Background: Ginseng produced by hydroponics can be cultivated without using agricultural chemicals; thus, it can be used as a raw materials for functional foods, medicines, and cosmetics. This study aimed to determine the optimal harvesting time to obtain the highest levels of ginsenoside and ginseng, as this was not previously unknown. Methods and Results: One-year-old organic ginseng seedlings were transplanted and cultivated using hydroponics for 150 days in a venlo-type greenhouse, using ginseng nursery bed soil and a nutrient solution (NO3 −-N; 6.165, P; 3.525, K; 5.625, Ca; 4.365, Mg; 5.085, S; 5.31 mEq/ℓ). Ginsenoside content and fresh and dry weights were higher at 120 days after transplanting than at 30, 60, 90, and 150 days. Total ginsenoside content was 11.86 times higher in the leaf and stem than in the root at 120 days after transplanting. Ginsenosides F1, F2, F3, and F5 were detected in ginseng leaves and stems. These chemical compounds are known to be effective in altering skin properties, including whitening, anti-inflammation, and anti-aging. Conclusions: Optimal harvesting time for ginseng cultivated using hydroponics was 120 days after transplanting when the biomass and ginsenoside content were highest.

Background : This study was performed to investigate change in OnjisaponinB contents of Polygala tenuifolia depending on drying methods. Methods and Results : For this study, 5-years-old Polygala tenuifolia local cultivars from RDA(Eumseong) were used. Before starting to drying, root was shade-dried for 3 days and separated with the lead. Next, two types of drying methods conducted; natural drying and hot air drying. Hot air drying was controlled at 40℃, 50℃, 60℃ and 70℃ and checked with every 3 hours. Dried root from market was used as control group. The water content of raw root was about 52.04%. When it started to dry, the contents of it significantly decreased. The dried roots from market were 6.25 - 6.84%. To be under 7% of water contents, 6 hours of drying was enough in natural drying methods and 40℃, 50℃hot air drying methods. In case of 60℃, 70℃ hot air drying methods, it took under 3 hours. The OnjisaponinB contents of raw root was 0.53%. The dried root from market had 0.74% of onjisaponinB. During the drying, the contents of OnjisaponinB changed depending on the drying methods. Hot air drying method had more effect on OnjisaponinB contents than natural drying method. Conclusion : From the above results, we may suggest that natural drying methods was enough to drop the water content of Polygala tenuifolia. Because during pre-treatment steps including shade-drying and separating lead, much of water contents already decreased and became easy to lose water. However to get more OnjisaponinB, hot air drying methods can beneficial than natural drying methods.

Backgoound : Various varieties of Schisandra chinensis (Omija) are grown in various regions of Korea. However, there is no study on varieties with excellent efficacy for each variety. Therefore, in this study, it is aimed to select the excellent lineage by analyzing the active compounds of Omija collection species Methods and Results : 154 lineage of Omija was collected from Muju of Jeollabuk-do, Jangsu of Jeollabuk-do and Hoengseong of Gangwon-do. They were cultivated in test-research farm in Rural Development Administration at Eumseong of Chungcheongbuk-do and used as materials. In order to analyze the active compounds (Shizandrin A, Shizandrin C, Gomisin A, Gomisin N) in Omija, the HPLC method described in the Korean Pharmacopoeia (compounds of Omija indicator) was used. As a result of analysis of functional compounds, SC-003, SC-005, SC-013, SC-015, SC-019, SC-020, SC-022, SC-023, SC-040, SC-042, SC-045, SC-066, SC-069 and SC-072 were collected from Jangsu, Jeollabuk-do, SC-082 was collected from Hoengseong, Gangwon-do and SC-139 was collected from Muju, Jeollabuk-do showed higher contents of functional compounds than other collected species. Conclusion : As demand for high income crop has increased, new cultivar breeding is required to produce high quality Schisandra chinensis (Omija). In this study, Shisandra A, Shizandrin C, Gomisin A and Gomisin N were analyzed as functional compounds of Omija. They can be used for new Omija breeding. Especially SC-003, SC-019, SC-022, SC-040, SC-045, SC-069 and SC-082 can be superior lineags with high functional compound contents.

Background : Recently, there is a urgent demand for development of new varieties with enhanced resistance to various biotic/abiotic stresses. In order to develop ginseng varieties with such traits, systematic breeding program and comprehensive field studies are prerequisite. Methods and Results : ‘Jinwon' seeds were collected in 2003 from the farmer field of Pocheon. Physiological investigation and propagation were conducted from 2008 to 2010. It was given the name 'Eumseong No. 11 through the observed yield trial from 2011 to 2013 and local adaptability was carried out from 2014 to 2017. All phenotypes including agronomic characteristics, seed yield, and physiological response to biotic/abiotic stresses were investigated according to the ginseng GAP and UPOV guidelines. Red leaf and red berry at maturing stage were observed. The time of emergence, flowering and berry maturity of the ‘Jinwon’ were faster than those of ‘Chunpoong’. Stem length of ‘Jinwon’ was longer than that of ‘Chunpoong’, whereas stem diameter was thicker than that of ‘Chunpoong’. Main root length was similar but main root diameter is thicker than that of ‘Chunpoong’. The yield performance of this variety was 576 ㎏/10 a in local adaptability test for two years, which is 9% higher than that of ‘Chunpoong’. ‘Jinwon’ showed strong resistance at high temperatures. Conclusion : Our study demonstrated that ‘Jinwon’ is an ideal variety with heavier root weight and enhanced stress resistance and contribute will enhance biotic/abiotic stress resistance and increase the farmers' income.

Background : This study aimed to investigate the effect of elevated temperature by climate change on growth and ginsenoside contents of Korean ginseng, which requires low temperature during growth period. Methods and Results : Yunpoong was transplanted in temperature gradient chamber (TGC) for high temperature treatment and then growth characteristics and ginsenoside contents were investigated by growth period. Stem length, petiole length, leaf length and leaf width were increased as the temperature was higher than Ambient Temperature (Amb), but stalk diameter was decreased and small petiole length, number of petiole and leaf were no significant difference. Root growth, whereas, including length diameter and weight were decreased as the temperature was higher than Amb. Compared with Amb, root length, diameter and weight were decreased by 19.6%, 22.4% and 41.5% at Amb+6, respectively. The higher the temperatures are associated with the more ginsenoside contents. Compared to Amb, total ginsenoside contents were increased by 68% and 78% at Amb+4℃ and Amb+6℃, respectively. Almost all contents of individual ginsenoside, with the exception of Rg1, made a significant difference. Conclusion : When temperatures rises during growth period, the growth of ginseng was decreased but, ginsenoside contents were increased.

Background : Curcuma longa L., is a very famous spice and medicinal herb in several countries of the world. Curcumin and volatile oils of C. longa improve hepatic and renal functions, and could be used against biliary disorders, diabetic and hepatic disorders. This medicinal plant was introduced for the regional promotion, Jeollanam-do, as the subtropic area in Korea. In the present study, the plant was introduced to the Jeollanam-do region of Korea with the aim to determine the optimal planting densities for growth characteristics, yield and curcumin contents which have not been reported up until now. Methods and Results : The field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of Division of Traditional Korean Medicine Resource, NIKOM, Jangheung-gun, Jeollanam-do, Korea. The seedstock was planted at 40×20cm, 40×30cm and 40×40cm spacing with 3 replications. Nine plants were selected randomly for observations on growth characteristics such as plant height, stem diameter, leaves number, leaves area and to dry weight at days after transplanting (DAT) 90, 120 and 150. The dried samples of plant were stored in air tight polythene bags at room temperature for HPLC analysis of curcumin, which was undertaken following standard procedures. Top plant growth was observed in the 40×30cm planting density of C. longa, plant height, leaves number, leaves area and day shoot weight were larger than in the other treatments. Root length, root diameter and supporting roots of underground part were increased as planting density was wide, and dry root weight was increased in 40×30cm. However, yield and curcumin constituent was highest each 294 kg/10a and 68.7 mg/g in the planting density of 40×20cm. Conclusion : Based on the results of this study, planting density of 40×20cm is the most suitable in the cultivation and curcumin constituents of C. longa.

Background : Yam absorbs nutrition and water through water absorptive root generated from head of rhizome. Round-shaped yam (RSY, Dioscorea opposita) and tropical round-shaped yam (TRSY, Dioscorea alata)are more sensitive to drought because of shorter head of rhizome and shallower root compared to long yam or short yam. This study was conducted to elucidate the effect of irrigation on RSY and TRSY yam at 205 in Institute of Bioresources Research, GBARES. Methods and Results : Tuber of RSY and TRSY were cut as 40 g, and dust-coating sterilized with lime. Seedlings were grown in heating wire installed seed bed from 25. March to 16. April. Experimental field were fertilized 2,000 kg compost, 34 kg N2, 28 kg P2O5, and 28 kg K2O. All amount of compost and P2O5 treated as basal fertilizer. N2 and K2O treated 14 and 10 kg of basal fertilizer, and 20 and 18 kg of additional fertilizer, respectively. Tillage, installation of drop-watering tapes, and covering black PE film with 60×25 cm spacing holes on 120 cm row were conducted. 20 L per m2 was irrigated 7 days interval except rainy day from middle of May to late of September. RSY had high emergence rate in early stage due to irrigation, while TRSY had no difference. Irrigation was not effective on total number of tuber but number of marketable tuber (over 200 g). Marketable tuber yield of RSY according to irrigation was increased 89% as 1,147 kg per 10 a. And tuber with irrigation was 73 g heavier. Tuber yield and marketable tuber yield of TRSY as affected by irrigation were respectively 2,611 and 1,715 kg per 10 a compared to control, 1,462 and 428 kg. And irrigated tuber was 66 g heavier. Conclusion : TRSY had more effective on irrigation than RSY. Both of yam had significant increased marketable tuber yield due to irrigation. Therefore RSY and TRSY are necessarily irrigated because of those absorptive characteristics, short head of tuber and shallow root.

This study was performed to investigate the effects of enhanced light transmission on plant growth, photosynthetic ability, and disease tolerance to leaf blight, anthracnose in ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, Araliacease family) during the early growth stage (April to June). The photosynthetic ratio, stomatal conductance, and stem diameter of plants grown under a shade net with 15% light transmission rate showed an increasing trend compared to the control plants (5% light transmission rate) although the growth of the aerial parts were not influenced significantly. Plant height, stem length, and leaf length of treated plants were not significantly different from those of the control plants. Root parameters, such as root length, diameter, and weight of treated plants increased significantly compared to the control. Yield performance (187.4 ㎏• 10 a−1) of treated plants was 55.5% higher than that of the control (150.4 ㎏• 10 a−1). Additionally, disease severity scores of treated plants were lower than those of the control plants, revealing higher survival rates. To retain high yield potential and enhance the level of disease tolerance in ginseng, we suggest the increase of light transmission rate during the early growth stage.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of sowing density, number of seeds sown per hole, andthinning treatment on growth characteristics and disease occurrence in Panax ginseng under direct sowing cultivation in ablue plastic greenhouse. Seedling were grown from 2 or 3 seeds sown, and the healthiest was only retained, while the restwere thinned out at the foliation stage. NO3-N, P2O5, and organic matter content differed significantly between growthconditions in the plastic greenhouse and in conventional shade in the soil. Disease also tended to be higher in the conven-tional shade than in the plastic greenhouse. Plant height and stem length showed an increasing trend with increasing sowingdensity and number of seeds sown per hole. However, these measures noticeably decreased when thinning treatment wasconducted. Growth of the subterranean part of ginseng was not markedly influenced by sowing density, the number of seedssown per hole, or thinning treatment. Root weight, which is an important factor in yield, was significantly affected by thenumber of seeds sown and thinning treatment. Interestingly, root weight tended to be higher in the thinning treatment plotthan the untreated control plot. Damping-off and root rot increased noticeably as the number of seeds sown increased. Dis-ease also tended to be substantially higher in the thinning treatment plot than the untreated control. However, physiologicaldisorder of the plants did not vary with sowing density, the number of seeds sown, or thinning treatment.

This study was carried out to investigate the difference of the content of soil chemical components and growthcharacteristics in six years old ginseng affected by application of decomposing plant residues in paddy-converted field. Theresults show that aerial parts of ginseng are no difference between press cake (PC) 200㎏/10a and control but subterraneanparts of ginseng PC 200㎏/10a, especially quantity related root fresh weight and tap root diameter, are statically about 1.6times heavier and about 1.2 times thicker than the ginseng control. Furthermore, the survival rate of PC 200㎏/10a is67.1% rise significantly compare with the control 50.7%. But compared with the PC 200㎏/10a and the PC 400㎏/10a,ginseng root growth and survival rate of PC 400㎏/10a get worse and that increase physiological disorder occurrence ratethan PC 200㎏/10a. Even though there are no significant differences between the ginseng of decomposing plant residuesexcept press cake treatment and the ginseng of control in growth characteristics, it does tend to increase the survival rateand decrease the physiological disorder occurrence rate in most fertilizer treatment except for RSC 2ton/10a, RSC 4ton/10a and RH 4kL/10a. Noted that EC is highly increased and exceeded 1.7ds/m in RSC 2ton/10a, RSC 4ton/10a and RH4kL/10a. It would be caused physiological disorder in many ways and affected ginseng growth characteristics, survival rate.

To study the cause of physiological disorder in leaf of ginseng cultivated at paddy soil, the degree of brown-colored symptom (BCS) and the contents of inorganic matter in leaf were investigated by irrigating the solution of ferric andferrous iron of 0.1~2.0%, and citric acid of 1.0~4.0% on bed soil, respectively. Ratio of BCS by variety was as high as85.0% in Yoenpoong, while it was as low as 5.4%, 7.5% in Chunpoong and Hwangsook, respectively. The contents ofinorganic matter of leaf in Yoenpoong were lower in P₂O5, Ca, and Mg, while it were higher in K, Fe, and Mn than othervariety. Iron solution caused BCS more distinctly when each ferric and ferrous iron were dissolved with 1.0% citric acidthan when each iron was dissolved without citric acid. Ferric iron caused BCS more effectively than ferrous iron. BCSoccurred in 4.0% citric acid was as same as 2.0% ferric iron mixed with 1.0% citric acid. Low P₂O5 and high Fe content inleaf appeared in both of artificial and natural symptoms. We concluded that excessive Fe uptake caused BCS to leaf becausethe solubility of iron was increased in condition of low soil pH.