In this study, we constructed a reference transcriptome database for the special crops Codonopsis lanceolata (known as “deodeok” in Korean) and Ixeridium dentata (known as “sseumbagwi” in Korean). The reference transcriptome sequence based on PacBio Iso-Seq technology was rapidly analyzed using various programs on a supercomputer at the Rural Development Administration to determine homologous gene searches, domain searches, and metabolic pathway-related information. Transcriptome information was organized into a single file database (DB) with a simple user interface using Microsoft Access, enabling efficient access and management of transcriptome sequences and functional prediction information. The deodeok reference transcriptome DB included 49,677 transcriptome sequences, whereas the sseumbagwi reference transcriptome DB included 73,757 transcriptome sequences. These reference transcriptome DBs can be utilized for various genomic analyses, such as gene discovery, gene expression analysis, inter-and intraspecies comparisons, and marker development, with particular potential for use in secondary metabolite research. The reference transcriptome DBs constructed in this study are expected to contribute to enhancing the agricultural value and industrial applicability of deodeok and sseumbagwi.

Content of key nutrients and anti-nutrients of the insect-resistant transgenic rice (Btt12R) developed in Korea that contains a cryIIIA insecticidal gene was compared with those of its non-transgenic counterpart (Oryza sative L. cv. Nakdongbyeo). Grains of Btt12R, its parent cultivar, and two commercial rice plants (cv. Yeonganbyeo and Hwaseongbyeo) grown in the adjoining fields under the same environmental conditions and field management were used for this study. Among the analyzed 47 nutrients (8 proximates, 17 amino acids, 8 fatty acids, 9 minerals, and 5 vitamins) and two anti-nutrients (trypsin inhibitors and phytic acid), although the levels of 17 components differed between Nakdongbyeo and Btt12R, all of the measured values from Btt12R were within the ranges of values observed in the two typical Korean varieties and commercial rice provided by the OECD. These results confirm that the nutritional quality of rice grains was not affected by the insertion of the cryIIIA gene.