Prof. ILRAE RHO | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Professor from Agronomy of Department and Institute of Agriculture Life Sciences, Gyeongsang national University, South Korea

Il Rae Rho is a distinguished researcher and academician in the field of agronomy with a strong focus on industrial crop science, functional materials, and strawberry breeding. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Gyeongsang National University, Korea, he has built a remarkable career that integrates practical agricultural development with advanced plant molecular biology research. His contributions encompass the development of indigenous herb cultivars, exploration of functional substances in industrial crops, and the application of DNA fingerprinting technologies to distinguish medicinal herbs and their origins. He is especially renowned for his long-term research on strawberry breeding, where he has introduced several important cultivars and conducted studies on improving fruit quality and stress tolerance. Il Rae Rho has a prolific publication record, including articles in internationally recognized journals, which solidify his position as a leading figure in his domain. His dedication to agricultural innovation, coupled with his extensive experience in government research institutes and academia, makes him a valuable contributor to both scientific research and practical agricultural advancements. Through his career, Il Rae Rho has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing the quality and functionality of crops, which contributes directly to the sustainability and competitiveness of the agricultural sector.

Professional Profile

• ORCID Profile

Education

Il Rae Rho’s educational background has provided a strong foundation for his specialized research in plant sciences and agronomy. He began his academic journey at Gyeongsang National University, Korea, where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy between 1992 and 1998. Continuing at the same institution, he earned his Master of Science degree in Agronomy from 1998 to 2002, further deepening his expertise in the field of agricultural science. Driven by a passion for advanced research, he pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Plant Molecular Biology at Pusan National University, Korea, which he completed in 2013. His doctoral studies allowed him to integrate molecular biology techniques with agricultural practices, particularly focusing on crop genetics and functional materials. This educational trajectory uniquely equipped him with a blend of traditional agronomy and cutting-edge molecular biology skills, which became pivotal throughout his research career. His solid academic qualifications not only positioned him to undertake complex agricultural research projects but also provided the technical knowledge necessary to advance the development of high-value functional crops and improve genetic diversity in breeding programs.

Professional Experience

Il Rae Rho has accumulated extensive professional experience across both government research institutions and academia, contributing significantly to the field of agronomy. From 1998 to 2002, he worked as an Agricultural Researcher at the Citrus Experiment Station within the National Jeju Agricultural Experiment Station, part of the Rural Development Administration (RDA), Korea’s leading agricultural institute. From 2002 to 2008, he continued his research at the Protected Horticulture Experiment Station in the National Horticultural Research Institute. Between 2008 and 2012, he advanced to the Protected Horticulture Research Station at the National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science, also under the RDA. His government research focused on crop improvement, protected horticulture, and breeding programs. Transitioning to academia in 2013, he joined Gyeongsang National University as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy and was later promoted to Associate Professor in 2017, where he continues to serve. His professional experience spans more than two decades, covering areas such as industrial crop cultivation, functional material research, DNA fingerprinting, and strawberry breeding. This diverse background has enabled him to contribute practical solutions to agricultural challenges and to mentor future experts in the field.

Research Interest

Il Rae Rho’s research interests are centered on the study of industrial crops, plant functionality, and genetic improvement strategies. His work focuses on developing functional materials, particularly antioxidants and antibiotic substances, from various industrial crops. He is dedicated to improving the physiological characteristics and medicinal properties of these crops to create high-value agricultural products. One of his core interests includes indigenous herb cultivar development, aiming to produce crops with enhanced functionality and commercial potential. Another key aspect of his research involves DNA fingerprinting technology, which is used to authenticate medicinal herbs and verify their production origins, providing a significant advancement in quality control and product traceability. Additionally, Il Rae Rho has conducted extensive research on strawberry breeding, focusing on improving fruit quality, yield, and stress tolerance. He is particularly interested in the genetic diversity of strawberries and has explored chlorophyll fluorescence as a diagnostic tool to assess abiotic stress resistance in wild and cultivated species. His research is highly applied and addresses critical needs in both plant science and agricultural industries, with a goal of enhancing crop resilience, functionality, and market value.

Research Skills

Il Rae Rho possesses a comprehensive skill set that integrates practical agricultural methodologies with advanced plant molecular biology techniques. His expertise in DNA fingerprinting allows him to accurately distinguish plant varieties, especially medicinal herbs and strawberries, ensuring authenticity and traceability in agricultural production. He has strong proficiency in strawberry breeding, demonstrated through his work on the genetic improvement and development of new cultivars with enhanced quality and stress tolerance. His skills in chlorophyll fluorescence analysis provide him with the ability to assess abiotic stress responses, which is critical for breeding resilient crop varieties. Il Rae Rho is also skilled in functional material extraction and analysis, particularly focusing on antioxidants, saponins, and antibiotic substances, which contribute to the medicinal and nutritional value of industrial crops. His practical knowledge in protected horticulture systems and organic farming practices further complements his research capabilities. With extensive experience in plant physiology, genetic analysis, and crop cultivation techniques, he combines both laboratory and field-based approaches to achieve comprehensive research outcomes. His versatility in bridging laboratory science with practical agriculture ensures his research has direct application in improving crop production and quality.

Awards and Honors

Although specific awards and honors are not provided in the available information, Il Rae Rho’s significant contributions to the field of agronomy and his numerous published works in peer-reviewed journals indicate recognition within the scientific community. His consistent academic progression from an agricultural researcher to an associate professor at a prestigious Korean university reflects the value placed on his work by both government research institutes and academia. His development of important strawberry cultivars and advancements in industrial crop functionality further suggest that his research outcomes have had substantial agricultural and economic impact. His repeated authorship in leading journals such as Horticulture Environment and Biotechnology and Scientia Horticulturae demonstrates his respected position in the international scientific arena. Additionally, his leadership in the development of DNA fingerprinting techniques for medicinal plants and his decade-long expertise in strawberry breeding solidify his status as a key contributor to agricultural innovation in Korea. Although no explicit awards are listed, his career achievements and influence on crop science reflect a level of professional honor that aligns with recognition worthy of the Best Researcher Award.

Conclusion

Il Rae Rho stands out as a highly qualified researcher whose work bridges practical agricultural advancements with innovative scientific research. His contributions to industrial crop science, particularly in developing functional materials and improving strawberry cultivars, demonstrate both depth and impact. Throughout his career, he has consistently worked on topics that directly benefit the agricultural sector, including crop breeding, genetic improvement, and the application of DNA fingerprinting for authenticity verification. His extensive experience in government research institutes and academic leadership at Gyeongsang National University underscores his commitment to agricultural innovation and knowledge dissemination. While there is room to further elevate his international profile through broader collaborations and high-impact journal publications, his current body of work is substantial and influential. His practical skills, scientific rigor, and ability to deliver applied solutions make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Il Rae Rho’s career exemplifies dedication to advancing agricultural science with tangible contributions to crop quality, functionality, and sustainability. His expertise will continue to provide significant value to the field and the wider agricultural community.

Publications Top Notes

1. Effects of Backcrossing on Quality of Strawberry

• Authors: Lee SY, Kim SY, Kim DY, Jeong HJ, Um IS, Rho IR*

• Journal: Horticulture Environment and Biotechnology

• Year: 2018

2. Influence of Mulching Materials on Growth and Saponin Content in Codonopsis lanceolata

• Authors: KG Moon, SU Kim, IS Um, JH Nam, YS Cho, YG Kim, IR Rho*

• Journal: Horticultural Science and Technology

• Year: 2018

3. Effect of Organic Fertilizer Application on Growth Characteristics and Saponin Content in Codonopsis lanceolata

• Authors: KG Moon, IS Um, SH Jeon, YS Cho, YG Kim, IR Rho*

• Journal: Horticulture Environment and Biotechnology

• Year: 2018

4. Chlorophyll Fluorescence as a Diagnostic Tool for Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Wild and Cultivated Strawberry Species

• Authors: YW Na, HJ Jeong, SY Lee, HG Choi, SH K, IR Rho*

• Journal: Horticulture Environment and Biotechnology

• Year: 2014

• DOI: 10.1007/s13580-014-0006-9

5. Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds in Different Tissues of Sprouting Okra

• Authors: SH Jeon, YS Cho, IR Rho*

• Journal: Horticulture Environment and Biotechnology

• Year: 2017

6. Effect on Enzymic Change and Sugar Content Across Varieties of Different Sugar Component in Tomato

• Authors: Il Rae Rho*, Hae Boong Jeong, Myoung Hwan Cho, Jae Woan Cheong, Ho Jeong Jeong, Jin Myeon Park

• Journal: Kor. Rs. Soc. Protected Hort.

• Year: 2004

7. Effect of Priming on Germination of Strawberry Seeds

• Authors: Il Rae Rho*, Jae Woan Cheong, Ho Jeong Jeong, Myoung Hwan Cho, Jin Myeon Park

• Journal: Kor. Rs. Soc. Protected Hort.

• Year: 2004

8. Breeding of Cluster Type Tomato ‘Geumgwan Gaya’ for Protected Cultivation

• Authors: Il Rae Rho*, Hae Boong Jeong, Jae Woan Cheong, Kyung Hee Kang, Seong Chan Lee

• Journal: Kor. J. Hort. Sci. Technol.

• Year: 2006

9. Breeding of Full-Ripe Tomato ‘Tamsrye’ for Protected Cultivation

• Authors: Il Rae Rho*, Hae Boong Jeong, Jae Woan Cheong, Kyung Hee Kang, Seong Chan Lee

• Journal: Kor. J. Hort. Sci. Technol.

• Year: 2006

10. Effect of Generation Advancement by Inbreeding on Inbreeding Depression and Seed Germination in Strawberry

• Authors: Il Rae Rho*, Yong Seop Cho, Jae Wan Cheong, Ho Jeong Jeong

• Journal: Kor. J. Hort. Sci. Technol.

• Year: 2008