clearer than that of “Baekjinju,” providing superior visual quality. The protein content was 6.2%, and the amylose content was 11.5%, indicating intermediate stickiness, which was attributed to the Wx-mq gene. Due to its soft texture and stable cultivation, “Jeongdami” will contribute to increasing rice consumption by enhancing the competitiveness of regionally branded rice with its excellent eating quality and cultivation stability. (Grant No. 9168).

Rice cultivar ‘Saeodae1’ was generated by crossing ‘Saeodae’, which has good taste and a medium-short round grain, and ‘Unbong51’ which has a combined disease resistance and translucent grain. The aim of this was to develop an early maturing rice cultivar with medium-short round grain and high quality rice which adapts to the mid-northern inland plain, northern-middle highland, northern-east coastal region of Korea, and was undertaken by the rice breeding team of Cheolwon Substation, National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), RDA, in 2022. In the normal growing season in the mid-northern inland plain of Korea, the heading date of ‘Saeodae1’ was July 25 around the same time in ‘Odae’. ‘Saeodae1’ had a 75 cm culm length, 1 cm longer than that of ‘Odae’, and 75 spikelets per panicle, similar to that of ‘Odae’. The ripened grain ratio (84.7%) of ‘Saeodae1’ was higher than that (72.5%) of ‘Odae’. The head rice ratio (60.9%) of ‘Saeodae1’ was higher than that of ‘Odae’, which is advantageous in securing yield. 1,000 grain weight (25.9 g) was similar to that of ‘Odae’, but it has a smaller degree of white core rice, leading to an improved consumer preference. ‘Saeodae1’ exhibited resistance to blast and bacterial blight (K1, K2, K3 races), but was susceptible to the K3a race of bacterial blight, stripe virus, dwarf and black streak dwarf viruses, and plant-hoppers. The milled rice of this variety was translucent, with a medium-short grain shape. The cooked rice grains of ‘Saeodae1’ exhibited a good palatability index (0.13) and similar amylose content (18.2%) to that of ‘Odae’. Grain milling characteristics, including head rice milling recovery ratio and head rice ratio (82.0%) were better than those of ‘Odae’. Average milled rice productivity of ‘Saeodae1’ was 5.59 t/ha at six sites in the normal growing season (Registration No. 10182(2024.5.14.)).

‘Dahongmi’ was developed to enhance the quality of colored rice by crossing ‘Jeogjinju’, Korea’s red-brown colored rice variety, with ‘Junam’, a variety known for excellent cultivation characteristics. ‘Dahongmi’ is a mid-maturing cultivar harvested approximately 15 days later than ‘Jeogjinju’, suitable for the mid-central plains. Each ‘Dahongmi’ plant bears 14 panicles, similar to that in ‘Jeogjinju’ but with an additional 22 grains per panicle and a heavier 1000-grain weight compared to that of ‘Jeogjinju’. ‘Dahongmi’ exhibited superior low-temperature germination rate (85.1%) and a higher percentage of fertile grains at a cold-water irrigated nursery (36.2%) compared to ‘Jeogjinju’. The stem height of ‘Dahongmi’ is 89.7 cm, similar to that of ‘Jeogjinju’. However, ‘Dahongmi’ has a third node height 9 cm shorter than that of ‘Jeogjinju’, enhancing its resistance to lodging. Furthermore, it displayed resistance to leaf blast, bacterial leaf blight (K1, K2, and K3 strains), and rice stripe virus, ensuring stability during cultivation. The protein and amylose content of ‘Dahongmi’ are 5.5% and 18.9%, respectively, similar to that of ‘Jeogjinju’ (5.9%, 18.3%). The levels of antioxidant components such as total polyphenols and flavonoids are comparable to that of ‘Jeogjinju’. However, ‘Dahongmi’ does not exhibit resistance against bacterial leaf blight strain K3a and delphacidae, underscoring the importance of timely and balanced fertilization for effective early-stage management. ‘Dahongmi’ exhibits better yield, straw strength, and plant architecture compared to ‘Jeogjinju’. It has immense potential for augmenting the yield of high-antioxidant-pigmented rice varieties. In addition, it could provide valuable foundational data for the brown rice processing industry (Registration Number: 8680).

‘Gowoo’, a mid-late flowering, high yielding rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar with glabrous leaf and hull and resistant to multiple diseases and insects, was developed for forage use. It was developed for use as a whole crop silage obtained from a cross between ‘Kusahonami’ with high biomass, smooth leaf and hull, lodging resistance and Japonica high yielding line ‘Iksan514,’ which showed resistance to bacterial blight (BB) (race K1, K2, K3) and rice stripe virus (RSV). In the central plain region of Suwon, ‘Gowoo’ cultivar exhibited a growth period of approximately 120 days from seeding to heading, 111 cm culm length, 22 cm panicle length, 12 panicles per hill, 140 spikelets per panicle, and 1,000-grain weight of 23.4 g as brown rice. This hairless forage rice variety was weak in response to cold stresses, similar to ‘Nokyang’. However, it was resistant to lodging in the field and showed a strong response to viviparous germination. In addition, ‘Gowoo’ was resistant to leaf and neck blast, BB, RSV, and small brown planthopper. Its average dry matter yield for three years reached 18.2 MT/ha, which was 21% higher than that of ‘Nokyang’. This glabrous cultivar had 5.3% crude protein and 68.2% total digestible nutrients, a little low compared to ‘Nokyang’. In Korea peninsular, ‘Gowoo’ grows well in central and southern plain and is good to harvest between 15 to 30 days after heading to improve its feeding value and digestion rate of livestock (Grant No. 8681).

‘Haedeul’ is a high-quality rice variety with early maturing that adapts to the central region of Korea. This cultivar was crossed between ‘Gopum’, which has excellent taste, and ‘Hoban’, which has a low viviparous germination rate and is moderately tolerant of cold, by the rice breeding team of the Department of Central Area Crop Science, NlCS, RDA, in 2017. In early-transplanting cultivation, the heading date of ‘Haedeul’ was July 24 in central area of Korea, which was seven days later than that of ‘Jopyeong’. ‘Haedeul’ had a culm length of 75 cm and 99 spikelets per panicle. The viviparous germination rate of ‘Haedeul’ was 7.7%. It showed resistance to blast and bacterial blight (K1, K2, K3 race), but was susceptible to the K3a race of bacterial blight, stripe virus, dwarf and black streak dwarf viruses, and plant-hoppers. The milled rice of this variety exhibited a translucent and medium short grain shape. The cooked rice grains of ‘Haedeul’ had an excellent palatability index (0.61) and lower amylose content (18.0%) than that of ‘Jopyeong’. The grain milling characteristics were better than those of ‘Jopyeong’, especially the head rice milling recovery ratio and head rice ratio (94.9%). ‘Haedeul’ milled rice productivity averaged 5.32 MT/ha at five sites under ordinary cultivation (Registration No. 7681).

‘Miwoo’ is a mid-late maturing, high-biomass-yielding rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar with high feed value and resistance to multiple diseases and insect pests. It was developed for use as whole crop silage (WCS) from a cross between ‘Suweon519’, a line with high biomass yield and multiple disease resistance, and ‘Suweon518’, a medium flowering, high yielding Tong-il type line, which is resistant to blast (BL), bacterial blight (BB) (race K1), rice stripe virus (RSV) and brown planthopper (BPH). In the central plain region of Suwon, ‘Miwoo’ cultivar exhibited a growth period of approximately 122 days from seeding to heading, culm length of 99 cm, panicle length of 28 cm, 12 panicles per hill, 143 spikelets per panicle, and 1,000-grain weight of 25.9 g as brown rice. This mid-late-flowering rice variety was resistant to lodging during the yellowing ripening stage, an optimal period for harvesting. In addition, ‘Miwoo’ was strongly resistant to leaf and neck blast, BB (race K1, K2, K3, K3a), RSV, BPH and small BPH. Its average dry matter yield over 3 years reached 19.9 MT/ha, which is 36% higher than that of ‘Nokyang’. ‘Miwoo’ is a high-amylose cultivar with 70.7% total digestible nutrients (similar to that of Nokyang) and grows well on the central and southern plains of the Korean Peninsula. It should be harvested 30 days after heading to improve its feed value and digestion rate in livestock. (Registration No. 7683)

‘Keunpum’ is a mid-late maturing, high yielding, giant embryo rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar which is adapted to central plains and was developed to be used as (germinated) brown rice. It is resistant to multiple diseases with a good grain quality. This cultivar was derived by crossing a giant embryo rice variety ‘Keunnun’ and a mid-late maturing, multi-disease resistant rice cultivar ‘Samkwang’-it has good palatability of cooked rice. The growth period of this cultivar is approximately 117 d from seeding to heading, with a culm length of 88 ㎝, panicle length of 20 ㎝, 13 panicles per hill, 136 spikelets per panicle, and 1,000-grain weight of 19.1 g brown rice. This variety has low tolerance to cold stress and premature germination similar to ‘Keunnun’ but exhibits high resistance to lodging. In addition, ‘Keunpum’ is resistant to bacterial blight (race K1, K2, K3), rice stripe virus, and is moderately resistant to leaf and neck blast. Its average milled rice yield for three years reached 5.34 MT/ha, which is 10% higher than that of ‘Keunnun’. In the brown and germinated brown rice of this cultivar, the total dietary fiber content are 6.45% and 6.71%, and the GABA (γ-amino butyric acid) content are 6.61 and 39.47 mg/100 g, respectively. In addition, the total contents of polyphenol, flavonoid, and tannin were higher in ‘Keunpum’ brown rice than in ‘Keunnun’. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities were 75.23, 116.08 mg TE/100g, respectively. These functional components and antioxidant activities play an important role in inhibiting diseases and the aging process of the human body. Therefore, it is expected to be used as a basic data in the manufacture of secondary processed products using germinated brown rice (Grant No. 7684).

Rice is the most important staple food in Korea. Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most devastating diseases in the rice-growing world and in Korea. Eighteen major blast resistance genes were screened in 33 leading Korean japonica varieties using 44 DNA markers. The 33 leading japonica varieties are cultivated in 659,642 ha (90.4%), and a variety of Samkwang is cultivated widely on a nation-wide scale. Four resistance genes, Pia, Pib, Pi19, and Pb1, were detected in 10-21 varieties, and the R-genes of Pii, Pish, Pita/Pita-2, Piz/Piz-t, Pi35, and Pi65(t), were present in 2-5 varieties. Five R-genes, Pit, Pi5, Pi9, pi21, and Pi40, were not detected in the Korean japonica rice varieties. A total of six varieties, two mid-late flowering varieties, Ilmi and Saeilmi, a medium flowering variety Gopum; and three early flowering varieties Jopyeong, Haedamssal, and Haedeul; were resistant to blast nursery screening over 12 years. A variety of Gopum harbored alleles for Piz/Piz-t, and three early flowering varieties, Jopyeong, Haedamssal, and Haedeul, had extensive loci of the multiple-gene family Piz/Piz-t, Pi9, and Pi40 on chromosome 6. Two mid-late flowering varieties, Ilmi and Saeilmi, harbored the Pita-2 gene, and Gopum had Pita. In the japonica rice breeding program, an effective means for enhancing stable resistance to blast would be introduced to 2-3 R genes among resistance genes Pit, Pi5, Pi9, pi21 and Pi40 which were not identified in Korean japonica rice varieties, and resistance genes Pita/Pita-2, Piz-t/Piz-5, to 2-3 R genes among and Pi20 that showed stable resistance in monogenic IRBL lines.

‘Alchanmi’, a japonica rice variety, was developed from a cross between ‘Junam’ and ‘Chilbo’ by a rice breeding team at the National Institute of Crop Science and Icheon, Agricultural Technology Center in 2018. The heading date of ‘Alchanmi’ was August 10 in the middle plain area—two days later than that of ‘Hwaseong’. ‘Alchanmi’ had a culm length of 69 cm, 16 cm shorter than that of ‘Hwaseong’, and 103 spikelets per panicle. The viviparous germination rate of ‘Alchanmi’ was 24.4%. It showed resistance to blast, bacterial blight (K1, K2, K3 race), and stripe virus, but was susceptible to the K3a race of bacterial blight, dwarf and black streak dwarf viruses, and plant hoppers. The milled rice of this variety exhibited a translucent and medium short grain shape. The cooked rice grains of ‘Alchanmi’ had an excellent palatability index (0.7) and showed lower amylose content (18.6%) than that of ‘Hwaseong’. The grain milling characteristics of ‘Alchanmi’ were better than those of ‘Hwaseong’, especially the head rice milling recovery ratio and head rice ratio (96.2%). ‘Alchanmi’ showed 5.83 MT/ha of milled rice productivity at 6 sites under ordinary cultivation (Registration No. 8132).

‘Jowoo’, an early maturing, high biomass yielding rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar with high feed value and multiple disease-insect resistance, was developed for winter forage crop-whole crop silage (WCS) rice double cropping. It was derived from a cross between a high biomass and multiple disease resistant line ‘Suweon519’ and an early flowering, high yielding Tong-il type variety ‘Gaya’ that harbored Bph3 and BPH26, conferring brown planthopper (Bph) broad resistance. This cultivar had a growth period of approximately 106 days from seeding to heading, 97 cm culm length, 24 cm panicle length, 12 panicles per hill, 120 spikelets per panicle, and 1,000-grain weight of 22.1 g as brown rice in the central plain region of Suwon. This early flowering rice variety was tolerant to premature germination and cold stresses, especially showed higher grain fertility than ‘Nokyang’ at a cold-water (17℃) irrigated screening nursery. Further, ‘Jowoo’ exhibited high lodging resistance in the yellowing ripening stage, an optimal period for harvest. In addition, ‘Jowoo’ was resistant to leaf and neck blast, bacterial blight (race K1, K2, K3, K3a), rice stripe virus, and small Bph and was also moderately resistant to Bph. Its average dry matter yield for three years reached 18.2 MT/ha, the highest among early flowering rice varieties and 19% higher than that of ‘Nokyang’. This cultivar had 72.2% total digestible nutrients, which is also higher than that of ‘Nokyang’. In the Korean peninsula, ‘Jowoo’ grows well in the central and southern plains and can be harvested 30 days after heading. This helps improve its feeding value and digestion rate in livestock (Grant No. 8133).

‘Cheongwoo’, a late maturing, high biomass-yielding rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar with high feed value and multiple disease and insect resistance, was developed for whole crop silage (WCS) use. It was derived from a cross between a high biomass and multiple disease resistant line ‘Suweon519’ and early flowering, high-yielding Tong-il type cultivar ‘Gaya’, which exhibited a brown planthopper (BPH) broad resistance conferred by Bph3 and BPH26. The cultivar was characterized by growth period from seeding to heading of about 130 days, culm length of 87 cm, panicle length of 29 cm, 12 panicles per hill, 135 spikelets per panicle, and 1,000-grain weight of brown rice of 21.4 g in the central plain region, Suwon. This long-leaved green WCS rice variety was sensitive to cold stress, similar to ‘Nokyang’, but resistant to premature germination, and germinated well under low temperature conditions. Furthermore, ‘Cheongwoo’ exhibited high lodging resistance at the yellowing stage, the optimal period for harvesting in the field. Additionally, ‘Cheongwoo’ was resistant to leaf and neck blast, bacterial blight (races K1, K2, K3, K3a), rice stripe virus, BPH, and small BPH. Its average dry matter yield for three years reached 20.6 MT/ha, 38% higher than that of ‘Nokyang’. The content of crude protein (5.32%) and total digestible nutrients (71.2%) was higher than that in ‘Nokyang’. On the Korean Peninsula, ‘Cheongwoo’ grows well in central and southern plains, and should be optimally harvested between 15 and 30 days after heading to improve its feeding value and digestion rate in livestock (Grant No. 7662).

The rice cultivar ‘Misiru’, which is ideal for rice flour production by dry milling, was developed by the rice breeding team at the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA), Korea, in 2017 to vitalize the rice processing industry. It is derived from a cross between ‘Daeripbyeo1’ and ‘Seolgaeng’. ‘Misiru’ was grown on a middle plain area by ordinary cultivation methods. The heading date was on August 13, culm length was 85 cm, and there were 12 panicles and 112 spikelets per panicle. The ripened grain ratio was lower than that of ‘Hwaseong’; however, the 1,000 brown rice weight was 30.8 g, about 8 g heavier than that of ‘Hwaseong’. ‘Misiru’ showed medium resistance to blast but susceptibility to bacterial blight, viruses, and insect pests. It was resistant to lodging, whereas pre-harvest sprouting rate and cold tolerance were similar to those of ‘Hwaseong’. The milled rice appeared non-glutinous opaque, with opaque grain rate of 83.7%. The rice grain was soft and starch granules in the endosperm were of spherical type, similar to wheat. The grain contained 6.4% protein and 18.6% amylose (the content of the latter was similar to that in ‘Hwaseong’). However, its milled rice recovery rate was lower than that of ‘Hwaseong’. The average size of dry-milling rice flour was 64.4 μm, and the rate of damaged starch was 5.2%, lower than that of ‘Hwaseong’. ‘Misiru’ milled rice yield was 5.66 MT/ha, 8% higher than the yield potential of ‘Hwaseong’. The cultivar ‘Misiru’ is thus suitable for rice flour production by dry milling (Grant No. 7682).

Rice research in Korea during the past 100 years has gone through tremendous changes and improvements as the country underwent a turbulent history of transformation. Full-scale R&D modernization began in the 1970s, when the government focused policy on achieving self-sufficiency in rice in order to establish the foundation for national economic growth. A major landmark was reached by the development of the rice variety “Tongil” and its cultivation technology, which was at the core of the unprecedented Korean “Green Revolution”. Since achieving self-sufficiency in rice, the breeding goal of Korea moved from increasing yield to improving grain quality as more consumers began to seek high quality food products in the 1980s. This change led to the establishment of the high quality rice breeding platform for enhancing the global competitiveness of Korean rice to cope with the opening of domestic rice market in the 2000s. Currently, the major breeding goals in rice are developing premium quality cultivars for table rice and specialized cultivars for boosting processed food industry. To date, the National Institute of Crop Science has released a total of 300 rice cultivars, including 202 table rice and 98 specialized usage cultivars. Diverse technologies have been developed and utilized for breeding new rice cultivars to meet changing needs. In the next 100 years of rice breeding, the convergence of traditional crop improvement technologies and the new breeding technologies utilizing recent advances in biotechnology will play a crucial role in enhancing breeding efficiency.

‘Jinhan’, a japonica rice variety, was developed from a cross between ‘Cheolwon68’ (IT218244) and ‘Junghwabyeo’ (IT260473) by the rice breeding team at National Institute of Crop Science in 2015. ‘Cheolwon68’ is early maturing and resistant to blast disease, and ‘Junghwabyeo’ is a cold-tolerant and high-quality variety. The growth duration of ‘Jinhan’ in the paddy field was 116 days in the Northern Central Highland in Korea, which was similar to that of ‘Jinbu’. The culm length of ‘Jinhan’ was 61 cm, which was 10 cm shorter than that of ‘Jinbu’. The panicle of ‘Jinhan’ was composed of 66 spikelets. The viviparous germination rate of ‘Jinhan’ was 33.2%. ‘Jinhan’ showed resistance to blast disease, but was susceptible to stripe virus, dwarf and black-streaked dwarf viruses, and plant hoppers. The milled rice grains of ‘Jinhan’ showed an excellent palatability index (0.23) and lower protein content (5.7%) than that of ‘Jinbu’. The grain milling characteristics of ‘Jinhan’ were similar to those of ‘Jinbu’. ‘Jinhan’ showed a milled rice productivity of 5.43 MT/ha at four sites cultivated in the Northern Central Highland (Registration No. 7318).

The ‘Hangaru’ is a rice variety derived from a cross between ‘Seolgaeng’, which is suitable for making rice wine, and ‘Daeripbyeo1’, which has a heavy grain weight (34.8g) and is suitable for deep fried rice, by the rice breeding team at the National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration, in 2017. The heading date of ‘Hangaru’ was August 18 and was 10 days later than check variety, ‘Hwaseong’, in Suwon. It had a culm length of 79 cm and 102 spikelets per panicle, and showed similar tolerance to ‘Hwaseong’ when exposed to cold stress. ‘Hangaru’ showed medium resistance to blast disease, but susceptibility to bacterial blight, viruses and brown planthoppers. The milled rice of this variety exhibited an opaque and non-glutinous endosperm. The 1,000 grain weight of brown rice was 32.9 g, which was 10.8 g heavier than that of ‘Hwaseong’; the protein content was 7.0% and the amylose content (19.2%) was similar to that of ‘Hwaseong’. The milled rice recovery rate was lower than that of ‘Hwaseong’. However, opaque grain percentage of milled rice was 88.1%. The hardness of the rice grain was soft and the starch granule shape in the endosperm was round, similar to wheat. The average size of rice flour was 71.0 µm and the damaged starch rate was 6.4%. These results showed that this variety could be suitable for dry milling rice flour production. ‘Hangaru’ had a yield of 5.42 MT/ha of milled rice productivity in ordinary cultivation, which was 99% of that of ‘Hwaseong’. ‘Hangaru’ was adaptable to the middle plain area and Mid-west coast of Korea (Registration No. 7270).

‘Jinkwang’, a japonica rice variety, was developed by a cross between ‘Hopum’ (IT23527) and the F1 hybrid of ‘Unkwang’ (IT217814) and ‘Koshihikari’ (IT157335) by the rice breeding team at NICS in 2016. ‘Unkwang’ shows an early maturity and high yield and ‘Koshihikari’ is a high-quality variety. The growth duration of ‘Jinkwang’ in the paddy field was 114 days in the middle plain region in Korea, which was six days later than that of ‘Jopyeong’. The culm length of ‘Jinkwang’ was 62 cm, which was 13 cm shorter than that of ‘Jopyeong’. The panicle of ‘Jinkwang’ was composed of 100 spikelets. The viviparous germination rate of ‘Jinkwang’ was 28.3%. ‘Jinkwang’ showed resistance to blast and bacterial blight (K1, K2, and K3 races); however, it was susceptible to stripe virus, dwarf and black-streaked dwarf viruses, and plant hoppers. The milled rice grains of ‘Jinkwang’ showed an excellent palatability index (0.42) and lower protein content (6.2%) than that of ‘Jopyeong’. The grain milling characteristics were better than those of ‘Jopyeong’, especially in terms of brown/rough rice ratio and milled/rough rice ratio (75.9%). ‘Jinkwang’ showed a milled rice productivity of 5.91 MT/ha at eight sites under ordinary cultivation conditions. (Registration No. 7318).

‘Jungmo1033’, a japonica rice variety, was developed by the rice breeding team at the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS) in 1992. It is derived from a cross between a native variety ‘Jagwangdo’, which has translucent milled rice and medium maturity; and ‘Hwayeong’, which is an elite line with bacterial blight resistance and mid-late maturity. The heading date of ‘Jungmo1033’ was August 10 in the middle plain area of Korea, which was two days later than that of ‘Hwaseong’. ‘Jungmo1033’ has a culm length of 79 cm, which was 5 cm shorter than that of ‘Hwaseong’, and 105 spikelets per panicle. ‘Jungmo1033’ showed resistance to bacterial blight (K1, K2, and K3 races) and stripe virus, but susceptibility to the K3a race of bacterial blight, dwarf and black-streaked dwarf viruses, and planthoppers. The milled rice of this variety exhibited translucency and a medium short grain shape. It had an excellent appearance and lower amylose content (19.1%) than that of ‘Hwaseong’. The characteristics related to grain milling were better than those of ‘Hwaseong’, especially head rice milling recovery ratio and head rice ratio (94.8%). ‘Jungmo1033’ showed a milled rice productivity of 5.38 MT/ha at 11 sites under ordinary cultivation conditions. (Registration No. 5723)

“Samkwang1,” a japonica rice variety, was developed as a cross between “Samkwang” and F1 of Suwon152 (IT008283), which has a medium maturing and lodging resistance and Samkwang (IT284608), a high quality variety with bacterial blight resistance and mid-late maturing property by the rice breeding team at NICS in 2015. The heading date of “Samkwang1” was August 8 in the middle plain area, which was 2 days early than that of “Hwaseong.” “Samkwang1” had a culm length of 77 cm, which was 7 cm shorter than that of “Hwaseong,” and it had 128 spikelets per panicle. The viviparous germination rate of “Samkwang1” was 2.1%. “Samkwang1” showed resistance to blast, bacterial blight (K1, K2, and K3 race) and stripe virus, but was susceptible to the K3a race of bacterial blight, dwarf and black streak dwarf viruses, and plant hoppers. The milled rice of this variety exhibits translucent and medium short grains. The cooked rice grains of “Samkwang1” have an excellent palatability index (0.35) and lower protein content (6.2%) than that of “Hwaseong.” The characteristics related to grain milling were better than those of “Hwaseong,” especially the head rice milling recovery ratio and head rice ratio (94.2%). “Samkwang1” showed 5.62 MT/ha of milled rice productivity at 11 sites under ordinary cultivation conditions (Registration No. 6798).

“Hyangcheola” is a new japonica rice variety developed as a cross between “Joryeong” and “Seolhyangchal” by the rice breeding team at NICS in 2014. The heading date of “Hyangcheola” is July 28 in the middle plain area, which is 8 days earlier than that of “Hwaseong.” “Hyangcheola” has a 76 cm long culm, which is 8 cm shorter than “Hwaseong” and has 86 spikelets per panicle. The viviparous germination rate of “Hyangcheola” was 27.9%. It showed resistance to stripe virus but susceptibility to bacterial blight (K1, K2, and K3 races), dwarf and black streak dwarf viruses and planthoppers. The milled rice of this variety exhibits translucent and medium short grain shape. The protein content of “Hyangcheola” was 8.2%, which was 1.5% higher than that of “Hwaseong.” “Hyangcheola” is a rice with a fragrant aroma. The content of iron in 100 g of brown “Hyangcheola” rice was 15.12 mg, which is 3.69 mg higher than that of “Hwaseong,” and the zinc content was 32.24 mg, which is 8.75 mg more than that of the comparative variety “Hwaseong.” The average milled rice yield of “Hyangcheola” was 4.8 MT/ha at our sites under ordinary cultivation (Registration No. 6807).

‘Yeongwoo’, a mid-late flowering, high dry matter yielding rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar with high feed value and multiple disease-insect resistance, was developed for whole crop silage (WCS) use. It was derived from a cross between a high biomass and brown planthopper (Bph) resistant ‘SR25848-C99-1-2-1’ and high yielding Tong-il type, ‘Yongmun’ which had diseases resistance. This cultivar had about 117 days growth period from seeding to heading, 99 cm culm length, 26 cm panicle length, 11 panicles per hill, 125 spikelets per panicle, and 1,000-grain weight of 23.6 g as brown rice in the central plain region, Suwon. This wide and long leafy WCS rice variety was weak to cold stresses, similarly to ‘Nokyang’ but was resistant to lodging in the field, strong to viviparous germination, and good under low temperature germination. In addition, ‘Yeongwoo’ was resistant to leaf and neck blast, bacterial blight (race K1, K2, K3, K3a), rice stripe virus, Bph, and small Bph. Its average dry matter yield for three years reached 20.0 MT/ha, 32% higher than that of ‘Nokyang’. This cultivar had 5.3% crude protein and 71.7% total digestible nutrients, which was slightly lower than that of ‘Nokyang’. In the Korean peninsula, ‘Yeongwoo’ grew well in the central and southern plain and was could be harvested between 15 to 30 days after heading to improve the feeding value and digestion rate of livestock (Grant No. 6800).

Cheongpum’, a japonica rice variety, was developed from a cross between Yeongdeog45 and ‘Samkwang’ by the rice breeding team at NICS in 2015. The heading date of ‘Cheongpum’ was August 10 in the middle plain area, which was two days later than that of ‘Hwaseong’. ‘Cheongpum’ had a culm length of 79 cm, which was 5 cm shorter than that of ‘Hwaseong’, and 116 spikelets per panicle. The viviparous germination rate of ‘Cheongpum’ was 27.9%. It showed resistance to blast, bacterial blight (K1, K2, K3 race), and stripe virus, but susceptibility to the K3a race of bacterial blight, dwarf, and black streak dwarf viruses, and plant hoppers. The milled rice of this variety exhibited a translucent and medium short grain shape. The cooked rice grains of ‘Cheongpum’ had an excellent palatability index (0.41) and lower amylose content (18.8%) than that of ‘Hwaseong’. The grain milling characteristics were better than those of ‘Hwaseong’, especially the head rice milling recovery ratio and head rice ratio (94.1%). ‘Cheongpum’ showed 5.36 MT/ha of milled rice productivity at 11 sites under ordinary cultivation (Registration No. 6799).

The ‘Seonpum’ is a rice variety derived from a cross between ‘Junam’ which has translucent milled rice and mid-late maturity and ‘Iksan457’ that the elite line has a bacterial blight resistance and medium maturing property by the rice breeding team at NICS, RDA in 2003. The heading date of ‘Seonpum’ is August 11 and four days later than check variety, ‘Hwaseong’. It has 84 cm of culm length and 124 spikelets per panicle. This variety showed similar cold tolerance to ‘Hwaseong’ while exposed to cold stress. ‘Seonpum’ showed resistance to blast disease, stripe virus and K1, K2 and K3 race of bacterial blight, but susceptible to K3a race, other viruses and planthoppers. The milled rice of this variety exhibits translucent, clear non-glutinous endosperm and short grain shape. It has similar protein content (6.7%) and amylose content (19.4%) to that of ‘Hwaseong’. ‘Seonpum’ showed better palatability index of cooked rice than that of ‘Hwaseong’. Its milled rice recovery rate is similar to those of ‘Hwaseong’. However, whole grain rate of milled rice is higher than that of ‘Hwaseong’. ‘Seonpum’ has 5.74 MT/ha of milled rice productivity in ordinary cultivation. ‘Seonpum’ could be adaptable to the middle plain area in Korea. (Registration No.6810).

‘Nokwoo’, a mid-late maturing, high dry matter yielding rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar with a good early growth and low-temperature germinability, was developed for whole crop silage (WCS) use. It was derived from a cross between a leafy tropical japonica ‘LK1A-2-12-1-1’ with high biomass and good germinability in low temperature and new plant type (NPT), ‘IR72225-29-1-1’ which had low tillering trait, large panicle, dark green leaf, thick and sturdy stem and vigorous root system. This cultivar had about 123 days growth period from seeding to heading, 122㎝ culm length, 29㎝ panicle length, 9 panicles per hill, 144 spikelets per panicle and 1,000-grain weight of 24.4 g as brown rice in central plain region, Suwon. This wide and long leafy WCS rice variety was weak to cold stresses similar to ‘Nokyang’ but was a little resistant to lodging in the field, strong to viviparous germination and good to low temperature germination. In addition, ‘Nokwoo’ was resistant to leaf and neck blast but susceptible to bacterial blight, rice stripe virus and brown planthopper. Its average dry matter yield for three years reached 16.5 MT/ha, 14% higher than that of ‘Nokyang’. This cultivar had 5.3% crude protein and 68.8% total digestible nutrients a little low compared to ‘Nokyang’. In Korea peninsular, ‘Nokwoo’ grows well in central and southern plain and is good to harvest between 15 to 30 days after heading to improve its feeding value and digestion rate of livestock (Grant No. 6072).

The 'Misomi' is a rice variety derived from a cross between ‘Sobi’ which has adaptability of low fertilizer cultivation and SR21110 (Ilpum/Jinbu19) by the rice breeding team at National Institute of Crop Science, RDA in 2013. The heading date of ‘Misomi’ is August 14 and six days later than check variety, ‘Hwaseong’. It has 83 cm of culm length and 121 spikelets per panicle. It showed weaker cold tolerance than that of ‘Hwaseong’ during exposed to cold stress. ‘Misomi’ showed resistance to blast disease, K1, K2 and K3 race of bacterial blight and stripe virus, but susceptibility to K3a race, other viruses and planthoppers. The milled rice of this variety exhibits translucent, clear non-glutinous endosperm and short grain shape. It has low protein content (6.2%) and similar amylose content (19.4%) to that of ‘Hwaseong’. ‘Misomi’ showed better palatability index of cooked rice than that of ‘Hwaseong’. Particulary, ‘Misomi’ showed excellent processing adaptability than ‘Chucheong’ and ‘Hwaseong’ on palatability index of cold and aseptic cooked rice. Its milled rice recovery rate is similar to those of ‘Hwaseong’. However, whole grain rate of milled rice is higher than that of ‘Hwaseong’. 'Misomi' has 5.68 MT/ha of milled rice productivity in ordinary cultivation, which was 12% higher than that of ‘Hwaseong’. 'Misomi' could be adaptable to the middle plain area and Midwest coast area in Korea (Grant No. 5635).

‘Jungmo1038', a mid-late maturing, high dry matter yielding rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar with glabrous leaf and hull, was developed for whole crop silage (WCS) use. It was derived from a cross between ‘SR24592-HB2319’ with high biomass, smooth leaf and hull and good germinability in low temperature and new plant type (NPT), ‘IR73165-B-6-1-1‘ which had low tillering trait, large panicle, dark green leaf, thick and sturdy stem and vigorous root system. This cultivar had about 125 days growth period from seeding to heading, 99cm culm length, 20cm panicle length, 13 panicles per hill, 119 spikelets per panicle and 1,000-grain weight of 23.3 g as brown rice in central plain region, Suwon. This hairless WCS rice variety was weak to cold stresses similar to ‘Nokyang’ but was resistant to lodging in the field, strong to viviparous germination and good to low temperature germination. In addition, ‘Jungmo1038’ was resistant to leaf and neck blast but susceptible to bacterial blight, rice stripe virus and brown planthopper. Its average dry matter yield for three years reached 17.2 MT/ha, 21% higher than that of ‘Nokyang’. This glabrous cultivar had 6.6% crude protein and 62.4% total digestible nutrients a little low compared to ‘Nokyang’. In Korea peninsular, 'Jungmo1038' grows well in central and southern plain and is good to harvest between 15 to 30 days after heading to improve its feeding value and digestion rate of livestock(Grant No. 5634).

The ‘Jungmo1023’ is the japonica rice variety developed from a cross between Yeongdeog34 and F1 of Iksan456 and SR21097-B-B-19-2-2 by the rice breeding team at NICS in 2012. The heading date of ‘Jungmo1023’ is August 3 in middle plain area and it is six days earlier than ‘Hwaseong’. ‘Jungmo1023’ has 80 cm of culm length which is 4 cm shorter than those of ‘Hwaseong’ and 107 spikelet per panicle. The premature heading rate of ‘Jungmo1023’ was 3.3%. It showed resistance to blast, bacterial blight (K1, K2, K3 race) and stripe virus, but susceptibility to K3a race of bacterial blight, dwarf and black streak dwarf viruses and planthoppers. The milled rice of this variety exhibits translucent and medium short grain shape. It has better palatability index of cooked rice (0.24) and lower amylose content (18.0%) than that of ‘Hwaseong’. The characteristics related to grain milling were better than those of ‘Hwaseong’, especially head rice milling recovery ratio and head rice ratio (96.2%). ‘Jungmo1023’ showed 4.56 MT/ha of milled rice productivity at 7 sites in ordinary cultivation. However, ‘Jungmo1023’ showed early cultivation culture adaptability because of 98% of its yield potential (4.99 MT/ha) compared to high yielding early-maturing variety ‘Jopyeong’. ‘Jungmo1023’ could be adaptable to the middle plain, mid-mountainous and north-east coastal area in Korea (Registration No. 5115).

The ‘Cheongun’ is a rice variety derived from a cross between ‘Suweon462’ which has translucent milled rice and medium maturity and ‘Milyang192’ that the elite line has a bacterial blight resistance and mid-late maturing property by the rice breeding team at NICS, RDA in 2012. The heading date of ‘Cheongun’ is August 13 and five days later than check variety, ‘Hwaseong’. It has 87 cm of culm length and 114 spikelets per panicle. It showed weaker cold tolerance than that of ‘Hwaseong’ while exposed to cold stress. ‘Cheongun’ showed resistance to blast disease, K1, K2 and K3 race of bacterial blight and stripe virus, but susceptible to K3a race, other viruses and planthoppers. The milled rice of this variety exhibits translucent, clear non-glutinous endosperm and short grain shape. It has similar protein content (6.7%) and amylose content (19.5%) to that of ‘Hwaseong’. ‘Cheongun’ showed better palatability index of cooked rice than that of ‘Hwaseong’. Its milled rice recovery rate is similar to those of ‘Hwaseong’. However, whole grain rate of milled rice is higher than that of ‘Hwaseong’. ‘Cheongun’ has 4.98 MT/ha of milled rice productivity in ordinary cultivation. ‘Cheongun’ could be adaptable to the middle plain area in Korea (Registration No. 5114).

‘Jungmo1029’, a late-maturing, high biomass and multiple disease resistant rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar, was developed for whole crop silage (WCS) use. It was derived from a cross between ‘Gillim collection1’ with high biomass and ‘Junam’ which has some of diseases resistant genes. This elite cultivar had about 127 days growth period from seeding to heading, 105 cm culm length, 11 panicles per hill, 163 spikelets per panicle and 1,000-grain weight of 21.5 g as brown rice. This WCS rice variety was weak to cold stresses similar to ‘Nokyang’ but was tolerant to lodging in the field. In addition, ‘Jungmo1029’ was resistant to leaf and neck blast, bacterial blight except race K3a and rice stripe virus but susceptible to brown planthopper. Its average dry matter yield for three years reached 17.1 MT/ha, 14% higher than that of ‘Nokyang’. This stay green cultivar had good quality for WCS with low acid detergent fiber and high total digestible nutrients similar to ‘Nokyang’. ‘Jungmo1029’ was suitable for cultivation in the central and southern plain area of the South Korean peninsula and required to harvest 15~30 days after heading to improve the digestibility of cattle (Registration No. 5104).

There are farmer’s demands to develop early-maturing cultivar in order to replace Odae variety to mid-northern inland plain and southern mountainous area of Korea. Saeodae was developed by the rice breeding team of Cheolwon Substation, National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), RDA in 2012. This cultivar was derived from the cross between Geuroobyeo and Suweon 472 in 2001 summer season, and selected by a promising line, SR27376-2-2-1-3, was selected and designated as the line of Cheolweon 81 in 2010. The local adaptability test of Cheolweon 81 was carried out at four locations from 2010 to 2012 and it was named as Saeodae. The heading date of Saeodae is July 25 in Cheolwon area, which is 2 days earlier than that of Odae. This variety has 66cm in culm length and 77 spikelets per panicle. Its 1,000 grain-weight of brown rice is 26.5 g, which is similar to that of Odae. Germination rate at low temperature of this variety is about 70%, and viviparous germination is 17.7%. Cold tolerance of this cultivar is still not good, just mediocre. It shows strong lodging resistance. And premature heading, occurrence of wilting during ripening stage, and leaf senescence at maturing are similar to those of Odae. This variety shows resistance to leaf blast disease, but susceptible to bacterial blight, virus disease and insect pest. This variety has translucent and clear milled rice kernel without white core and belly rice. The yield potential of Saeodae was about 5.26 MT/ha at ordinary fertilizer level in local adaptability test for three years. This variety would be adaptable to mid-northern inland plain and southern mountainous area of Korea.

Rice breeders or sensory evaluators are striving to develop the rapid and correct sensory evaluation method of the cooked rice with a small-sample. This study was conducted to develop a method of cooking condition and sensory evaluation of the cooked rice rapidly and correctly with a small-sample by introducing a concept of arrangement ranking to the conventional sensory evaluation method by cooking in the cup, which has been used only as a simple test. A method of simultaneous cooking of the five samples for one round of test was developed. And, an arrangement ranking method was developed just like stacking a tower by arranging the cups in the sensory evaluation. The proposed method was named as cup arrangement ranking method. The correlation analysis between the cup arrangement ranking method (CARM) and the standard sensory evaluation method (SSEM) showed a high significance of correlation (r=0.83^**~0.91^**, ‘13~’14). Further, when effectiveness of proposed method was compared with the standard sensory evaluation method, the sample quantity was a 30g level for one round of test, which is a tenth of SSEM. The time consumed for sensory evaluation was two minutes per one sample, which was a reduced value by half as compared with the time consumption by SSEM. Therefore, the cup arrangement ranking is expected to be an effective method in the selection of excellent rice line or variety having good taste by evaluating the cooking quality rapidly with a small-sample in early generation.