Nature-Based Restoration Simulation for Disaster-Prone Coastal Area Using Green Infrastructure Effect.

Floods in coastal areas are caused by a range of complex factors such as typhoons and heavy rainfall, and this issue has become increasingly serious as interference has occurred in the social-ecological system in recent years. Given the structural limitations and high maintenance costs of the existing gray infrastructure, the need for a nature-based restoration plan utilizing green infrastructure has been raised. The purpose of this study is to simulate the restoration process through the quantification of green infrastructure effects along with resilience in disaster-prone coastal areas, and to present it as nature-based restoration planning. For this purpose, first, a disaster-prone area was derived from Haeundae-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea, which was affected by typhoons. In order to simulate the runoff from typhoon "Chaba" in the target area and the effects of reducing the runoff of green infrastructure, relevant data was collected and a model constructed. Finally, the effects of the green infrastructure as applied to the disaster-prone area were quantified by means of resilience and a nature-based restoration plan was presented. As a result of this study, first, the runoff reduction effect was greatest when the maximum biotope area ratio of 30% was applied to the artificial ground. In the case of the green roof, the effect was the greatest 6 h following the typhoon passing through, and the effects of the infiltration storage facility was greater 9 h following the same. Porous pavement exhibited the lowest runoff reduction effect. In terms of resilience, it was found that the system was restored to its original state after the biotope area ratio of 20% was applied. This study is significant in that it analyzes the effects of green infrastructure based upon the concept of resilience and connects them to nature-based restoration planning. Based on this, it will be provided as an important tool for planning policy management to effectively respond to future coastal disasters.

Cucurbitacin and volatile compound profiling reveals independent domestication of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) fruit.

Profiling of metabolites that confer bitter taste and flavor to cucumber products is necessary to produce preferred products. In this study, cucurbitacins A, B, C, D, E, and I and untargeted volatile compounds were analyzed using the fruit of 69 inbred cucumber of diverse cultivars. Only cucurbitacin C was detected in six inbreds. They were classified into four clusters based on the profiles of cucurbitacins and volatile compounds. Clusters 2 and 3 showed the largest difference with the highest and lowest volatile contents, respectively. Clusters 1 and 4 showed different fruit phenotypes of length and color. Fifteen F1 hybrids from selected inbreds were analyzed. Total volatile compound (TVC) content, especially for the alcohol content, was lower in the F1 hybrids than the mid-parent values, and the ratio of aldehyde to TVC was increased. This profiling will contribute to produce cucumber products with no bitter taste and improved flavor.

Non-targeted metabolomic analysis for the comparative evaluation of volatile organic compounds in 20 globally representative cucumber lines.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are one of the main fruit-quality determinants in cucumber. Here, we investigated the differences in the VOC and primary metabolite composition among 20 representative cucumber lines. Results of non-targeted metabolomics revealed that the cucumber breeding line of the Korean group showed a unique VOC composition in the fruit peel compared to the other groups. Fruit-flesh VOCs significantly differed among Korean, European, and Thai fruits. The main cucumber flavor components, 2-hexenal, hexanal, 6-nonenal, 2,4-nonadienal, and 2,6-nonadienal, were lower in the Korean cucumber lines than in the others. Conversely, linoleic acid derivatives and α-linolenic acid, which are precursors of these VOCs, were abundant in Korean cucumber line. This suggests that the metabolism related to the characteristic flavor of cucumber are downregulated in Korean cucumber line. This study provides novel insights into the fruit flavor-associated metabolome in various cucumber lines.

Stormwater runoff reduction simulation model for urban flood restoration in coastal area.

Urban floods caused by expanding impervious areas due to urban development and short-term heavy precipitation adversely affect many coastal cities. Notably, Seoul, one of the coastal cities that experiences acute urban floods, suffers annually from urban floods during the rainfall season. Consequently, to mitigate the impacts of urban floods in Seoul, we established flood-vulnerable areas as target areas where green infrastructure planning was applied using the Stormwater Runoff Reduction Module (SRRM). We selected the Gangdong, Gangbuk, and Dobong districts in Seoul, Korea, all of which demonstrate high flood vulnerability. Analyses in reducing the runoff amount and peak time delay effect were estimated by model simulation using the SRRM. The reduction in peak discharge for the whole area occurred in the following order: Gangdong district, then Gangbuk district, and lastly Dobong district. In contrast, the reduction in peak discharge per unit area was most prominent in Gangbuk district, followed by Dobong and Gangdong districts. However, the delay effect was almost identical in all target areas. Based on the simulation results in this study, we planned green infrastructure, including green roofs, infiltration storage facilities, and porous pavement. We believe that the results of this study can significantly enhance the efficiency of urban flood restoration and green infrastructure planning in coastal cities. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11069-022-05477-7.

GWAS Reveals a Novel Candidate Gene CmoAP2/ERF in Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) Involved in Resistance to Powdery Mildew.

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne ex Poir.) is a multipurpose cash crop rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins; the seeds are also a good source of quality oils. However, pumpkin is susceptible to the fungus Podosphaera xanthii, an obligate biotrophic pathogen, which usually causes powdery mildew (PM) on both sides of the leaves and reduces photosynthesis. The fruits of infected plants are often smaller than usual and unpalatable. This study identified a novel gene that involves PM resistance in pumpkins through a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The allelic variation identified in the CmoCh3G009850 gene encoding for AP2-like ethylene-responsive transcription factor (CmoAP2/ERF) was proven to be involved in PM resistance. Validation of the GWAS data revealed six single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations in the CmoAP2/ERF coding sequence between the resistant (IT 274039 [PMR]) and the susceptible (IT 278592 [PMS]). A polymorphic marker (dCAPS) was developed based on the allelic diversity to differentiate these two haplotypes. Genetic analysis in the segregating population derived from PMS and PMR parents provided evidence for an incomplete dominant gene-mediated PM resistance. Further, the qRT-PCR assay validated the elevated expression of CmoAP2/ERF during PM infection in the PMR compared with PMS. These results highlighted the pivotal role of CmoAP2/ERF in conferring resistance to PM and identifies it as a valuable molecular entity for breeding resistant pumpkin cultivars.

Molecular characterization of dysplasia-initiated colorectal cancer with assessing matched tumor and dysplasia samples.

PURPOSE: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is known to have an association with the increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), and UC-associated CRC does not follow the typical progress pattern of adenoma-carcinoma. The aim of this study is to investigate molecular characteristics of UC-associated CRC and further our understanding of the association between UC and CRC. METHODS: From 5 patients with UC-associated CRC, matched normal, dysplasia, and tumor specimens were obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples for analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted and whole exome sequencing was conducted to identify somatic variations in dysplasia and tumor samples. Statistical analysis was performed to identify somatic variations with significantly higher frequencies in dysplasia-initiated tumors, and their relevant functions were investigated. RESULTS: Total of 104 tumor mutation genes were identified with higher mutation frequencies in dysplasia-initiated tumors. Four of the 5 dysplasia-initiated tumors (80.0%) have TP53 mutations with frequent stop-gain mutations that were originated from matched dysplasia. APC and KRAS are known to be frequently mutated in general CRC, while none of the 5 patients have APC or KRAS mutation in their dysplasia and tumor samples. Glycoproteins including mucins were also frequently mutated in dysplasia-initiated tumors. CONCLUSION: UC-associated CRC tumors have distinct mutational characteristics compared to typical adenoma-carcinoma tumors and may have different cancer-driving molecular mechanisms that are initiated from earlier dysplasia status.

Development of SNP Markers for White Immature Fruit Skin Color in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Using QTL-seq and Marker Analyses.

Despite various efforts in identifying the genes governing the white immature fruit skin color in cucumber, the genetic basis of the white immature fruit skin color is not well known. In the present study, genetic analysis showed that a recessive gene confers the white immature fruit skin-color phenotype over the light-green color of a Korean slicer cucumber. High-throughput QTL-seq combined with bulked segregation analysis of two pools with the extreme phenotypes (white and light-green fruit skin color) in an F2 population identified two significant genomic regions harboring QTLs for white fruit skin color within the genomic region between 34.1 and 41.67 Mb on chromosome 3, and the genomic region between 12.2 and 12.7 Mb on chromosome 5. Further, nonsynonymous SNPs were identified with a significance of p < 0.05 within the QTL regions, resulting in eight homozygous variants within the QTL region on chromosome 3. SNP marker analysis uncovered the novel missense mutations in Chr3CG52930 and Chr3CG53640 genes and showed consistent results with the phenotype of light-green and white fruit skin-colored F2 plants. These two genes were located 0.5 Mb apart on chromosome 3, which are considered strong candidate genes. Altogether, this study laid a solid foundation for understanding the genetic basis and marker-assisted breeding of immature fruit skin color in cucumber.

Analysis of Lipophilic Antioxidants in the Leaves of Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex Baker Using LC-MRM-MS and GC-FID/MS.

Lipophilic metabolites such as carotenoids, fatty acids, vitamin K1, phytosterols, and tocopherols are important antioxidants that are used in the cosmetics, foods, and nutraceutical industries. Recently, there has been a growing demand for the use of byproducts (wastes) as a potential source of industrially important compounds. The leaves of Kaempferia parviflora (black ginger) (KP-BG) are major byproducts of KP-BG cultivation and have been reported to contain several bioactive metabolites; however, the composition of lipophilic metabolites in KP-BG leaves has not been examined. In this study, the lipophilic antioxidant profile was analyzed in the leaves of KP-BG plants grown in vitro and ex vitro. Lipophilic compounds, namely carotenoids (80.40-93.84 µg/g fresh weight (FW)), tocopherols (42.23-46.22 µg/g FW), phytosterols (37.69-44.40 µg/g FW), and vitamin K1 (7.25-7.31 µg/g FW), were quantified using LC-MRM-MS. The fatty acid profile of the KP-BG leaves was identified using GC-FID/MS. The content of individual lipophilic compounds varied among the KP-BG leaves. Ex vitro KP-BG leaves had high levels of lutein (44.38 µg/g FW), α-carotene (14.79 µg/g FW), neoxanthin (12.30 µg/g FW), ß-carotene (11.33 µg/g FW), violaxanthin (11.03 µg/g FW), α-tocopherol (39.70 µg/g FW), α-linolenic acid (43.12%), palmitic acid (23.78%), oleic acid (12.28%), palmitoleic acid (3.64%), total carotenoids (93.84 µg/g FW), and tocopherols (46.22 µg/g FW) compared with in vitro KP-BG leaves. These results indicate that ex-vitro-grown KP-BG leaves could be used as a valuable natural source for extracting important lipophilic antioxidants.

Salt and Drought Stress Responses in Cultivated Beets (Beta vulgaris L.) and Wild Beet (Beta maritima L.).

Cultivated beets, including leaf beets, garden beets, fodder beets, and sugar beets, which belong to the species Beta vulgaris L., are economically important edible crops that have been originated from a halophytic wild ancestor, Beta maritima L. (sea beet or wild beet). Salt and drought are major abiotic stresses, which limit crop growth and production and have been most studied in beets compared to other environmental stresses. Characteristically, beets are salt- and drought-tolerant crops; however, prolonged and persistent exposure to salt and drought stress results in a significant drop in beet productivity and yield. Hence, to harness the best benefits of beet cultivation, knowledge of stress-coping strategies, and stress-tolerant beet varieties, are prerequisites. In the current review, we have summarized morpho-physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of sugar beet, fodder beet, red beet, chard (B. vulgaris L.), and their ancestor, wild beet (B. maritima L.) under salt and drought stresses. We have also described the beet genes and noncoding RNAs previously reported for their roles in salt and drought response/tolerance. The plant biologists and breeders can potentiate the utilization of these resources as prospective targets for developing crops with abiotic stress tolerance.

The Effect of Water Level in Rice Cropping System on Phosphorus Uptake Activity of Pup1 in a Pup1+Sub1 Breeding Line.

Pyramiding useful QTLs into an elite variety is a promising strategy to develop tolerant varieties against multiple abiotic stresses. However, some QTLs may not be functionally compatible when they are introgressed into the same variety. Here, we tested the functional compatibility of Pup1 and Sub1, major QTLs for tolerance to phosphorus (P)-deficiency and submergence conditions, respectively. Phenotypic analysis revealed that IR64-Pup1+Sub1 (IPS) plants harboring both Pup1 and Sub1 QTLs show significant tolerance to submerged conditions, similarly to IR64-Sub1, while IPS failed to tolerate P deficiency and mild drought conditions; only IR64-Pup1 showed P deficiency tolerance. In submerged conditions, Sub1A and OsPSTOL1, major genes for Sub1 and Pup1 QTLs, respectively, were expressed at the same levels as in IPS and IR64-Sub1 and in IPS and IR64-Pup1, respectively. On the other hand, in P-non-supplied condition, crown root number, root length, and OsPSTOL1 expression level were significantly lower in IPS compared to those of IR64-Pup1. However, there was no significant difference in P content between IPS and IR64-Pup1. These results imply that Pup1 does not compromise Sub1 function in submerged condition, while Sub1 suppresses Pup1 function in P-non-supplied condition, possibly by regulating the transcript level of Pup1. In conclusion, Pup1 and Sub1 are regarded as functionally compatible under submergence condition but not under P-non-supplied condition. Further study is needed to elucidate the functional incompatibility of Pup1 and Sub1 QTLs in IPS under P-non-supplied condition.

Adaptation and transformation planning for resilient social-ecological system in coastal wetland using spatial-temporal simulation.

Coastal wetlands comprise unique ecological systems such as tidal flats and wetlands coexisting with marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The Songdo wetlands in South Korea are adjacent to the Yellow Sea, and were once composed mainly of tidal flats, but as urbanization progressed, their social-ecological system changed. The social system created by land reclamation and development reduced the migratory bird population and the tidal flat area, damaging the ecological system. This study suggests adaptation and transformation plans by analyzing land use change and fragmentation of the Songdo wetlands using spatial-temporal simulation. System dynamics and GIS were used in the process of analyzing land use change through spatial-temporal simulation, and FRAGSTATS was used in the analysis of wetland fragmentation. Scenario 1 (current state maintenance) presents adaptation plans to increase the connectivity of wetland patches, since fragmentation has not progressed to the extent of wetland system collapse. In Scenario 2 (development acceleration), since the wetland system causes serious fragmentation in terms of area and shape, we propose transformation plans such as disaster response to the collapse of the ecological system and qualitative improvement of wildlife habitat. In Scenario 3 (wetland restoration), proposes transformation plans from the network and modularization perspective in response to quantitative restoration and morphological fragmentation of wetlands. The adaptation and transformation plans presented in this study can provide prediction results suitable for various contingencies such as the current state, acceleration of development, and wetlands restoration. This study is also meaningful in that it proposes plans from the perspective of resilience by predicting the change of the Songdo area, which is scheduled to be developed by 2030.

Establishment of a Rapid Micropropagation System for Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex Baker: Phytochemical Analysis of Leaf Extracts and Evaluation of Biological Activities.

This study aimed to establish a rapid in vitro plant regeneration method from rhizome buds of Kaempferia parviflora to obtain the valuable secondary metabolites with antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties. The disinfection effect of silver oxide nanoparticles (AgO NPs) on rhizome and effects of plant growth regulators on shoot multiplication and subsequent rooting were investigated. Surface sterilization of rhizome buds with sodium hypochlorite was insufficient to control contamination. However, immersing rhizome buds in 100 mg L-1 AgO NPs for 60 min eliminated contamination without affecting the survival of explants. The number of shoots (12.2) produced per rhizome bud was higher in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 8 µM of 6-Benzyladenine (6-BA) and 0.5 µM of Thidiazuron (TDZ) than other treatments. The highest number of roots (24), with a mean root length of 7.8 cm and the maximum shoot length (9.8 cm), were obtained on medium MS with 2 µM of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). A survival rate of 98% was attained when plantlets of K. parviflora were acclimatized in a growth room. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to determine the chemical profile of K. parviflora leaf extracts. Results showed that several biologically active flavonoids reported in rhizomes were also present in leaf tissues of both in vitro cultured and ex vitro (greenhouse-grown) plantlets of K. parviflora. We found 40 and 36 compounds in in vitro cultured and ex vitro grown leaf samples, respectively. Greenhouse leaves exhibited more potent antioxidant activities than leaves from in vitro cultures. A higher acetylcholinesterase inhibitory ability was obtained for greenhouse leaves (1.07 mg/mL). However, leaves from in vitro cultures exhibited stronger butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory abilities. These results suggest that leaves of K. parviflora, as major byproducts of black ginger cultivation, could be used as valuable alternative sources for extracting bioactive compounds.

Inheritance of chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes in cucumber revealed by four reciprocal F1 hybrid combinations.

Both genomes in chloroplasts and mitochondria of plant cell are usually inherited from maternal parent, with rare exceptions. To characterize the inheritance patterns of the organelle genomes in cucumber (Cucumis sativus var. sativus), two inbred lines and their reciprocal F1 hybrids were analyzed using an next generation whole genome sequencing data. Their complete chloroplast genome sequences were de novo assembled, and a single SNP was identified between the parental lines. Two reciprocal F1 hybrids have the same chloroplast genomes with their maternal parents. Meanwhile, 292 polymorphic sites were identified between mitochondrial genomes of the two parental lines, which showed the same genotypes with their paternal parents in the two reciprocal F1 hybrids, without any recombination. The inheritance patterns of the chloroplast and mitochondria genomes were also confirmed in four additional cucumber accessions and their six reciprocal F1 hybrids using molecular markers derived from the identified polymorphic sites. Taken together, our results indicate that the cucumber chloroplast genome is maternally inherited, as is typically observed in other plant species, whereas the large cucumber mitochondrial genome is paternally inherited. The combination of DNA markers derived from the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes will provide a convenient system for purity test of F1 hybrid seeds in cucumber breeding.

Identification of an Allelic Variant of the CsOr Gene Controlling Fruit Endocarp Color in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Using Genotyping-By-Sequencing (GBS) and Whole-Genome Sequencing.

The cucumber is a major vegetable crop around the world. Fruit flesh color is an important quality trait in cucumber and flesh color mainly depends on the relative content of ß-carotene in the fruits. The ß-carotene serves as a precursor of vitamin A, which has dietary benefits for human health. Cucumbers with orange flesh contain a higher amount of ß-carotene than white fruit flesh. Therefore, development of orange-fleshed cucumber varieties is gaining attention for improved nutritional benefits. In this study, we performed genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) based on genetic mapping and whole-genome sequencing to identify the orange endocarp color gene in the cucumber breeding line, CS-B. Genetic mapping, genetic sequencing, and genetic segregation analyses showed that a single recessive gene (CsaV3_6G040750) encodes a chaperone DnaJ protein (DnaJ) protein at the Cucumis sativus(CsOr) locus was responsible for the orange endocarp phenotype in the CS-B line. The Or gene harbored point mutations T13G and T17C in the first exon of the coding region, resulting in serine to alanine at position 13 and isoleucine to threonine at position 17, respectively. CS-B line displayed increased ß-carotene content in the endocarp tissue, corresponding to elevated expression of CsOr gene at fruit developmental stages. Identifying novel missense mutations in the CsOr gene could provide new insights into the role of Or mechanism of action for orange fruit flesh in cucumber and serve as a valuable resource for developing ß-carotene-rich cucumbers varieties with increased nutritional benefits.

An Insight into the Abiotic Stress Responses of Cultivated Beets (Beta vulgaris L.).

Cultivated beets (sugar beets, fodder beets, leaf beets, and garden beets) belonging to the species Beta vulgaris L. are important sources for many products such as sugar, bioethanol, animal feed, human nutrition, pulp residue, pectin extract, and molasses. Beta maritima L. (sea beet or wild beet) is a halophytic wild ancestor of all cultivated beets. With a requirement of less water and having shorter growth period than sugarcane, cultivated beets are preferentially spreading from temperate regions to subtropical countries. The beet cultivars display tolerance to several abiotic stresses such as salt, drought, cold, heat, and heavy metals. However, many environmental factors adversely influence growth, yield, and quality of beets. Hence, selection of stress-tolerant beet varieties and knowledge on the response mechanisms of beet cultivars to different abiotic stress factors are most required. The present review discusses morpho-physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of cultivated beets (B. vulgaris L.) to different abiotic stresses including alkaline, cold, heat, heavy metals, and UV radiation. Additionally, we describe the beet genes reported for their involvement in response to these stress conditions.

Planning a Green Infrastructure Network to Integrate Potential Evacuation Routes and the Urban Green Space in a Coastal City: The Case Study of Haeundae District, Busan, South Korea.

Coastal cities face increasing natural disaster risks. Developing a green infrastructure network can reduce coastal vulnerability by connecting green spaces. Only a few researchers have examined practical guidelines for a green infrastructure network in coastal cities. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to build a green infrastructure network by integrating potential evacuation routes and green spaces in a coastal city. The Haeundae District in South Korea was chosen as the study site. We constructed a green infrastructure network using space syntax and GIS network analysis. The results of this study showed that first, we created an integrated green infrastructure network by building evacuation route networks and urban ecological networks. Second, we evaluated the evacuation function and flood risk. Finally, we proposed green infrastructure network planning for coastal disasters, including hub and corridor design. This study can contribute to establishing strategies to reduce vulnerability in coastal cities.

Key coastal landscape patterns for reducing flood vulnerability.

The purpose of the present study was to examine key coastal landscape patterns related to flood vulnerability to support resilience strategies for coastal green infrastructure. To this end, we assessed the flood vulnerability of coastal landscapes based on three indicators: exposure, including precipitation; sensitivity, including elevation, slope, soil, drainage, and density; and adaptability, including urban land-use. Subsequently, we investigated whether landscape patterns, including the shape index and subdivision index, would affect flood vulnerability through a multivariate regression analysis, which allowed us to determine key coastal landscape patterns. At the regional scale, including the overall study site, we suggested strategies for green infrastructure planning, focusing on patch shapes of forest, grassland, and water. At each local scale, a variety of landscape patterns were selected: the contiguity index of used area for the central subregion: the division index of forests, the contiguity of water, and the fractal dimension index of used area for the northeast subregion; the circumscribing circle index of barren and wetlands for the northwest subregion; the division and fractal index of forests for the southwest subregion; and the division index of forests and the fractal index of water for the southeast subregion. Based on the derived landscape patterns of each subregion, we propose coastal green infrastructure planning with resilience strategies.

Screening of Bioactive Metabolites and Biological Activities of Calli, Shoots, and Seedlings of Mertensia maritima (L.) Gray.

Mertensia maritima (L.) Gray is threatened with extinction owing to climate change, poor seed germination, and ocean warming. In vitro explant-culture is used for ex situ preservation and plantlet massive production. In vitro cell and organ cultures serve as an alternative plant material source to investigate the biological activities and phytochemical profiles of rare plants. We aimed to develop an efficient callus and shoot production protocol and investigate bioactive metabolites, antioxidants, and enzyme inhibitory potential of M. maritima calli, shoots, and in vivo seedlings. The effects of combinations of different plant growth regulators, 6-BA (N6-benzyladenine), 6-KN (Kinetin), TDZ (Thidiazuron), and NAA (1-Naphthylacetic acid), in MS (Murashige and Skoog) nutrient medium were studied. The highest callus proliferation was obtained after 5-week cultivation over a 16-h photoperiod on growth medium MS enriched with 4 µM each of 6-BA and NAA. The medium with 2 µM 6-BA and 4 µM 6-KN had the best shoot induction rate (91.1%) with a mean of 13.4 shoots. The combination of two cytokinins (6-BA and 6-KN) was found to be effective in M. maritima shoot regeneration. The rooting frequency was 100% in ½ MS with Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA 2 µM). The number of detected compounds and chemical composition in the M. maritima shoots and seedlings extracts were similar. The total amount of phenolics in the shoots was 216.4% and 369.5% higher than in seedlings and calli, respectively. The total amount of flavonoids in the shoots was 241.1% and 429.3% higher than in seedlings and calli, respectively. The best antioxidant activity was obtained in the shoots, followed by seedlings and calli. However, the order was seedlings > calli > shoots regarding metal chelating ability. The strongest acetylcholinesterase inhibition properties were obtained in the calli, followed by seedlings and shoots. However, the tested samples can be ranked as seedlings > shoots > calli in butylcholinestrase inhibition assay. This study is the first report on the enzyme inhibitory effects of M. maritima extracts, providing valuable contributions to the scientific community.

Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Cucurbita moschata Based on Genome-Wide High-Quality SNPs.

Pumpkins (Cucurbita moschata) are one of the most important economic crops in genus Cucurbita worldwide. They are a popular food resource and an important rootstock resource for various Cucurbitaceae. Especially, C. moschata is widely used as a rootstock for the commercial production of bloomless cucumbers in East Asia. Since the genetic diversity of the commercial rootstock varieties is narrow, there has been an increasing demand for the trait development of abiotic and biotic stress tolerance breeding. In this study, 2071 high-quality SNPs that were distributed evenly across 20 chromosomes of pumpkins were discovered through the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) analysis of 610 accessions of C. moschata germplasm with a global origin. Using these SNPs, various analyses of the genetic diversity and the population structure were performed. Three subgroups were clustered from the germplasm collection, which included East Asia, Africa, and America, and these areas were included the most in each subgroup. Among those groups, accessions from Africa and South Asia showed the highest genetic diversity, which was followed by the Mexico accessions. This result reflected that large gene pools that consist of various native landraces have been conserved in those of countries. Based on the genetic diversity, we finally constructed the C. moschata core collection, which included 67 representative accessions from the 610 germplasms. Five morphological traits that are important in commercial grafting and rootstock seed production, which include the cotyledon length, the cotyledon width, the hypocotyl length, the internode length, and the number of female flowers, were investigated for three years and used to confirm the validity of the core collection selection. The results are expected to provide valuable information about the genetic structure of the worldwide C. moschata germplasm and help to create new gene pools to develop genetically diverse rootstock breeding materials.