A survey was conducted during April~May 2004 to determine the occurrence and population density of plant-parasitic nematodes in ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) growing fields, in major ginseng growing regions of Chungbuk, Chungnam, Gyeongbuk and Kyongki provinces. The survey revealed presence of eleven species of plant-parasitic nematodes namely, Criconemoides morgensis, Ditylenchus destructor, Helicotylenchus dihystera, Meloidogyne incognita, M. hapla, Paratylencgus lepidus, Pratylenchus penetrans, Psilenchus hilarulus, Trichodorus similis, Tylenchorhynchus claytoni and Xiphinema americanum. Frequency and density of each species were highly variable. M. incognita and M. hapla were the predominant species, their infestation observed in 46.3 and 39.4% fields with an average density of 78~254 and 76~211 nematodes per 300 cm3 soil, respectively. Whereas, T. similis and X. americanum were rarely observed; only in 2.3 and 1.8% of surveyed fields and their density was 10~17 and 7~10 individuals per 300 cm3 soil, respectively. They are recorded herewith for the first time from ginseng fields of Korea. In nematode-infestated fields, stunted plant growth with chlorotic leaves, and wilted plants were observed in patches.

• Ki-Chae Chung
• So-Deuk Park
• Zakaullah Khan
• Bok-Jin Kim