Background : This study was carried out to investigate the differences of growth characteristics, photosynthetic rate and ginsenoside content of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer according to the covering materials during house cultivation. Also the results of this study will be used as basic data for the standardization of ginseng house cultivation. Methods and Results : This experiment site was conducted from March to October, 2017 in the house located in Jinan - gun, Jeollabuk-do. The ginseng cultivar used in the experiment was a violet stem variant of 4-years-old. There are three kinds of covering materials used in the experiments: polyethylene (PE) film, scattering film, and blue-white film. PE film and the scattering film were first coated with 85% of light shielding net after the first installation, and then secondly coated with 75% and 30% of the light shielding net respectively in the middle of May when the house temperature reached 25℃. The blue-white film was cultivated after the initial installation without further treatment. The light transmittance of each covering materials were in the order of scattering film (14.5 ± 1.5%), blue-white film (10.0 ± 1.0%) and PE film (6.7 ± 1.0%). The average photosynthetic rate of each treatment was in the order of scattering film (2.94 μmol CO2/㎡/s), blue film (2.71 μmol CO2/㎡/s) and PE film (2.34 μmol CO2/㎡/s). Aboveground growth characteristics of ginseng were good in a scattering film and blue-white film. Root weights were found in the order of scattering film (47.1 g/plant) > blue-green film (41.3 g/plant) > PE film (37.6 g/plant). Conclusion : In order to select proper covering materials for ginseng house cultivation, the growth and photosynthetic characteristics of each treatment were compared with each other in order of scattering film, blue-white film and PE film. The photosynthetic rate of each treatment was measured according to the growing season. PE film was relatively low during the entire growth period. In the case of scattering film and blue-white film, the rate of photosynthesis was higher in the scattering film with high light transmittance until May, but showed a similar tendency after July. As a result, the difference in the growth characteristics of ginseng is thought to be due to differences in photosynthesis and assimilation according to the coating materials.

Background : This study was conducted to investigate the effect of inorganic compounds (germanium etc) on the characteristics of growth and ginsenoside contents in Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) cultivated in plastic houses. Methods and Results : The experiments were performed in the Jinan (elevation: 300 meters above sea level). Seedlings (n = 72 per 3.3㎡) of Korean ginseng cultivar were planted on March 23, 2015. Shading material of plastic house was blue-white vinyl. From May to September of each year, 500 and 1,000 times diluted solution of germanium and silicate and these mixed solutions were drenched once a month. The chemical properties of the soil are as follows : pH, EC, organic content, and P2O5 of the soil were within the proper range, and the Mg content of the Ex-cations was lower than the standard value in 3 treatments, including 500 times solution of silicate. The rate of photosynthesis in Korean ginseng leaves were 2.2 - 2.5 μmole CO2/㎡/s in germanium and silicate treatment than in the non-treatment (1.5 μmole CO2/㎡/s). In the mixed treatment of silicate and germanium, the growth characteristics of the aerial parts (leaf and stem) of the Korean ginseng plants tended to be higher and longer than the other treatments. In a mixed germanium and silicate treatment, the root length was 33.3 ㎝, diameter was 23.5 ㎜, and the weight was the best at 53.8 g. The ginsenoside content was 16.8 ㎎/g in germanium treatment, 16.3 ㎎/g in germanium + silicate treatment. These were 37% and 33% higher than the control, respectively. The incidence of disease such as Alternaria panax was less in the inorganic treatment than in the non-treatment, and the incidence of disease was significantly decreased in the treatment with germanium + silicate. Conclusion : By soil drench of inorganic ingredients in Korean ginseng plastic house cultivation, the growth of the aerial and root parts in ginseng were more improved than non-treatment and ginsenoside content was increased and decreased the incidence of disease.

Background: The cultivation of ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) in greenhouses could reduce the use of pesticides and result in higher yield; however, construction costs are problematic. The adaptation of direct-sowing culture in greenhouses could reduce the cost of ginseng production. Methods and Results: To improve seedling establishment in direct-sowing culture, effects of sowing density (SD), number of seeds sown per hole (SN), and thinning (TH) treatment on the root yield were investigated after 3 years of seeding. The emergence rate was significantly influenced by SD, but not by SN or TH. Damping-off and rusty roots increased with an increase in SN with diminishing effects of SN on seedling establishment. Root weight and diameter were affected by SD, SN, and TH, however, there were no statistical significances. The total number of roots harvested per unit area increased with increasing SD and SN, and the weight of roots was affected by SD, but not by SN or TH. Conclusions: Multi-seed sowing per hole and/or thinning might not be an efficient method for the direct-sowing culture of ginseng. The SD for direct seeding culture in greenhouses should be approximately 33 - 42 seeds/㎡ for an optimum yield of 3-year-old ginseng.

Background: The production method of ginseng seedlings for ginseng cultivation is very important to ensure healthy rooting system as well as high quality, and yield of the resultant plants. This study was carried out to compare the growth characteristics of 2- year-old ginseng plants that were produced from seedlings grown in self soil nursery (SSN), nursery soil (NS) or hydroponic culture (HC). Methods and Results: The shading prop used was composed of four-layered 4 polyethylene (blue 3 + black 1) shade screen. The management of main field was done by inserting oil cake (1,200 ㎏/10 a) and then allowing Sudan grass to grow for a year. Seedling transplantation was carried out on April 6. Root growth was measured on October 25. Root weight was observed to be excellent at 6.0 g, following SSN transplantation. Root length was 21.2 ㎝ for HC seedlings, but these plants had a physiological disorder (i.e., rusty root), in 83.5% plants of this treatment. The ratio of PD/PT (protopanaxadiol saponins / protopanaxatriol saponins) was higher in NS seedlings. Plant analysis revealed that Fe content was lower in HC seedlings with high rustiness. The growth of 2-years-old ginseng was different following these varying seedling cultivation methods, but seedlings from NS were not different from those grown in SSN. Conclusions: For the propagation of 2-year-old ginseng plants, NS seedlings may be a good substitute for SSN seedlings.

Background: Dehisced ginseng seeds need to be stored at cold temperatures for around 3 months to break their physiological dormancy, and thus, to aid in gemination. In the presence of high moisture in such an environment, seed spoilage and pre-germination may lower seed quality and productivity. To improve seed quality during cold-stratification, the effects of seed dehydration and temperature were tested. Methods and Results: In early December, dehisced ginseng seeds were dehydrated at 4 different levels and stored at 2℃- 2℃, and –20℃ for 3 months. Germination was carried out on the filter papers moistened with distilled water; emergence of root, shoot, and seed spoilage were assessed. Seed viability was examined by the tetrazolium test. More than 90% of the seeds stored at 2℃ and –2 ℃ without drying or endocarp dehydration germinated, but seeds that were dehydrated to have a moisture content (MC) below 31% showed poor germination and lost their viability. In addition, the seeds stored at –20℃ failed to show effective germination. Conclusions: Seed storage after endocarp dehydration might help to improve seed quality and increase seedling's ability to stand during the spring-sowing of ginseng.

Background : Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) is a perennial crop grown for more than 4 years in the same place. Therefore, it is highly affected by soil environment, especially nutrients on soil. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of application levels of nitrogen, phosphate, potassium on growth and soil chemical properties of ginseng. Methods and Results : 0, 1, 4, 8, 16, 32 ㎏/10 a of Urea, fused superphosphate, potassium chloride were each treated at 3.3 ㎡ of the field and ginseng cultivar 'Geumpoong' was transplanted. Growth characteristics were investigated by growth period and soil chemical properties were investigated every 3 months. As the levels of treated nitrogen increased, root weight increased from 0 ㎏/10 a to 4 ㎏/10 a and then decreased. Electrical conductivity (EC) and the NO3 content tended to increase as time goes by. As the levels of treated phosphate increased, the SPAD content increased. Soil analysis of October showed that the NO3 content of phosphate 32 ㎏/10 a treatment increased to 80.25 ㎎/㎏. In the case of potassium 32 ㎏/10 a treatment, the emergence rate was 74% and root weight was 2.06 g, which were the worst in all treatments. When the levels of treated potassium increased, the EC tended to increase gradually and the pH was decreased. Conclusion : These results indicate that the application levels of Nitrogen, phosphate, potassium influence growth of ginseng and soil chemical properties. Further research will be needed to establish appropriate standards of soil chemical properties for ginseng cultivation.

Background : This study was conducted to determine the optimal ginseng greenhouse shading material for minimizing heat injury and maximizing the yield of ginseng plants in an effort to develop a stable ginseng cultivation technology and contribute to popularizing ginseng greenhouse farming. Methods and Results : Three different types of greenhouse shading material were used: polyethylene (PE) film + black screen (95%), light scattering film + black screen (75%), and blue-white vinyl. Important experimental details were implemented in accordance with the Analysis Standard of Agricultural Test and Research set out by the Rural Development Administration. The average greenhouse temperature for the period of May through October was 20.0℃ under the PE film + black screen, 20.2℃under the light scattering film + black screen, and 19.7℃ under the blue/white vinyl. High average photosynthesis rates of ginseng plants were demonstrated by light scattering film+black screen (2.35 μmole CO2/㎡/s) and blue-white vinyl (2.38 μmole CO2/㎡/s), with the PE film + black screen showing a considerably lower photosynthesis rate (1.55 μmole CO2/㎡/s). Heat injury occurred in 0.3%, 10%, and 0.1% of the plants grown under the PE film + black screen, light scattering film + black screen, and blue-white vinyl, respectively. As for the roots, the blue-white vinyl outperformed the other shading materials in root length (25.7 ㎝), taproot length (5.9 ㎝), and the number of fine roots (23.2). The blue-hite vinyl also yielded the greatest root fresh weight (30.2 g), followed by the light scattering film + black screen (29.1 g), with the PE + black screen yielding by far inferior average weight (22.0 g). The highest crude saponin content was yielded by the light scattering film+black screen (16.61 ㎎/g), followed by blue-white vinyl (11.36 ㎎/g) and PE + black screen (11.0 ㎎/g). Conclusion : Comparing the effects of three different shading materials on greenhouse-cultivated 3-year-old ginseng plants, the blue/white vinyl outperformed two other shading materials in most of the growth characteristics, whereas the and the light scattering film + black screen yielded the highest ginsenoside content.

Background : Recently, some of the previous stuies reported that was useful technique on growth and yield of organically grown ginseng transplantation in a rain shelter greenhouse. This study was conducted to investigate the optimum method of greenhouse shading for ginseng(Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) cultivaton in the northern area of Ganwon, Korea. Methods and Results : We carried out to select optimal shade materials and light-penetrated ratio among polyethylene film with two-layered polyethylene net(PEF+PEN) and blue-white duplicated PE film(BWD-PEF) in the condition of greenhouse for ginseng cultivation. The order of light-penentrated ratio by shade meterials was PEN(75%)+PEF 〉 PEN(85%)+PEF 〉BWD-PEF(85%) 〉BWD-PEF(90%) and the order of air temperature was BWD-PEF(85%) 〉BWD-PEF(90%) 〉PEN+PEF(85%) 〉PEN+PEF(75%). The net photosynthetic rate was higher in PEN(75%)+PEF than other shading material treatments during growth season including summer high-temperature period. The root weight and yield were increased by 31.2~55.0% and 25.6~52.2%, respectively under PEN+PEF(75%) compared to other shading materials. Conclusion : We concluded that the PEN+PEF(75%) could be a good shading meterails of the greenhouse for organic 4-year-old ginseng cultivation in northern area of Gangwon, Korea.

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.

Background : Upon harvest in the summer, seeds of Panax ginseng are unmatured and need further maturation, dehiscence and cold-stratification, for germination. For the cold-stratification, the seeds should be stored in the cold temperature for 90-100 days, however no further description about the storage condition have been described even though there have been many problems in emergence rate and quality of ginseng in the spring-sowed filed. Methods and Results : Thus here we tested 3 different storage temperature(2℃, -2℃, and – 20℃) in combination of 4 different seed water content(59%, 54%, 31%, and 7%) as cold-stratification condition. After 100 days of storage, seeds were placed on the filter paper after watering with distilled water in the petri dish and incubated at 10℃. Fifty percent of seeds stored at 2℃ with 59% water content had already germinated even in the storage room before germination test. Seeds with 59% and 54% water content stored at 2℃ and –2℃ germinated in a similar rate, but emergence of above ground part was higher in the seeds with 54% water content. Seeds with 31% and 7% water content stored at 2℃ and –2℃ showed low germination rate, because of fail in stratification or death. Seeds stored at –20℃ scored even lower germination rate and fail in emergence of above ground part. Conclusion : Seed water content and temperature during the cold-stratification period of ginseng seeds affected on the seed viability and germination rate, thus control of seed water content and storage temperature might improve the emergence rate of spring-sowed ginseng filed.

Background : Recently, some ginseng has been greenhouse production within the purse of fresh vegetables. The chemical of bed soil is very important because this leads to the stabilization of production in ginseng cultivation. The objective was to investigate the effects of composition of bed soil type on the growth. Methods and Results : Bed soil was commercial bed soil to the control and compared bed soil in 5 types. Culture nutrient solution was modified from Korea Wonshi nutrient solutions. Nutrient solution supply system has been applied to sub-irrigation system. Light intensity and photoperiod were 100 μmol⋅m-2⋅s-1 and 16 h, respectively; and air temperature was maintained at 25 ± 5℃. Nutrient solution was supplied after transplantation 20 days. Soil sampling was investigated every 30 days, and shoot growth were investigated from 60 to 150 days. Bed soil analysis result, the content of NO3 and P2O5 were significantly changed after 60 days in all types soil. The quantity of NO3 and P2O5 decreased with increase growth period. Also, Growth of roots showed a large influence of the soil pH. Conclusion : Results for ginseng hydroponic culture will enable the production of stable soil environment and efficient ginseng fresh vegetables.

Background : In recent years, as the ginseng cultivation area using vinyl house is increasing, the demand of farmhouses for the studies of appropriate direct sowing cultivation and ginseng varieties for vinyl house cultivation is increasing, and there is a necessity to produce high quality clean ginseng in vinyl house in tandem with the consumers’ demand for pesticide-free ginseng. Thus, the goal of this research is to determine appropriate ridge height and width when growing ginseng in the vinyl house using direct sowing cropping system. The research was also done to choose ginseng breed for direct sowing cultivation. Methods and Results : The ground part of 4 years old ginseng grown in the vinyl house using direct-sowing cropping pattern was the type that grew well in 100 ㎝ wide ridge rather than 90 ㎝ wide ridge. It also tended to grow well in 20 ㎝ or 30 ㎝ long ridge as opposed to 10 ㎝ long ones. The root weight of the underground part was superior under 90 ㎝ × 20 ㎝(ridge height×ridge width), 90 ㎝ × 30 ㎝, 110 ㎝ × 10 ㎝ and 110 ㎝ × 20 ㎝ cultivation area. The root diameter was longer, the longer the ridge height. The volume per 1.62 ㎡ was superior for 100cm, 120 ㎝ × 10 ㎝ cultivation area. The ginseng whose ground part was superior in the vinyl house were Chungsun and Seonweon. Seonweon and Gumpoong had superior root weight in underground parts. The root length was superior for Geumsun. The ginseng that were direct sowing in the vinyl house did not have rusty ginseng problem regardless of ridge height and kind. The root injury was greatest in the cultivation area with ridge width of 90 ㎝. Conclusion : According to the results above, the growth in vinyl house using direct sowing cropping pattern was best when ridge width was 100㎝ and 110cm in ridge height of 30 ㎝. The best selection was Chunpoong and Seonweon. The root weight of the underground part was superior in 110 ㎝ × 10 ㎝ cultivation area, the best variety was Seonweon and Gumpoong.

Background: The photosynthetic efficiency cool-season, semi-shade ginseng is normal at low morning temperatures, but drops at high afternoon temperatures. Therefore, optimal plant performance would be ensured if it were possible to control daily light transmission rates (LTR). Methods and Results: Plants were grown in a controlled light environment that replicated 11 AM conditions and comparatively analyzed against plant grown under normal conditions. Growth in the controlled light environment resulted in a 2.81 fold increase in photosynthetic efficiency with no change in chlorophyll content, although LTR were high due to low morning temperatures. Increased aerial plant growth was observed in the ginseng plants adapted to the controlled light environment, which in turn influenced root weight. An 81% increase in fresh root weight (33.3 g per plant on average) was observed in 4-year-old ginseng plants grown in controlled light environment compared to the plants grown following conventional practices (18.4 g per plant on average). With regard to the inorganic composition of leaves of 4-year-old ginseng plants grown in controlled light environment, an increased in Fe content was observed, while Mn and Zn content decreased, and total ginsenoside content of roots increased 2.37 fold. Conclusions: Growth of ginseng under a favorable light environment, such as the condition which exist naturally at 11 AM and are suitable for the plant's photosynthetic activity creates the possibility of large scale production, excellent-quality ginseng.

Background: Electrical conductivity (EC) and pH are important features of nutrient solution, affecting both growth and quality of crops by altering nutrient uptake. Methods and Results: The pH values of nutrient solutions were controlled at 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5 and EC values were controlled at 0.68, 0.84, 1.23, 1.41 dS/m. Gingesng root weights were higher during the initial growth period when the plants were treated with low pH and low EC nutrient solutions. However, the higher pH and EC levels, the greater the increase in the rate of root weight between the initial and middle growth periods. The highest ginsenoside amount changed during growth period. The total ginsenoside amount was highest in the root, and the lowest in leaves at 45 and 90 days after treatment, respectively, with solution at a pH of 6.0. After 135 days of treatment, the highest total ginsenoside amount was detected in root treated with soluton with EC values of 1.23 dS/m. Conclusions: For the cultivation of ginseng using a nutriculture system, the pH and EC values of nutrient solutions should to be controlled based on the stage of growth and targeted plant organ (root or leaves).

Background : Green house hydroponic ginseng in the production cycle is shorter than the open field cultivation growers and attention. In particular, this part of the Aerial is a study on the active ingredients and contents. Ginseng has been focused on the past producing soil cultivation, producing hydroponic ginseng aerial part is known to have a high content of ginsenosides, and the active ingredient. Irrigation method, the culture soil and nutrient management are the impacts associated with the product's performance on ginseng growth. Ginseng growth stage is divided into five stages: emergence, foliation, root elongation, root enlargement and defoliation. because ginseng requires a water adjustment for each growth stage. It has been trying to control bottom surface irrigation and nutrient concentrations. Methods and Results : Ginseng seedling has been used for experiments to screen a healthy seedling of around 0.8g. Each of the seedling transplanted box was water supplied to the timer and the individual nozzle was 4ℓ amount per hour. All growth measures and sampling was carried out four times a seedling transplantation from 30 to 120 days. Soil sampling each time was a chemical analysis. In addition, the plant was used to analyze the ginsenosides. Conclusion : 12 of total ginsenosides ingredients were highest in the aerial part is 90 days, total ginsenosides of the 10 components in the root part was the highest in 30 days. The results were different this ginsenosides content from time to time, there were differences with previous reports. Results are shown to be due to the difference in the cultivation method and environment.

Background : An important feature of the nutrient solution is that they affect not only the growth but also quality of crops by changing nutrient uptake, especially due to changes of EC in nutrient solution. This study was carried out to investigate effect of EC in nutrient solution on growth and ginsenoside of ginseng. Methods and Results : EC in nutrient solution was controlled with 0.68, 0.84, 1.23, 1.41 dS/m. The root weight of ginseng treated by low EC levels in nutrient solution was higher during the initial of growth. However, the higher EC levels, the more increased the change rate of root weight from the initial to the middle of growth. The highest amount of ginsenoside was changed by growth period. Although the total amount of ginsenoside in root is highest treated by EC 0.68 dS/m at 45 days after treatment. the total amount of ginsenoside in root is highest treated by EC 1.23 dS/m at 135 days after treatment. Conclusions : EC in nutrient solution should to be controlled depending on the stage of growth and the part of use, i.e. root and leaves, when ginseng is cultivated through nutri-culture.

Background : Boron (B) is an essential element required for the growth of plant. It has a narrow range of optimal concentration from minimum to maximum thresholds than other micro-elements. The study was carried out to investigate to the influence of B excess concentrations on physiological disorder of leaf, growth and mineral concentration of ginseng to obtain basic information for physiological disorder diagnose. Methods and Results : The ginseng cultivar ‘Gumpoong’ was cultivated by hydroponic system for 2 months. The toxicity symptoms which ginseng leaves were curved downwardly and induced to chlorosis after beginning to dry the edge appeared on leaves more than 30 ppm compared to the control(3 ppm). The growth of ginseng was more decreased with higher B concentration. Mn uptake was also decreased as B concentration increased. It was found that B excess hindered the growth of ginseng and was reversely related to Mn uptake. Conclusions : More than B 30 ppm can negatively affect growth and mineral uptake. Consequently, B excess can occur physiological disorder of ginseng.

Background : For increasing saponin content of ginseng cultivated in shaded plastic house, this study was performed to investigate growth characteristics and saponin content of ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer) according to foliar spray of germanium and water-soluble silicates processing. Methods and Results : Used a native species in this study is violet-stem variant that most commonly cultivated in ginseng’s farms. 1-year-old violet-stem variant was transplanted on March 24, 2015 and planting distance was 11 × 20 cm. Shading material of plastic house was used blue-white shading vinyl. The processing method of inorganic dissolved matter is as follows, we were diluted with germanium and water-soluble silicates to 500-fold, 1000-fold and investigated after foliar spray twice a month from May to September. The growth characteristics in above-ground part of 2-year-old ginseng was a good in the inorganic matters treatment compared to the control treatment, the difference of above-ground growth characteristics between the inorganic dissolved matters treatments was not significant. The growth characteristics in under-ground part of 2-year-old ginseng was a good in the inorganic matter treatments and root weight per plant in the 500-fold dilution of germanium was 12.4 g that increased by 29 % compared to the control (9.6 g). Crude saponin content of under-ground part was higher generally in inorganic matter treatments compared to the control (11.53 ㎎/g). In the 1000-fold dilution of water-soluble silicate and germanium (50:50), crude saponin content was the highest in 12.91 ㎎/g. Crude saponin content of above-ground part was higher generally in inorganic matter treatments compared to the control (61.76 ㎎/g). In the 1000-fold dilution of water-soluble silicate and germanium (50:50), crude saponin content was the highest in 65.69 ㎎/g. Conclusion : From the above results, we concluded that germanium and water-soluble silicates could be useful matters in promoting growth characteristics and saponin content of ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer).