Background: This study was conducted to acquire basic information on the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the germplasm of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer collected from China and Korea, and identify the variations that can be utilized in ginseng breeding programs. Methods and Results: Quantitative parameters were evaluated, and used to compare and analyze on genetic polymorphisms in the germplasm. The genetic characteristics and classifications were compared and analyzed for each character. Stem length followed a normal frequency distribution ranging from 15.5 ㎝ to 40.5 ㎝, with showing approximately 40% having a stem length of 20 - 30 ㎜. Stem diameters ranged from 2.7 ㎜ to 11.3 ㎜. Stem number per plant ranged from 1 to 3; approximately 50% had a single stem, and 45% had two stems. A non-normal frequency distribution was observed for petiole number, with approximately 60% of the germplasm having 3 - 5 petioles. Petiole length exhibited a normal frequency distribution, raging from 4.5 to 10.6. Petiole angle in the germplasm ranged from 28° to 89° and seedstalk length ranged from 5.6 ㎝ to 27.3 ㎝. Conclusions: The genetic polymorphisms identified by complete linkage clustering based on the quantitative characteristics of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer collected from Korea and China were classified to 6 groups, namely I, II, III, IV, V, and VI with frequencies of 6.7%, 20.0%, 31.7%, 8.3%, 6.7%, and 26.7%, respectively.

This study was conducted to improve the managing and storing methods of the seeds of Aralia cordata var. continentalis (Kitagawa) Y.C.Chu, to examine the viability and the germination ability of seeds with different storing conditions and methods, and to develop new ways to propagate and have better healthy seedling. Therefore, the germination rate, days required for germinating seeds, and early growth responses of Aralia cordata var. continentalis (Kitagawa) Y.C.Chu were investigated with different storing temperatures, durations and methods. The germination rate was higher in stratified storage than that in dry storage condition. The highest germination rate was with outdoor temperature at 30 days after stratified storage. The days required for germinating seeds were less than 10 days with the treatment of 25℃ and outdoor temperature in stratified storage. In dry condition, they were shorter with 4℃ and 25℃ than those with -20℃ and outdoor temperature. Leaf number of seedling was higher in stratified storage compared to that in dry condition, while it was not clearly different according to storage temperatures and durations. Leaf length and leaf width of seedling was not difference among the treatment of storage methods, temperatures, and durations. Stem length of seedling was higher in stratified storage than those in dry condition, while root length was not clearly different among the treatments. It would be assumed that temperatures, methods and durations of storage could affect much to the germination rate and the early seedling growth response.