Muscle strength and endurance activities of Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer; KG) were compared with those of wild simulated cultivation ginseng (WCG) in mice. Fifty male ICR mice were divided into five groups: A (vehicle); B (WCG 100 mg/kg); C (WCG 500 mg/kg); D (KG 100 mg/kg); E (KG 500 mg/kg). Subsequently, the mice were subjected to the forced swimming test (FST) and treadmill test at the 4th and 7th weeks. The glycogen content in the muscle and blood analysis (levels of glucose, triglyceride (TG), IGF-1) were also performed immediately after the last FST and treadmill test at the 7th week. Immobility times in FST were shorter in WCG- than KG-treated groups, and the results of the treadmill tests were also significant except for KG-treated at 100 mg/kg. The glycogen content was increased in both groups with a peak at 500 mg/kg of WCG groups. Serum concentrations of TG and glucose were decreased by administration of KG and WCG and all treated groups showed increase in the level of IGF-1 in serum. These results suggest that KG and WCG supplementations are effective in escalating the muscle strength and endurance.

For QTL analysis of agronomic traits based on cultivation of low and high altitude locations, BC1 F5 181 lines were developed from a cross of Tongil type Gayabyeo and japonica Chhomrong originated from Nepal. Plant materials were grown in both of low altitude area of Milyang, Korea and high altitude area of Khumaltar, Nepal. In QTLs analysis, a total of 42 QTLs were detected in days to flowering, culm length, panicle length, number of panicles/hill, panicle exertion, and spikelet ripening ratio. Although many of the QTLs were coincided between the two locations of Korea and Nepal, several QTLs were revealed as location specific in high altitude area of Khumaltar. Especially, the regions harboring marker RM489-RM14281 on chromo- some 3, RM5642-RM19049 on chromosome 5, and RM2854-RM6696 on chromosome 12 where QTLs were clustered and coincided between the two locations are considered as positive target regions for environmental independent traits. Furthermore, high rate of location specific QTLs such as panicle exertion and spikelet ripening ratio could be considered carefully for understanding the mechanism of cold tolerance based on cultivation of different altitude location.