Background : In the process of developing new disease-resistant cultivar of Rehmannia glutinosa, it is essential to screen plants based on resistance to their disease. But until now, we have relied on visual inspection for selection of disease-resistant cultivar. Therefore, this experiment was carried out to establish an efficient and reliable screening system and test the resistance to leaf spot disease in R. glutinosa cultivars developed until now. Methods and Results : We have tested 11 R. glutinosa cultivars developed so far. Rootstock of R. glutinosa were sown in 20 × 20 ㎝ plastic square port and grown in green house at 25 ± 5℃ for four months and then cutting leaves were inoculated with Phoma sp. HCRD 17103 by spraying spore suspention of fungus at concentration of 1 × 107 spore/㎖. The inoculated leaves were incubated in a dew chamber at 25℃ for 48h and then transferred to glass house (25 ± 5℃, RH 80% ≥ ). After 3 - 5 days when the most susceptible cultivar had lesion area over 40%, disease severity of the cultivars was investigated on a scale of 0 - 9 (0 = healthy, 1 = 0 - 1%, 3 = 1.1 - 10%, 5 = 10.1 - 20%, 7 = 20.1 - 40%, 9 = 40.1% over). The degree of resistance was determined according to the disease index (0 and 1 = resistant, 3 = moderately resistant, 5, 7 and 9 = susceptible). As a result of experiments according to the above criteria, the disease index of cultivar Gogang, Dagang, Segang, Yeongang, Wongang, and Dahwang was 1, cultivar Togang, Daegyung, Jiwhang 1 and Goryeo was 3, cultivar Hwanggang was 9, respectively. Conclusion : From the above results, six cultivars such as Gogang, Dagang, Segang, Yeongang, Wongang, and Dahwang were resistant, four cultivar such as Togang, Daegyung, Jiwhang 1 and Goryeo were moderately resistant, and only one cultivar Hwanggang was susceptible to the leaf spot disease by Phoma sp. This experiment used only leaves and we plan to use whole plants in the future to see more accurate resistance response.

Background : This study was conducted to investigate the production competitiveness of medicinal crop. The results of this study were intended to be used as basic data for establishing the direction of R&D needed for domestic medicinal crop farming system. Methods and Results : For data analysis, frequency, percentage and average and Chi square (× 2) value were used. The survey showed that the cultivated crops of the respondents were medicinal crop. Firstly, there was a significant difference in farming disability by farming career. The 'cultivation method (60%, 42.1%)' was high in farming preparer and beginner (≤ 3 years), but the disability in 'cultivation method' decreased as the farming career was longer. Respondents who had more than 10 years of farming career complained of 'climate problem (24.0%)' followed by 'cultivation method (20.0%)' and 'pest control (20.0%)'. There was also a significant difference in the farming disability by medicinal crops farming career. The 'cultivation method (50.0%)' was the highest of the farmers who had 1 year of medicinal crops farming career, however the respondents with more than 4-ears of career complained of 'climate problems (27.3%)' and 'pest control (23.6%)', but 'cultivation method' was low as 18.2%. Secondly, there was a difference in sales disability by farming career, and cross-sectional analysis was statistically significant at × 2 = 41.320. The respondents who were preparer for farming had the biggest sales disability at 'shortage of market (44.4%)', and the rates decreased gradually as the farming career increased. Respondents more than 10-ears had the biggest sales disability as ‘uncertain market price (50.0%)’, and 'shortage of market' was low as 12.5%. Cross-sectional analysis of sales disability by medicinal crops farming career showed that × 2 was 49.705, which was statistically significant. Farmers with no career in cultivating medicinal crops had the biggest sales disability at 'shortage of market (40.0%)' and farmers with more than 4 years of career complained of 'uncertain market price (42.2%)'. Lastly, there was a statistically significant difference in cultivation performance by medicinal crops farming career. The respondents with a career of less than 1 year had the highest proportion at 'medium (48.5%)', but those with more than 4-ears of career had the highest rate of 'creation of profit (43.1%)'. Conclusion : As farming career and medicinal crops farming career increased, environmental factors such as climate and pest problems affected in cultivation stage significantly, further uncertain market price gave a large factor in sales stage.

Background : Phlomidis radix is known to be effective for pain relief and anti-inflammation. Phlomidis radix (Han-Sok-Dan) is likely to be confused because it is similar in name to Dipsaci Radix (Cheon-Sok-Dan), or is similar in morphology to other Phlomioides species. Therefore, we investigated the origins and morphological characteristics of the origin plant of Phlomidis radix in order to cultivate and consume the correct one. Methods and Results : We reviewed North and South Korean and Chinese Pharmacopoeia and the books on oriental herbal medicine and botanical illustrations. In South Korea, P. umbrosa was defined as the origin plant of Phlomidis radix, whereas in North Korea, P. maximowiczii was defined. In China, it was not used as an oriental medicine. In the past, P. umbrosa, which is native to the Korean peninsula, or P. maximowiczii, which is native to the northern part of the Korea was used instead of Dipsacus asperoides for Dipsaci Radix. However, after the publication of the Korean Pharmacopoeia, Phlomidis radix and Dipsaci Radix have been distinguished, and only P. umbrosa was defined as the origin plant of Phlomidis radix. Therefore, Phlomidis radix and Dipsaci Radix should be distinguished from each other, the origin plant of Phlomidis radix is considered to be P.umbrosa. Furthermore, we investigated the external morphological and growth characteristics of Phlomoides species in Korea. There are three species of Phlomoides in Korea, such as P. umbrosa, P. maximowiczii, P. koraeinsis. P. umbrosa has no basal leaves but only stem leaves, while P. maximowiczii and P. koraeinsis have basal leaves. Also, P. maximowiczii is distinguishable from seeds with hairs while P. koraeinsis from hairless seeds. Conclusion : We considered P. umbrosa as the origins of Phlomidis radix. As a result of investigation of morphological and growth characteristics, P. umbrosa, P. maximowiczii and P.koraeinsis could be distinguished by the presence or absence of basal leaves and the difference in whether the seeds have hair or not. These results could be used as a basis for standard varieties research and cultiviation of P. umbrosa.

Background : Rehmannia glutinosa (RG) has been utilized as a traditional medicine in Asia. However, the development of varieties is limited and the climate is changing gradually. Therefore, it is required to develop a superior lineage suitable for this. So we have secured several species, and it is necessary to confirm the cytotoxicity of various kinds of cells for its safety and to secure safety for further utilization. Methods and Results : 11 cultivars and 21 lineages of RG were collected from Rural Development Administration (RDA) at Eumseong of Chungcheongbuk-do and national farmhouse. They were cultivated in test-research farm in RDA and used as materials. Human (THP-1 cell, human leukemia monocytic cell line) and rodent-derived immune cells (RAW264.7, murine monocyte/macrophage cell line) and hepatocytes (HepG2, human liver cell line) were used to assess cytotoxicity. Cytotoxicity was determined by using MTT assay. As a result of evaluation of cytoxicity, 11 cultivars and 21 lineages of RG were not shown cytotoxicity range from 250 - 1,000 ㎍/㎖ concentration in THP-1 cell, RAW264.7 cell and HepG2 cell. Conclusion : Development of RG with superior lineage suitable for changing climate is required. We selected a good lineage (21 ea), and result of the cytotoxicity evaluation from low to high concentrations in immune- and liver-derived cells, there was no toxicity at all. Therefore, if these excellent lineages are distributed to farmers, they can help farmers. And it can help research on immunity and liver function in the future.

Background : The small-scale medicinal crops is rapidly decreasing, and there is a risk of collapse of the pharmaceutical production base due to the radical market opening such as the Korea - China FTA. Among them, the Artemisia gmelinii has been used in the oriental medicine, and it is effective in treating the fever, humidity, urination, and scabies. Although it is being grown in small areas such as Gyeongnam and Gangwon Province in Korea, standardization of raw material production is insufficient. Then we were carried out on seed characteristics and growth characteristics by harvest time of A. gmelinii. Methods and Results : We were collected 114 accession from 7 regions from 2017 to 2018. The collected resources were growing to the testing field of Department of Herbal Crop Research. An average length and width of seed in A. gmelinii were 1.05 ㎜, 0.57 ㎜ respectively. A thousand seed weight were 0.42 g. Seed germination rate was highest at 25℃ (76.4%). Plant height was similar, stem diameter was 9 – 15 ㎜ in early growth collected resources. AG1801 had many leaves (60 ea), AG1802 was blooming fast. Conclusion : The above results showed that AG1801, AG1802, and AG1803 were selected good resources. We will analyze a valid ingredient by harvest time.

Background : Licorice has been a medicinal crop which was mainly used as a traditional medicine and food, depends on most imports (99%) in Korea. We have been trying to produce licorice in Korea for a long time. However when it grow in Korea the main ingredients are below the standard value and occur of physiological disorder. Therefore, we evaluated the growth characteristics and major components of genetic resources to develop licorice varieties suitable for the domestic environment. Methods and Results : We collected 19 accession of licorice from 7 regions including China, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and Russia from 2013 to 2014. After regenerating the resources of licorice in the field we identified and classified the species. Among them, 13 lines of 2 species (G. uralensis Fisch, G. glabra L.) were selected from 2015 to 2016. We evaluated the aerial parts, underground parts, yield and glycyrrhizin content of 13 line of licorice grown one year. Plant length and stem diameter of GLY2014 - 002 was high and thick on the aerial parts. GLY2013 - 005 had many pods. GLY2014-006 had many adventitious roots like taproot (3 ea/plant) and high of root weight (170 g/plant), GLY2013 - 005, GLY2014 - 006 had high glycyrrhizin content (2.1%) in the underground parts. Conclusion : As a result of growth characteristics and glycyrrhizin analysis, GLY2013 - 002, GLY2013 - 005, GLY2013 - 007, GLY2014 - 002, GLY2014 - 006, and GLY2014 - 007 were evaluated as good resources. Therefore of six lines will be used to test productivity and conduct regional testing for developing licorice variety.

Background : The study is investigated the development of high-quality standard variety, character of gene resources, growth and yield production to collecting varieties in Agastache rugosa O. Kuntze containing antioxidant agriculturally. Methods and Results : Character of gene resources investigated collecting 16 varieties (Jeonnam Naju 1, 2, 3 (NJ), Gwangyang 1, 2 (GY), Sooncheon 4 (SC), Boseong 1, 2 (BS), Yeosu (YS), Jangheung (JH), Jindo (JD), Gyeongnam Hamyang (HY), Gyeongbuk Bonghwa (BH), Chungbuk Eumseong (ES), Cheongju (CJ), Gangwon Cheolwon (CW). Method of cultivation were conducted under sowing dates of plant a seedling were April 24. Transplanting with Agastache rugosa O.K. seeds in June 27 by growing pot seedling for 60 days in 2017. Fertilization application were standard application (N-P-K-Compost applied at 12-16-10-600 ㎏․10a−1). N-K applied at 60% of basal fertilizer, 40% of top dressing were two times (N-K) application. Planting density were spaced 30 ㎝ apart in rows 20 ㎝ apart with with non-woven fabric mulching cultivation. Plot design randomized block 3 repetition. Conclusion : Endemic characteristics of gene resources to collecting variety in leaf color (light green), leaf pliable (softness) appeared 8 lineage, leaf color (deep green), the contrary leaf pliable (roughness) showed 8 lineage. Flower color bloomed in light purple 8 lineage flower deep purple color come into 8 lineage. Also, the period of maturity ripened Sept. 27 - 31. on 8 lineage (BS2, GY1, JD, HY etc.). 3 lineage (YS, CJ, CW) attained to maturity on Oct. 14 - 16. Growth of aerial part increased on long length, large width of leaf, heavy dried weight of leaf and weight of seeds 10 lineage SC4, GY1, 2, NJ2, 3, BS1, 2, CJ, ES, BH etc. but short length, small width of leaf, declined in light dried weight of leaf and weight of seeds 2 lineage YS, CW.

Background : Astragalus membranaceus belonging to the family of Leguminosae have been utilized as a traditional medicine. The aim of this study is to elucidate the basic information for breeding to superior Astragalus membranaceus cultivar. Methods and Results : Selection lines were developed by the medicinal crop breeding team of National Institute of Horticulture and Herbal Science (NIHHS), Rural Development Administration (RDA). The root of A. membranaceus lines were harvested in late October 2017. Calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside and calycosin were anlyzed by HPLC. The root yield of six selection lines were increased 8.9 - 74.8% compared with ‘Aseong’ (check variety). Also, the plant height of seven selection lines were shorter than ‘Aseong’. The calycosin–7-O-β -d-glucoside content was higher in six selection lines than ‘Aseong’. The calycosin content was higher in all selection lines except 1 line (1508 - 03) than that of ‘Aseong’. Conclusion : Three superior lines with short height and high yield were selected. These superior lines will conduct advanced yield trial to make varieties.

Background : Rehmannia glutinosa is a perennial herb belonging to family Scrophulariaceae. This study was breeding of R. glutinosa cultivar with insect tolerance and high-yielding. Methods and Results : ‘Chunggang’ is developed by the medicinal crop breeding team of National Institute of Horticulture and Herbal Science (NIHHS), Rural Development Administration (RDA), during the period from 2005 to 2017. The reproduction of Rehmannia glutinosa has been accomplished mainly by vegetative propagation with its seedlings. This cultivar was selected from seedling of RG10. The plant type of Chungang is some rising from ground. Regional yield trials conducted at three site from 2016 to 2017. The root yield of ‘Chunggang’ was 22.3 ton per hectare, which was increased 11% compared with ‘Jihwang 1’ (check variety). Also, ‘Chunggang’ has higher insect tolerance compared with ‘Jihwang 1’. Conclusion : ‘Chunggang’ is a insect tolerance and high-yielding Rehmannia glutinosa cultivar.

Background : Ixeris strigosa is a herb which has used leaves and roots in Korea. Recently, the cultivation area and food imports have been increased because it has been used as an functional crops for anti-obesity. However its cultivation method has not been developed and it is difficult to produce with good quality. Therefore, this experiment was carried out to determine the optimum seedroot size, plant number per hill, planting time, planting density, planting method and mulching materials for improving the cultivation method suitable for domestic environment. Methods and Results : In order to identify the proper cultivation method, I. strigosa was collected in Dangjin, Chungnam in 2016 and the yield and crop characteristics were investigated at the end of October. The seedroots were cultivated by size such as large (length 30 ㎜, thickness more than 1 ㎜), medium (30 ㎜, 1 ㎜ - 1.5 ㎜) and small (30 ㎜, less than 1 ㎜). As a result, the production of the medium-sized seedroot was highest at 950 ㎏/10a. Based on these results, medium-sized seedroots passed winter in previous year were used when plant number per hill, planting time, planting density, planting method and mulching materials were investigated. At plant number per hill, 3 seeds/hill was the highest at 836 ㎏/10a among 1, 3 and 5 seeds/hill. When the seedroots were planted at intervals of one month from mid April to mid August, the yield was the highest at 1,647 ㎏/10a at the middle of May. When the planting densities were 10 × 10, 20 × 10, 20 × 15 and 20 × 20 ㎝, 10 × 10 and 20 × 10 ㎝ had highest production. And two methods for planting have been used, one was to plant at right angles and the other to lay down. As a result, the latter yield was 612 ㎏/10a. Finally, when comparing non woven fabrics, color combination polyethylene film, black polyethylene film and no treatment among the mulching materials, black polyethylene film made the highest yield at 1,044 ㎏/10a. Conclusion : For improving the cultivation of I. strigosa, this study determined the optimum seed size, plant number per hill, planting time, planting density, planting method and mulching materials. In conclusion, the production was the best when the plant was laid down on a black polyethylene film at intervals of 20 × 10 ㎝ at the middle of May, using 3 medium-sized seeds per hill. These results are expected to contribute to the productivity and income farmers of I. strigosa.

Background : Medicinal crop seeds have low homogeneity and quality of seeds and seedlings because they are self-seeded or produced in farmhouses. Therefore, it is necessary to develop systematic technology for establishment and distribution of seed production technology for stable production of domestic medicinal crops. Methods and Results : The test Agastache rugosa O. K. Kuntze. variety was Jeonnam local variety (Naju species) and was carried out in 2017. The research was divided into two types; seed yield test according to seeding time and seed yield test according to fertilization method. Sowing of the seed yield test according to the seeding time was sown on the seedling tray 4 times from 20 th March to 20 th May at intervals of 20 days, and after the nursery, they were transplanting. The fertilization gave the standard fertilization (N-P-K-compost applied at 12-16-10-600 ㎏/10a) amount before implantation. Sowing of the seed yield test according to fertilization method was sowing in the middle of April. The seedlings were grown for 60 days and then transplanted in the middle of June. Four different fertilization methods were applied and cultivated. Planting density of both tests were spaced 30 ㎝ apart in rows 20 ㎝ apart with non-woven fabric mulching cultivation. The plot design was a randomized block 3 repetitions. Seed yields at the seeding time were the highest at 67 ㎏/10a in sowing on March 20, and the yields decreased as the seeding time passed. Seed yield according to fertilization method was the highest at 75 ㎏/10a in 25% increase control and lowest at 46 ㎏/10a in 50% diminish control. Conclusion : From the above results, we may suggest that the seedlings should be cultivated in the middle of March and cultivated by increasing the fertilization rate by 50%.

Background : Cnidium officinale M. is a medicinal plant used a lot of herbal and functional food ingredients. Recently, the area of cultivation has been increased due to the increase in domestic demand. By the way, this plant is very vulnerable to high temperature, and recently it is difficult to cultivate due to abnormal high temperature and so on. Therefore, in this study, in order to effectively reduce the high temperature of the field, we investigated the degree of temperature reduction and the growth condition of the plant after installed mulching, irrigation and the fog facilities. Methods and Results : In order to reduce the temperature of C. officinale M. cultivation field, the black and white double vinyl mulching, drip irrigation and fog spray treatment were applied and the results were as follows. The survey was conducted at about 2:00 pm on a clear day in August, and the temperature was about 33℃ at the time of measurement. In the case of only black vinyl mulching without watering, the soil temperature was 43.5℃, the surface temperature was 61.4℃, and the mortality rate of the C. officinale M. was 98.0%. The temperature of soil and surface were lowered to 33.1℃ and 38.6℃, respectively, when treated with black vinyl mulching and drip irrigation and fog spraying. In the case of black and white double vinyl mulching, the effect of temperature reduction was better. The soil surface temperature of the non-irrigation treatment was 37.9℃, the surface temperature was 48.5℃ and the mortality rate was decreased to 6.7%. In case of combined drip irrigation and fog spraying, soil temperature was reduced to 31.5℃, surface temperature was 35.8℃, and mortality rate was 0%. Conclusion : As a result of this study, the temperature of soil and surface dropped by up to 12. 0℃ and 25.6℃, respectively, when combined with black and white double vinyl mulching and drip irrigation and fog spray treatment. The mortality rate declined from 89.0% to 0%. Therefore, Therefore, if the results of this study are applied to the cultivation of C. officinale M., it is expected that the production stability will be improved.

Background : Rehmannia glutinosa is a perennial herb belonging to family Scrophulariaceae. This study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness through seedling cultivation of R. glutinosa. Methods and Results : The root of R. glutinosa cultivar (Jihwang 1) was harvested in the middle of March. Seed rhizomes were seedling after air curing for three days. And seed rhizomes were plug seedlings for 30 days (30D), 45 days (45D) and 60 days (60D) then planted in the test field. Mat formation rate in 30D, 45D and 60D was 81.3, 100 and 100% respectively. Flowering occurred only in 45D and 60D except 30D. Flowering rate of 45D and 60D were 7.3 ± 3.06 and 13.3 ± 1.15%. Agronomic characteristics were evaluated in comparison with ND (directly seeded group). As a results, aerial parts of 30D in plant height, leaf length and leaf width were better than other treatment group but the number of leaf per plant was statistically the same. Also, root shape was similar when comparing ND and seedling groups. Conclusion : Taken together, it is thought that the cultivation of R. glutinosa. seedlings is possible. However, further evaluation of the economic aspect is needed.

Background : This study was conducted to investigate the seedling, growth, and yield characteristics of 1-year-old Polygala tenuifolia by cultivation of different regions. Methods and Results : After growing the seedlings for 2 months in the greenhouse, they were planted at different altitudes including: 100 m or less (Cheongju), 250 m (negative), 300 m (Jecheon), and 500 m (Pyeongchang) in the first week of May. The flowering period, fertilization period, fruit weight, growth, and yield were recorded and investigated in that period. Results of analyzing the physicochemical properties of the soils revealed that the pH of the soil was close to neutrality of 6.7 - 7.3 at 100 m, 250 m, and 500 m altitudes and an acidity of pH 5.7 at 300 m altitude. The average temperature for different time periods and altitudes are the following: 3.8℃ from June to October during the harvesting season, 21.8℃ at 100 m altitude in the end of June, 10.8℃ at 500 m altitude in the middle of harvest period, and 2.7℃ higher at 100 m altitude than 500 m altitude. The difference in the number of rooting (between 11 and 12/㎡) and the rate of rooting (82 - 92%) was not significant. The plant length was 25 - 26.5 ㎝ at 300 m and 500 m altitude. The largest number of branch was at 1.8 with 250 m altitude and largest stalk diameter at 500 m altitude at 6.0 ㎜. Leaf length and leaf width were the same per area, but the branches were the largest at 500 m at 17.9. Dry weight of 12.7 g was heaviest at 500 m altitude implying that the higher the altitude, the higher the dry weight will be. Moreover, in the 500 m altitude, root length of 29.2 ㎝ was the longest, root diameter was 5.9 ㎜, and the dry root weight of 7.9 g was the heaviest. However, the number of supporting root was 4.9 - 7.3 which was not statistically significant. The optimal yield per 10 a was 94 ㎏ at 500 m altitude. This was very high compared to yield of 28 ㎏ at 100 m altitude. The seed weight per 10 a was 1.5 ㎏ and 2.3 ㎏ at 100 m and 300 m altitude, respectively. The highest content of Teuifolin contained in the root was 124.07 ppm at 500 m altitude. Conclusion : Results showed that 1-year-old P. tenuifolia had optimal growth, higher yield and better vital component content at altitude of 500 m.

Backgound : Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic disorders that are characterized by intestinal epithelial inflammation and injury. Currently, the most employed therapies are antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs; however, the side effects limit long-term effectiveness. Methods and Results : We evaluated the impact of glucose-lysine Maillard reaction products (Glc-Lys MRPs) on colitis, induced in rats by an administration of 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water. Glc-Lys MRPs ameliorate DSS-induced colitis, as determined by a decrease in disease. index activity, colon weight/length ratio, nitric oxide levels in serum, recovery of body weight loss, colon length and serum lysozyme levels. Furthermore, Glc-Lys MRPs increase the glutathione content and the activity of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and inhibit lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxidase activity in colon tissues. In particular, Glc-Lys MRPs suppress the mRNA level of the inflammatory cytokines and nuclear factor-κB in colon tissues. Conclusion : This study suggests the potential of Glc-Lys MRPs in preventing or treating IBDs.

The use of Rehmannia glutinosa of the family Scrophulariaceae, in traditional medicine is well known. This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of air curing of the seed rhizome of R. glutinosa on its storability and yield. Methods and Results: The root of the R. glutinosa cultivar (Dagang) was harvested in at the end of November. The seed rhizomes were air cured for one to seven days. They were subsequently wrapped with newspaper and further stored in a plastic container at 1℃. It was observed that the weight loss and decay rates were significantly lower in the air cured seeds than in the untreated ones. Moreover, the decay rate of the control was approximately 50%, 120 days after storage. However. the decay rate of all the air cured treatment groups was less than 1%. Additionally, air curing led to an increase in the germination rate of the seeds and the root yield when compared with the untreated groups. Taken together, the ideal treatment period for air curing was found to be 3 days. Under these conditions, the germination rate and yield were 88.7% and 2,185 ㎏/10a, respectively. Conclusions: This study successfully demonstrated that the air curing of seed rhizomes can lead to a considerable increase in the storability and yield of R. glutinosa.

Background: Angelica gigas Nakai is a perennial herb belonging to the family Umbelliferae. Its roots are utilized in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to increase the yield of and the content of two indicator components (decursin and decursinol angelate) in A. gigas Nakai. Methods and Results: The roots of A. gigas Nakai were harvested 4-times from late August to late October in 2017. Two agents (trace element-TE, and plant hormone-HM) were applied 4 times at intervals of 2 weeks. The content of the two indicator components were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. The HM treatment showed the greatest increase in underground part yield and root diameter. The content of the two indicator components in the control (non-treatment) group was the highest in the underground part, but was higher in the aerial parts in the agent treatment group. After treatment with the agents, the content of the indicator components tended to decrease in the underground part. However, the total content of the indicator components in the two agent treatment groups exceeded the level of 6% set by the Korean Pharmacopoeia. Conclusions: The highest underground part yield was found in the HM treatment group, while the highest content of decursin and decursinol angelate were found in the control group. This study provides basic information for yield improvement in A. gigas.

Background: Atractylodes japonica Koidz. and Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. belong to the family (Asteraceae). Their rhizomes, called white Atractylodes rhizomes, are used in traditional medicine. To address some issues with their cultivation, we recently developed eight hybrid cultivars by interspecific hybridization of A. japonica and A. macrocephala. This study was conducted to screen the hybrid cultivars that have high amounts of active ingredients and yield ability. Methods and Results: Experiments were conducted using the eight hybrid cultivars and A. macrocephala (control cultivar) in the experimental field of the department of Herbal Crop Research located in Eumseong, South Korea. We investigated the growth characteristics of the aerial and underground parts. Among the cultivars, ‘Sanwon’ had the highest rhizome dry weight (53.8 g/plant), followed by ‘Dachul’ (50.0 g/plant). In addition, the content of atractylenolide I, II, III and total active ingredients were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography. Compared with A. macrocephala, most of the inter-specific hybrid cultivars had a higher content of active ingredients and yield ability. Conclusions: Through study, we established the superior quality of Atractylodes inter-specific hybrid cultivars. In particularly, it was found that ‘Dachul’ may be grown as a superior cultivar, with high amount of active ingredients as well as yield ability.

Background : During 2016 to 2017, Bacterial Rot symptom has been observed on Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. in Yeongju-si, Mungyeong-si, Jecheon-si and Eumseong-gun. This experiment was carried out to identify pathogenic bacteria that has not been reported up to now from A. macrocephala and to test pathogenicity of isolated bacteria against A. macrocephala. Methods and Results : Nine types of representative bacteria strains depending on colony size and color were isolated from surface disinfested symptomatic tissue that was macerated and streaked onto lysogeny broth (LB) medium with agar. Fungi were not recovered from any tissue that was surface disinfested and placed into acidified potato dextrose agar. Only one strain cause dark brown leaf rot symptom on A. macrocephala leaves soaked in bacterial suspensions. Potted A. macrocephala plants were used to test for pathogenicity. Inoculum was prepared by suspending the bacteria in sterile distilled water (SDW) for a final concentration of approximately 105 CFU/㎖. Suspensions were sprayed until runoff onto three replicate plants. Control plants were sprayed with SDW until runoff. Plants maintained in a dew chamber with 100% relative humidity at 30℃. After 3 days, leaf rot lesions developed on all inoculated plants; lesions later turned dark brown and appeared similar to symptoms observed in the field. Plants treated with water developed no symptoms. Same bacteria re-isolated onto LB from symptomatic tissues. Conclusion : On the basis of 16S rRNA sequence analysis, the strain isolated from A. macrocephala was identified as Pseudomonas viridiflava. Biological assay method using Potted plants confirmed the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas viridiflava. This is the first report of bacterial rot caused by Pseudomonas viridiflava on A. macrocephala.