Background : This study was carried out to introduce Atractylodes macrocephala as a new income element in Gangwon area and to develop the technology necessary for stable quality seedling production.
Methods and Results : For the production of high quality seedlings of Atractylodes macrocephala, seedling growth characteristics were investigated according to the types of plug cell size and seedling raising period. Atractylodes macrocephala seeds were sown on February 14, 2018 in 72, 105, 128, 162, and 200 plug trays. The emergence period after sowing was March 2, and the final occurrence rate was 76.6 - 79.5%. The number of days of emergence took 18 to 20 days from sowing date. Growth of seedlings tended to be better with less number of plug trays, such as seedling height, seedling width, leaf length, leaf width and leaf number. On the other hand, roots (net formation) increased rapidly as the number of plug trays increased. After 60 days, the matured seedling rate was good at 75.5 ± 8.4% for the 200 plug tray and 72.5 ± 4.1% for the 162 plug tray. The net formation ratio of matured seedling was the best in 60 days of seeding in 162 plug trays. The rooting rate was 98.0 ± 2.1 - 99.3 ± 1.2% when seeded for 60 days or more regardless of the type of plug tray.
Conclusion : In order to produce efficient and stable seedlings in the cultivation of Atractylodes macrocephala in Gangwon area, it was considered to be advantageous for 60 days of seedling settling in the plug trays of more than 162 and less than 200.