• Animal

    Environmental factors affecting services per conception in Hanwoo cows
    Shil Jin, Sung-Sik Kang, Hyoun Ju Kim, Yonghwan Kim, Hanwool Do, Jeong Il Won, Jun Kyu Son
    Services per conception (SPC), i.e., the number of artificial inseminations (AIs) required for conception, is a key reproductive indicator in cattle. We … + READ MORE
    Services per conception (SPC), i.e., the number of artificial inseminations (AIs) required for conception, is a key reproductive indicator in cattle. We quantified SPC in Hanwoo cows and evaluated the primary environmental sources of variation, focusing on the insemination setting. After quality control, 1,141 AI-to-calving records from the Hanwoo Research Center were analyzed; only normal single-calf calvings were retained, and records requiring ≥ 5 AIs were excluded. Cows were classified into either the hormone-treated group (HT), or the natural estrus group (NE). Differences in SPC across factors were tested using linear models and analysis of variance (ANOVA). SPC was lower in HT than in NE (1.38 ± 0.756 vs. 2.06 ± 0.785; p < 0.001). In HT, inseminator effects were significant (p = 0.026), whereas parity, AI year, and season were not (p > 0.05). In NE, primiparous cows had a lower SPC than multiparous cows (p < 0.001); the SPC was higher in March - August than in September - February (p < 0.05). Overall, the environmental sources of variation in SPC were not uniform across insemination settings, with parity and seasonal effects evident mainly under natural-estrus-based AI. Given the low heritability of reproductive traits and the strong influence of management and contemporary group effects on SPC, analyses of Hanwoo cows should account for insemination settings and systematically adjust for key environmental factors to avoid biased genetic effect estimates. - COLLAPSE
    1 June 2026
  • Engineering

    Development of cold damage classifiers for peach flowers using hyperspectral imagery
    Ji Won Choi, Soo Been Cho, Myeong Jin Jo, Taegil Lee, Chae Eun Kim, Mi Hee Shin, Hye-Young Lee, Jin Gook Kim, Byoung-Kwan Cho, Taehwan Shin, Geonwoo Kim
    This study proposes a hyperspectral imaging-based analytical framework and artificial intelligence (AI) classification models for the early, non-destructive detection of cold injury … + READ MORE
    This study proposes a hyperspectral imaging-based analytical framework and artificial intelligence (AI) classification models for the early, non-destructive detection of cold injury in peach flowers during the blooming stage. Peach flowers are highly vulnerable to low-temperature stress, yet conventional diagnosis relying on visual inspection or fruit-stage assessment limits timely response and cultivar selection. To address this, hyperspectral images covering 400 - 1,000 nm were acquired, region-of-interest spectra were extracted, and standardized preprocessing methods such as interquartile range (IQR) and standard normal variate (SNV) were applied. Machine learning and deep learning classification models were developed and evaluated under different temperature conditions. Among the tested configurations, the IQR - convolutional neural network (CNN) combination achieved the highest accuracy and reproducibility, indicating effective learning of subtle spectral responses to cold stress. Mean spectral analysis showed decreased reflectance below 3℃, likely associated with cell structural weakening and moisture reduction. Sensitivity analysis revealed notable responsiveness at 400 - 420 nm, 700 - 800 nm, and above 900 nm, and model-based feature importance highlighted 520 - 525 nm, 575 - 580 nm, 675 - 680 nm, 785 - 790 nm, 870 - 880 nm, 890 - 920 nm, and near 940 nm as discriminative regions. Among these, 675 - 680 nm, 785 - 790 nm, 870 - 880 nm, and 890 - 920 nm were interpreted as physiologically relevant to cold-injury responses. Overall, this study addresses limitations of fruit-stage assessments by presenting a blooming-stage, non-destructive detection framework with potential applications in cold-injury early warning, cold-tolerant cultivar development, and orchard management decision support. - COLLAPSE
    1 June 2026
  • Management & Economics

    The impact of Trump 2.0 tariff measures on the Korean pork market
    Jun Su Lim, Jin Woo Oh, Byung Min Soon
    The recent strengthening of U.S. protectionist trade policies has generated significant disruptions in the structure of international agricultural and livestock trade. This … + READ MORE
    The recent strengthening of U.S. protectionist trade policies has generated significant disruptions in the structure of international agricultural and livestock trade. This study investigates the indirect spillover effects of strengthened U.S. protectionist trade policies under the Trump 2.0 administration on the Korean pork market, with a particular focus on tariff measures imposed on pork imports from the EU and Canada. A multi-country partial equilibrium model incorporating Korea, the United States, the EU, and Canada is constructed to simulate changes in U.S. tariff rates and to quantitatively assess resulting adjustments in bilateral trade flows, domestic supply, and prices. The empirical results show that U.S. import restrictions significantly reduced EU and Canadian pork exports to the United States, leading to a reallocation of export volumes toward third-country markets such as Korea. This trade diversion effect generated substantial changes in Korea’s pork import structure as well as notable impacts on domestic production and price levels. The findings provide empirical evidence that trade policy changes in a specific country can exert significant indirect effects on third-country agricultural markets and suggest important policy implications, including the need for import diversification, enhanced government market monitoring, and the implementation of price stabilization measures. - COLLAPSE
    1 June 2026
  • Plant & Forest

    Effect of trehalose treatment on the growth of strawberry plants under high-temperature stress
    Jun-Hyung Lee, So Young Yi, Nam Kyung Cho, Si-Yong Kang
    High temperatures and high humidity during summer pose a significant threat to strawberry production, highlighting the need for strategies to maintain seedling … + READ MORE
    High temperatures and high humidity during summer pose a significant threat to strawberry production, highlighting the need for strategies to maintain seedling vigor and fruit quality. This study investigated the potential of trehalose, an eco-friendly non-reducing disaccharide, to mitigate high-temperature damage in strawberries. Under controlled laboratory conditions, trehalose treatment significantly enhanced and sustained the expression of the heat shock transcription factor FvHsfA2a in the everbearing line ‘w 331’, indicating a modulation of heat stress signaling at the cellular level. For practical validation, trehalose was applied via foliar spray to ‘Seolhyang’ and ‘w 331’ plants in a greenhouse. The plants exhibited no phytotoxicity symptoms following long-term trehalose application, supporting its safety for horticultural use. However, under the extremely high temperature conditions (exceeding 45℃) encountered during the trial, no significant differences were detected in key phenotypic traits, including plant growth, leaf area, and fruit characteristics, between trehalose-treated and untreated plants. These results suggest that, although trehalose activates molecular defense responses, the absence of a measurable increase in heat tolerance may be associated with the severity of the stress and the limited absorption efficiency of foliar application. Therefore, while trehalose appears safe, further research is needed to optimize its use, focusing on improved delivery methods (e.g., surfactants or irrigation) and effective concentrations that can translate the observed molecular responses into practical heat tolerance under cultivation conditions. - COLLAPSE
    1 June 2026
  • Animal

    Effects of red ginseng by-product supplementation in pollen substitute patties on colony strength of Apis mellifera
    Jong-Eun Lee, Hyo-Ryeo Cho, Sun-Ick Kim, Ka-Soon Lee, Myeong-Hyeon Nam, Mi-Kyung Won
    This study evaluated the effects of pollen substitute patties supplemented with graded levels of red ginseng by-product (RGBP) on Apis mellifera colonies. … + READ MORE
    This study evaluated the effects of pollen substitute patties supplemented with graded levels of red ginseng by-product (RGBP) on Apis mellifera colonies. Saponin content, nutritional composition, colony strength, sealed brood ratio, feed consumption, and adult worker population were assessed. As the inclusion level of RGBP increased from 0.5 to 10.0% (w/w), crude saponin content in the pollen patty increased proportionally, ranging from 22.0 to 140.7 mg·100 g-1. With increasing supplementation levels, total carbon and crude fiber contents slightly increased, whereas crude protein and crude fat contents decreased. Mineral contents of Ca, K, and Fe increased slightly, except for phosphorus. During the feeding period from June to October, colony strength and brood development differed among treatments. Colonies fed pollen patties containing 0.5 - 1.0% RGBP showed increased numbers of combs and higher sealed brood ratios compared with the control. In contrast, higher inclusion levels (≥ 2.5%) resulted in gradual reductions in colony growth and brood development. Feed consumption was comparable between the control and 0.5 - 1.0% treatments, whereas higher supplementation levels reduced pollen patty intake, particularly at 10.0%. Prior to overwintering, colonies fed pollen substitute patties supplemented with 0.5 - 1.0% RGBP exhibited significantly greater adult worker populations compared with the control (p < 0.05), whereas colonies receiving ≥ 2.5% supplementation showed reduced worker numbers. These findings indicate that moderate supplementation levels (0.5 - 1.0%) enhance colony strength without negatively affecting feed consumption. - COLLAPSE
    1 June 2026
  • Management & Economics

    A study on the establishment of control strategies based on the damage type of pine wilt disease
    Cham Kim, Dong-Hyeon Lee, Bum-Jin Park
    Although South Korea has been making great efforts to make pine wilt disease damage “manageable level”, most local governments of the country … + READ MORE
    Although South Korea has been making great efforts to make pine wilt disease damage “manageable level”, most local governments of the country are implementing pine wilt disease control (hereinafter referred to as ‘the control’) without establishing control strategies, basic plans, and basic designs. As a result, failure to properly estimate the amount of damage at the beginning of the control period caused cases in which the amount of damage exceeding the given budget could not be covered, and proper control and management methods for the damaged area were not applied, resulting in inefficient uses in the control budget. In this study, 26 previously established control strategies, basic plans, and basic design reports were analyzed to unify the terms and concepts of the affected areas designated by similar concepts into intensive control areas, general control areas, group damage areas, areas of concern for spread. And the purpose of control was divided into prevention of spread of damage and reduction of damage, and the priority of control was set accordingly. In addition, damage types were classified into minor, light, medium, severe, extreme areas and unaffected areas according to the degree of damage. Special damage areas were further classified into landscape sensitive areas, coastal forests and islands, damaged areas connected to adjacent cities and counties, forest fire-damaged areas, areas where control is not implemented, and protected areas such as cultural properties. And control and management methods suitable for each type were summarized and presented. As a result, it is intended to make it easier for local officials to apply the method to establish a control strategy suitable for the damage status without ordering services using experts. - COLLAPSE
    1 June 2026
  • Animal

    Effects of dietary SID valine : lysine ratios in lactating sows on nutrient utilization and growth of piglets
    Hyuck Kim, Dongcheol Song, Kyeongho Jeon, Jinmo Yang, Hyohyun Yu, Jihong Jung, Jinho Cho
    This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of standardized ileal digestible (SID) valine : lysine (Val : Lys) ratio on the … + READ MORE
    This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of standardized ileal digestible (SID) valine : lysine (Val : Lys) ratio on the performance, body composition, and nutrient digestibility of lactating sows and their piglets. Twenty pregnant sows of a three-way crossbreed [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] at parity 2 - 3 [(initial body weight (BW) of 219.00 ± 4.81 kg)] were assigned to four dietary treatments with SID Val : Lys ratios of 69%, 83%, 103%, and 123%. Each treatment contained five replicates with one sow per replicate. Sows were fed the respective diets from d 110 of gestation through d 21 of lactation. Weaning piglets were fed the common basal diets for 5 weeks to evaluate the carry-over effects of maternal SID Val : Lys ratios on post-weaning growth. Measurements included sow average daily feed intake (ADFI), BW loss, backfat thickness, reproductive performance, piglet body weight gain (BWG), and nutrient digestibility (dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy). Results showed no significant differences among treatment groups in ADFI, litter size, number of weaning piglets, piglet mortality, backfat thickness loss, birth weight, or nutrient digestibility (p > 0.05). However, the 69% SID Val : Lys treatment resulted in significantly greater BW loss in sows compared to the 83% and 103% treatments (p < 0.05). Additionally, piglet BW at d 21 and 56 were significantly lower in the 69% treatment compared to the 83% and 103% treatments (p < 0.05). Therefore, an SID Val : Lys ratio of 83 to 103% in lactating sow diets is recommended as the optimal range to maintain sow body composition and enhance piglet growth performance. - COLLAPSE
    1 June 2026
  • Review Article

    Natural antioxidants as sustainable alternatives for inhibiting lipid oxidation and enhancing quality in pork products: A review
    Madiththe Gedara Asela Sandaruwan Abeyrathna, Shine Htet Aung, Phyo Htet Htet Kyaw, Oni Faith Oluwaseyi, Edirisinghe Dewage Nalaka Sandun Abeyrathne, Ki-Chang Nam
    Lipid oxidation significantly restricts the shelf life, sensory appeal, and nutritional value of pork and pork-based products, primarily because these foods contain … + READ MORE
    Lipid oxidation significantly restricts the shelf life, sensory appeal, and nutritional value of pork and pork-based products, primarily because these foods contain high levels of unsaturated fats and are exposed to oxygen during processing and storage. Oxidative processes lead to undesirable flavor, color changes, texture breakdown, and nutrient losses, which negatively impact consumer preference and product marketability. While synthetic antioxidants are commonly used to manage lipid oxidation, growing safety concerns and the trend toward clean-label foods have increased interest in natural antioxidant solutions. This review outlines the key pathways of lipid oxidation in pork products and critically assesses the protective effects of natural antioxidants against oxidative damage. Special attention is given to antioxidants from plants, fruits, spices, algae, and fermentation sources, particularly those rich in phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, tocopherols, and anthocyanins, due to their ability to neutralize free radicals and bind metal ions. Recent findings are examined to illustrate how these natural compounds affect lipid and protein oxidation, color retention, physical qualities, taste, and product longevity under different processing and storage conditions. This review also discussed factors that affect antioxidant performance, including the type and concentration of the extract, packaging options, and storage conditions. In conclusion, natural antioxidants are promising, sustainable alternatives to synthetic additives, but their application requires careful optimization to maintain product quality and consumer acceptance. - COLLAPSE
    1 June 2026
  • Food & Chemistry

    Antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide
    Ji Myung Choi, Mi So Cho, Bo Gyeong Jeong, Ji Hyun Kim, Hyun Young Kim
    Oxidative stress is a major contributing factor to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. This study investigated the nutritional composition, in vitro radical … + READ MORE
    Oxidative stress is a major contributing factor to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. This study investigated the nutritional composition, in vitro radical scavenging activities, and neuroprotective effects of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in C6 glial cells and SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. The P. brevitarsis larvae powder contained 51.10% crude protein, 16.10% crude fat, and 20.80% carbohydrates. In addition, P. brevitarsis larvae contained free amino acids, with high amounts of glutamic acid, arginine, leucine, lysine, and valine. The ethanol extract of P. brevitarsis larvae increased 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and superoxide radical scavenging activities and exhibited over 90% hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. The ethanol extract (5 - 25 µg·mL-1) of P. brevitarsis larvae significantly increased cell viability, reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in H2O2-treated C6 glial cells, compared to the H2O2-treated control group. Similarly, treatment of the extract (1 - 5 µg·mL-1) significantly increased cell viability and attenuated LDH activity and ROS generation induced by oxidative stress in H2O2-treated SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. These results indicated that P. brevitarsis larvae attenuated neuronal oxidative stress in both neuronal and glial cells. - COLLAPSE
    1 June 2026
  • Review Article

    Technology and commercialization of sweet potato harvesting machinery: A review
    Sakib Robin, Gusti Ayu Putri Mei Ulianti, Md Razob Ali, Md Nasim Reza, Jong Won Lee, Il-Su Choi, Sun-Ok Chung
    Sweet potato cultivation continues to evolve however, it remains a major agricultural challenge, particularly in regions with favorable climatic and soil conditions. … + READ MORE
    Sweet potato cultivation continues to evolve however, it remains a major agricultural challenge, particularly in regions with favorable climatic and soil conditions. The harvesting process is still predominantly manual and labor-intensive, reducing overall efficiency and economic feasibility. In recent years, the mechanization of sweet potato harvesting has emerged as a critical advancement to address these challenges, offering potential improvements in productivity, labor savings, and cost-effectiveness. Consequently, research and commercialization efforts in sweet potato harvester development have accelerated, driven by the growing global demand for efficient and mechanized harvesting systems. This review provided a comprehensive analysis of current research progress, design innovations, and commercialization trends in sweet potato harvester technology. Recent studies indicate significant advancements in the design and performance of harvesters, particularly in digging, conveying, and separation mechanisms. Despite these developments, large-scale commercialization remains limited, with the market primarily dominated by regional manufacturers lacking international standardization and scalability. Nevertheless, ongoing improvements in sensor integration, automation, and simulation-based design optimization are creating new opportunities to enhance harvester performance and adaptability. Continued research is therefore essential to improve the technological efficiency, design innovation, and operational sustainability of sweet potato harvesters. Strengthening these aspects will promote wider adoption, reduce labor dependency, and facilitate a transition toward sustainable and fully mechanized sweet potato production systems. - COLLAPSE
    1 June 2026
  • Engineering

    Rollover stability analysis of a 36.8-kW one-row self-propelled cabbage harvester
    Md Razob Ali, Md Nasim Reza, Md Ashikur Rahman, Og Ran Park, Sun-Ok Chung, Da-Hye Jeong
    Overturning risk and dynamic instability represent major safety concerns for compact self-propelled harvesters operating on uneven agricultural terrain. This study evaluated the … + READ MORE
    Overturning risk and dynamic instability represent major safety concerns for compact self-propelled harvesters operating on uneven agricultural terrain. This study evaluated the stability characteristics of a 36.8 kW one-row self-propelled cabbage harvester through an integrated approach combining numerical simulation, controlled experimental validation, and field inclination monitoring. The harvester center of gravity was determined in accordance with ISO 789-6, and rollover behavior was analyzed for unloaded and loaded (500 kg) conditions using multibody dynamics simulation software. Simulation results were validated through controlled inclination tests conducted at a certified testing facility. To evaluate dynamic stability in real harvesting operations, digital inclinometers were mounted on the harvesting unit and the main structural frame, and inclination responses were recorded and analyzed in the time domain to characterize longitudinal and lateral behavior. The simulation results indicated that lateral overturning limit angles (30.07 - 38.23°) were consistently higher than longitudinal limits (17.94 - 27.92°). Adding a 500 kg payload reduced overturning angles by up to 20 - 25%, with the largest reductions occurring in the forward and rearward directions. Inclination experiments produced lower absolute overturning angles than the simulations but showed consistent directional trends, supporting the validity of the simulation-based assessment. Field measurements revealed greater longitudinal inclination variability at the harvesting unit (mean = 5.22°; root mean square [RMS] = 7.41°) than at the main structural frame (mean = 7.01°; RMS = 7.91°), whereas lateral inclination responses remained small for both components (RMS < 3.08°). Transient inclination peaks were associated with localized terrain irregularities; however, these events were short in duration and did not indicate sustained dynamic instability. The results demonstrate that payload loading primarily degrades longitudinal stability, while the tracked undercarriage contributes to maintaining lateral stability. The proposed combined evaluation framework provides a practical and reliable method for assessing rollover stability and in-field dynamic behavior of cabbage harvesters under realistic operating conditions. - COLLAPSE
    1 June 2026