This study conducts a comparative analysis on the difference in profitability between organically cultivated ginseng and conventionally cultivated ginseng, based on their cultivation characteristics, in order to promote the production and consumption of organic ginseng. The production quantity of organically cultivated ginseng per 10 a was 40% less than that of conventionally cultivated ginseng for both four- and six-year-old roots. In the case of four-year-old roots, although the production cost of organically cultivated ginseng was 60% higher than that of conventionally cultivated ginseng, the net profit was higher by 70%, owing to its higher selling price. In the case of six-year-old roots, the production cost of organically cultivated ginseng was 10% higher than that of conventionally cultivated ginseng, but the net profit was lower by 10%, owing to a low selling price. The reduction in production costs must be supported by a reduction in land lease and labor costs by expanding the cultivation area, a reduction of pest control costs through the self-production of environmentally friendly materials, and an improvement in the certification of perennial crops that can reduce certification costs. A reduction in production costs can lead to a decrease in consumer prices, which, in turn, would promote an increase in consumption among general consumers. Moreover, as a measure to increase the production yield per unit area, the soil nutrient content must be increased by selecting high-quality planned sites and implementing planned site management in order to increase the proportion of organic fertilizers. Furthermore, these must be supported by improved cultivation methods, which suppress early defoliation, and enhanced cultivation technology. In addition to these methods, establishing producer cooperatives in order to expand production can stabilize supply, which can increase sales through export and processing companies. Moreover, uniformity in product quality through producer cooperatives can contribute to building consumer confidence.

As a preliminary experiment to investigate the effect of ozone sterelization on the ginseng powder, the changes of fatty acid composition and organic acid content and sensory properties in ginseng powder treated with ozone was investigated. Ginseng powder was treated with 0.5 ppm ozone for 24 hours and 48 hours, respectively. With increase in ozone treatment time, the content of crude lipid and total unsaturated fatty acid decreased, whereas composition of total saturated fatty acid increased. Contents of unsaturated fatty acid-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and oleic acid, etc.-decreased with ozone treatment time, whereas saturated fatty acid of same number-stearic acid-increased. Contents of organic acid were not shown significant changes. Ginseng odor, roasted odor, bitter taste, roasted taste and sweet taste were thicker with ozone treatment times, but pungent taste was thicker with those treatment. These changes of ordors and tastes of ginseng powder with ozone treatment were predicted by oxydation of lipids, flavor components and saponins.

Background : The interest in paddy-converted fields to be used as an alternative new farming area for the stable ginseng production is increasing, and made up -32% of the total ginseng cultivation area in Korea in 2014. Therefore, this study examined how soil types and fertilizer regimes influence fatty acid (FA) and vitamin E (Vit-E) variation in 6-years-old ginseng root. Methods and Results : Ginseng variety “Jagyeongjong” was cultivated upland and paddy-converted field, and three organic fertilizers were applied to both fields, at 0, 1, 2, and 4 tons per 1,000 ㎡, prior to the ginseng seedling transplantation. The 37 FAs and 8 Vit-E were analyzed with GC-FID. We observed significant variation in both FA and Vit-E contents owing to the type and quantity of organic fertilizer used in each soil type during cultivation. Unsaturated FAs were approximately 2.7-fold higher in ginseng than in saturated FAs. Linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids were the most abundant FAs detected in ginseng roots. Additionally, α-tocopherol was the major Vit-E detected. In particular, the increased application of rice straw compost or food waste fertilizer elevated the quantity of nutritionally desirable FAs and bioactive Vit-E in ginseng root. Partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) score plots showed that soil type might be the main cause of differences in FA and Vit-E levels in ginseng. Specifically, the PLS-DA model indicated that palmitic acid is a suitable FA marker in determining whether ginseng plants were grown in a paddy-converted field or an upland field. Moreover, linoleic acid levels were highly correlated with α-linolenic acid (r = 0.8374) according to Pearson's correlations and hierarchical clustering analysis. Conclusion : This study investigated how soil type, as well as organic fertilizer type and amount, altered the FA and Vit-E profiles in ginseng roots. Therefore, these preliminary data should be beneficial to ginseng farmers and any industries involved in the production of high quality and nutritional ginseng products.

Background : The purpose of this study was to establish the optimum organic compost composition and fertilizer application for nutrient management during the cultivation of Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) in the greenhouse. Methods and Results : Wood chips, popped rice hulls, and mixed expeller cake were mixed with certain contents, fermented microorganisms were added, and fermented for about 100 days to produce organic composts. Organic compost was applied to the greenhouse soils at a rate of 1,500 – 3,000 ㎏/10 a, and the Korean ginseng seedlings were planted (2015) and cultivated. The growth and quality characteristics of 4-years-old Korean ginseng were investigated as follows. In all treatments, the emergence date were April 17, and the emergence rate were 70 - 74%. Soil chemical properties such as pH (6.7 - 6.8) and trace element Ca (7.9 - 9.2 cmol+/㎏) were higher than the standard values, and EC, P2O5 and OM were appropriate. Disease incidence rate were less than 0.2% in the control (treatments of livestock manure compost 1,500 ㎏/10 a) and treatment 3 (wood chips 60% + popped rice hulls 40%), but there were no disease in other treatments. Plant growth such as plant height, leaf length, and stem diameter were superior to treatment 1 (wood chips 20% + popped rice hulls 80%), and growth of underground part such as root length were excellent in treatment 1 as a whole. In particular, in the application of 1,500 - 2,000 ㎏ of treatment 1, root weight (39.9 g, 42.3 g/plant, respectively) were superior to the other treatments. In general, as woodchip content and usage amount increase, root weight tended to decrease. Conclusion : It is considered appropriate to apply 1,500 - 2,000 ㎏/10 a of fermented compost of organic material which is mixed with wood chips (20%) and popped rice hulls (80%) with mixed expeller cake when growing Korean ginseng in the plastic house covered with blue-white vinyl.

Background : Although ginseng has various bioactive compounds in it, there is lack of study on the variations of bioactive compounds in ginseng according to the cultivation soil and the applied fertilizer types (or amount). Therefore, this study aims to examine the variations of 37 fatty acids (FA) and 8 vitamin E (Vit-E) vitamers in 6-year-old ginseng root cultivated in different soil types with different fertilizers regimes. Methods and Results : The profiling of 37 FAs and 8 Vit-E vitamers in 6-year-old ginseng roots was measured by gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector, and then these results were statistically analyzed with chemometrics. The FA and Vit-E content in ginseng roots varied significantly with respect to soil cultivation conditions due to organic fertilizer types and amounts used. Unsaturated FA in ginseng is approximately 2.7 fold higher than the saturated FA. Linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids were the most abundant FAs found in the ginseng roots. Also, the major Vit-E vitamer found in ginseng root is α-tocopherol. In particular, the application of rice straw compost or food waste fertilizer was increased to create nutritionally desirable FAs and bioactive Vit-E in ginseng root. In addition, phytonutrient profiling coupled with chemometrics can be used to discriminate the cultivation conditions of ginseng. Conclusion : This study extends our understanding about the variations of FA and Vit-E in ginseng root depending on cultivation conditions. Hence, these results can be useful as basic information for reliable ginseng production containing high amounts of phytonutrients in a paddy-converted field.

Background : The study is designed to select the organic fertilizer as an additional fertilizer suitable for improving the yield of ginseng cultivar K-1 at low productive land when it is cultivated as 6-year old red ginseng. Methods and Results : This study was conducted in 2016 at a farm in Paju cultivating 6-year old ginseng root. As for the management of the cultivation land, in 2010 and 2011, Sudangrass was cultivated in order to make the organic matter content and chemical composition suitable for ginseng cultivation, and more than 15 tillage works were carried out a year. The transplantation was carried out at the planting density of 63 weeks / 1.62 ㎡ in April 2012. On May 2, the amount of 15 ℓ / 1.62 ㎡ of N 1.5 ㎏/1,000 ㎡ was supplied to the non-treatment, liquid fertilizer of fermented rice bran, liquid fertilizer of fermented soybean, seaweed and liquid yeast. N 1.5 ㎏/1,000 ㎡ was put into the soil for the fermented soybean and leaf mold. The photosynthetic rate was measured on the middle part of the small leaf by using a photosynthetic analyzer (LI-6400, Li-COR) at 10 : 00 - 14 : 00 on a clear day under PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) of 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1,000, 1,400, 1,800 μmol s-1m-2. The growth features of ginseng (including the length of stem, length of leaf, width of leaf, length of root and yield, etc.) as well as leaf discoloration, and root rot, etc were examined. The statistical analysis was performed 3 times in the randomized block design. For the rate of photosynthesis, the liquid fertilizer of fermented rice bran > liquid fertilizer of fermented soybean ≒ untreated ≒ fermented soybean > seaweed > liquid yeast > leaf mold was higher in that order. The survival rate ranged from 42.9% to 51.9%. As for the above-ground growth characteristics, the liquid fertilizer of fermented rice bran, liquid fertilizer of fermented soybean, seaweed and liquid yeast showed higher performance than the non-treated while the fermented soybean and leaf mold showed similar performance to the non-treatment. As for the underground growth, the liquid fertilizer of fermented rice-bran, liquid fertilizer of fermented soybean, fermented soybean, or leaf mold showed the same performance as non-treatment while the fermented soybean or leaf mold showed shorter length than non-treatment. As for the yield, the liquid fertilizer of fermented rice-bran, or liquid fertilizer of fermented soybean showed better performance than non-treatment. Conclusion : In conclusion, it was found that liquid fertilizer of fermented rice bran and liquid fertilizer of fermented soybean are the suitable organic fertilizers which can be used in ginseng cultivation for improving the quantitative yield of 6-year-old ginseng in low-producing area.

Background : This research was conducted to investigate the effect of organic compost treatment on growth and yield of organically grown ginseng seedlings(Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer) in growing medium. Methods and Results : The test cultivars was used a native species of Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer that most commonly cultivated in Korea. By seeding interval(3×3cm), seeds of Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer were sowed on March 29, 2016 . Bed size was 85 (W) × 1800 (L) × 30 (H) cm and shading material of plastic house was used blue-white vinyl. Growing medium composition(V/V) were mixed in a ratio of peat moss 60%, perlite 30%, vermiculite 10%. The mixing ratio of Organic compost was livestock manure compost (2%, V/V), mixed oil cake(2%, V/V), poultry manure compost (2%, V/V) and was applied to growing medium basal application. The emergence rate of ginseng seedling was contorl 95.7%, livestock manure compost 97.0%, press cake 92.3%, poultry manure compost 94.2%. Shoot growth characteristics of ginseng seedlings did not show a significant difference in plant height, stem length, stem diameter but shoot fresh weight was higher tendency in livestock manure compost(0.34 g/plant) in comparison to control(0.26 g/plant), mixed oil cake(0.29 g/plant), poultry manure compost(0.27 g/plant). Similarly, root fresh weight was higher tendency in livestock manure compost(0.52 g/plant) in comparison to control(0.33 g/plant), mixed oil cake(0.47 g/plant), poultry manure compost(0.43 g/plant). Root length was in control 10.2cm, livestock manure compost 11.8cm, mixed oil cake 8.9cm, poultry manure compost 8.6cm. As mentioned above, the reason that root length is shorter in mixed oil cake, poultry manure compost is thought to be due to the influence of gas injury. Conclusion : Growth characteristics of ginseng seedling showed a good growth trend in the organic compost treatment groups , especially livestock manure treatment root fresh weight increased 57% compared to control group. However, early defoliation phenomenon occured at mixed oil cake, poultry manure compost in late June. This is thought to have occurred by the disturbance of gas such as ammonia gas, nitrous acid gas. Therefore, if you use mixed oil cake, poultry manure compost to cultivate ginseng seedling, it is expected to pay attention to the damage caused by the gas disturbance.

Background : For increasing saponin content of ginseng cultivated in shaded plastic house, this research was performed to investigate growth characteristics and saponin content of ginseng according to foliar spray of chitosan and water-soluble silicates processing. Methods and Results : The ginseng cultivars to be used this research were Cheonpung, Yeonpung and 1-year-old seedlings of Cheonpung, Yeonpung was transplanted on March 24, 2015. Planting density was 72 plant/3.3㎡and Shading material of plastic house used blue-white shading vinyl. The processing method of organic matter is as follows, we were applied chitosan (40 kg / 10a), silicate (3kg / 10a) to soil scheduled for ginseng cultivation with basal application. Then, we were diluted with chitosan and silicates to 1000-fold and investigated growth characteristics, saponin content of ginseng after foliar spray twice a month from May to September. Conclusion : Photosynthetic rate of ginseng according to treatment of organic matter was higher in the chitosan experimental group compared to the control group and photosynthetic rate of ginseng cultivars was the highest in Cheonpung’s silicate group(3.70 μmole CO2/㎡/s). The growth characteristics in above-ground part of 2-year-old ginseng was a good in the organic matter treatments compared to the control group. Above-ground part’s growth characteristics of ginseng according to treatment of organic matter showed a good trend in plant height, stem length, stem diameter of chitosan experimental group. The growth characteristics in under-ground part of 2-year-old ginseng was a good in the organic experimental groups. In Yeonpung of the chitosan experimental group, fresh root weight per plant was 9.2 g/plant that increased by 46 % compared to the control group. In Cheonpung of the silicate experimental group, fresh root weight per plant was 8.3 g/plant that increased by 56 % compared to the control group. In the chitosan experimental group, crude saponin content of under-ground part was Cheonpung(10.38 ㎎/g), Yeonpung(12.29 ㎎/g), control(11.53 ㎎/g), respectively. In the silicate experimental group, crude saponin content of under-ground part was Cheonpung(11.73 ㎎/g), Yeonpung(14.21 ㎎/g), respectively. Crude saponin content of ginseng according to treatment of organic matter was. generally higher in Yeonpung than Cheonpung.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of dietary cultured wild ginseng root (CWGR) supplementation on goat milk composition and ginsenoside profiles. Sixteen Saanen dairy goats were allocated to two balanced groups based on lactation period, body weight (38.6 ± 3.2 kg), and dairy milk yield (2.85 ± 1.2 kg), and were kept in separate pens. Goats were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) feed (2.3 kg/d, dry matter basis) and 1.5 g of CWGR powder was supplemented in the experimental diet. The total feeding period was 3 weeks, and milk and blood samples were collected on the last three days of the experimental period. There was no effect of CWGR on daily milk yield and milk composition (fat, protein, lactose, and solid-not-fat). However, the CWGR-treatment group had significantly higher plasma IgG and protein contents than the control group (P < 0.05). Significant amounts of ginsenosides were observed in the milk of the CWGR-treatment group, whereas ginsenosides were not detected in the milk of the control group. In conclusion, dietary CWGR was a useful regimen to produce functional goat milk enriched in ginsenosides.

The objective of the present study was to perform a comparative analysis of the chemical properties of the cultivation site soil and growth characteristics of organically and conventionally cultivated ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer). Organically and conventionally cultivated ginseng samples (4-, 5-, and 6-year-old) were collected from 52 fields at 14 locations throughout Korea. The samples were collected over three years from 2013 to 2015, with the collection period between October and November of each year. In order to increase the yield of organically cultivated ginseng, the amount of nutrients was increased to match that of the conventional cultivation system, which highlights the need for proper management in accordance with the standards for chemical properties of soil. Growth duration of organic ginseng was ≥60 days shorter than that of conventional ginseng and its average yield per 1ha was 60% than that of conventional ginseng. Root weight of organically cultivated ginseng was approximately 54% that of conventionally cultivated ginseng. Rhizome diameter and body shape index of organically cultivated ginseng were lower than those of conventionally cultivated ginseng, indicating that organically cultivated ginseng was thinner and longer than conventionally cultivated ginseng. Root length was greater in 5-year-old conventionally cultivated ginseng with a low percentage of paddy-upland rotation fields. The number of rootlets was lower in 5- and 6-year-old organically cultivated ginseng with a high percentage of direct seeding cultivation. Dry weight was distinctly lower in 5- and 6-year-old organically cultivated ginseng with early defoliation than that of conventionally cultivated ginseng. Incidences of notched belly and root rot tended to be higher in conventional cultivation, with the incidence of notched belly being distinctly higher in 4- and 6-year-old roots and root rot being more prevalent in 5- and 6-year-old roots. Red discoloration and eelworm damage, which are highly affected by soil moisture, were most common in the organically cultivated 4-year-old roots. Organically cultivated ginseng showed early defoliation than conventionally cultivated ginseng, as a result, its yield and weight were low, while the incidence of physiological disorders was low. In order to increase the yield of organically cultivated ginseng, studies on cultivation technology that can overcome early defoliation, as well as soil moisture management that can minimize physiological disorders, are required.

Background : To control ginseng gray mold, farmers have mainly used inorganic chemical based fungicides. The recent emergence of fungicide resistance has reduced the effectiveness of such control methods. Such pesticides also carry additional problems, such as diffuse pollution. Methods and Results : Six treatments of organic agricultural materials were tested for control of ginseng gray mold, CAPW (Chrysophanic acid + Phytoncide +Wood vinegar), EmEWV (Emodin + Ethanol +Wood vinegar), CEWV (Curcumin + Eugenol +Wood vinegar), Bacillus subtilis, soybean oil and sulfur. The control effect for gray mold by a single application of the agrochemical fungicide industrial Fenhexamid wettable powder (WP) was 84.4%. The control effect by CAPW, EmEWV and CEWV varied between 52.7 - 64.9%. The control effect by B. subtilis, soybean oil, and sulfur were 32.9 - 59.2%. Conclusions : In the field tests, CAPW showed the highest control effects when used before, and at first stage of disease incidence, against ginseng gray mold.

Organic ginseng farming has rapidly increased in response to consumer demand for a safe product which improves health. Differences in soil nutrient concentration and ginsenoside content between organic and conventional ginseng farming have, however, not yet been properly studied. Therefore the aim of the present study was to compare soil nutrient concentration and ginsenoside content between these two farming systems. NO3-N, P2O5, and K were significantly different between organic and conventional ginseng farming. The total content of ginsenoside and individual ginsenoside components were higher in organically grown ginseng than in ginseng from conventional farming, although there is no significant difference. Particularly, protopanaxadiol saponins were higher than protopanaxatriol saponins in ginseng from organic farming compared to ginseng produced by conventional farming. NO3-N content in soils showed a negative correlation with the content of ginseno-sides Rb2 and Rd. In addition, P2O5 showed a negative correlation with ginseno-sides Rb1, Rc, and PD/PT ratio. Organic matter showed a positive crrelation with ginsenosides Re. To increase the ginsenoside content of ginseng, we recommend increasing organic matter and decreasing NO3-N and P2O5 contents in the soil.

Shading and soil environment are the main factors of growth and yield in ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A.Meyer). Ginseng yield is directly related to survival rate because of increased missing plant for their growing period. Underfield conditions, diseases and pests significantly affect plant survival rate. We evaluated the seedling establishment, growthand ginsenoside of the ginseng plants, under controlled management conditions in a plastic greenhouse, when their treatedwith different types of organic matter. Ginseng seeds were sown at a rate of three seeds per hole, and the seeding space mea-sured 10㎝×15㎝. Compared to the control, treatment of cattle manure vermicompost (CMV) was shown to increaseseedling establishment and decrease ginsenoside content. Root weights of plants treated with CMV were higher than those ofplants treated with other types of organic matter. In addition, seedling establishment of 2-year-old ginseng plants wasdecreased when it was compared to that of 1-year-old ginseng plants. Our results indicated that organic matter type and ratewere associated with seedling establishment, growth characteristic and ginsenoside content in greenhouse of ginseng direct-sowing culture.