Background : Adenophora triphylla var japonica is a perennial herb that belongs to Campanulaceae. Radix Adenophorae is a dried rhizome of A. triphylla and same genus plant. It has contains chemicals such as cycloartenyl acetate, lupenone, β-sitosterol, taraxerone, octacosanoic acid, and praeruptorin A. Radix Adenophorae considered to be effective regulating humoral and cellular immunity, antimutation, restraining adenocarcinoma cell, strengthening cardiac function, allaying a fever, and easing pain and cough. In this study, we tried to establish a mass production system of A. triphylla which has high economic value as a medicinal herb by plant tissue culture in order to cultivate standard varieties. Methods and Results : In this study, A. triphylla internode was used as a explant and it was surface sterilized by 1% sodium hypochlorite for 5 minutes, consequently several times washed with ddH2O. Further it was placed in to MS medium including with axillary bud. The 1/2MS, B5, SH was used in this research. And the plant growth regulator of 0.1 - 2 ㎎/ℓ auxins (NAA, IBA) and cytokines (BA) were used respectively to achieve multiple shoots. The whole study was carried out in the department of Herbal crop research, Eumseong, RDA. Conclusion : In this study we obtained, 6.2 multi-shoots per an explant, and the shoot growth was also favorable in the presence of 1.0 ㎎/ℓ BA and 1.0 ㎎/ℓ IBA.

Background : Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort is a perennial herb of the Umbelliferae family and an important traditional oriental medicinal plant. The compounds contained in L. chuanxiong can be divided into five kinds, essential oil, alkaloids, phenolic acids, phthalide lactones, and other constituents. These compounds have cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects, antioxidants, neuroprotection, anti-fibrinolytic, antidotes, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. In this study, we anticipated to establish the in vitro propagation system of L. chuanxiong, which is a high economic value as medicinal herb, by plant tissue culture to solve the problem of root stocks contamination. Methods and Results : The whole study was carried out in the department of Herbal crop research, Eumseong, RDA. In this study, L. chuanxiong nodes was used as an explant and it was surface sterilized by 2% sodium hypochlorite for 1 minutes, then washed with ddH2O several times. Further the surface sterilized nodes were placed on MS basal media. Multiple shoots were induced on MS, SH, WPM media with 0.1 - 2 ㎎/ℓ auxin (NAA, IBA) and cytokine (BA). In this study we obtained 4.6 multi-shoots per an explant, and growth of the shoot was also favorable in the presence of 1.0 ㎎/ℓ BA. Subsequent transfer of these regenerated shoots on 1/2 MS media resulted in root formation. The rooted plantlets were able to grow in soil after 3 weeks of acclimatization. Conclusion : The optimal conditions for in vitro propagation of L. chuanxiong were established through this experiment.

Background : Astragalus membranaceus belonging to the family of Leguminosae have been utilized as a traditional medicine. The aim of this study is to elucidate the basic information for breeding to superior Astragalus membranaceus cultivar. Methods and Results : Selection lines were developed by the medicinal crop breeding team of National Institute of Horticulture and Herbal Science (NIHHS), Rural Development Administration (RDA). The root of A. membranaceus lines were harvested in late October 2017. Calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside and calycosin were anlyzed by HPLC. The root yield of six selection lines were increased 8.9 - 74.8% compared with ‘Aseong’ (check variety). Also, the plant height of seven selection lines were shorter than ‘Aseong’. The calycosin–7-O-β -d-glucoside content was higher in six selection lines than ‘Aseong’. The calycosin content was higher in all selection lines except 1 line (1508 - 03) than that of ‘Aseong’. Conclusion : Three superior lines with short height and high yield were selected. These superior lines will conduct advanced yield trial to make varieties.

Background : Rehmannia glutinosa is a perennial herb belonging to family Scrophulariaceae. This study was breeding of R. glutinosa cultivar with insect tolerance and high-yielding. Methods and Results : ‘Chunggang’ is developed by the medicinal crop breeding team of National Institute of Horticulture and Herbal Science (NIHHS), Rural Development Administration (RDA), during the period from 2005 to 2017. The reproduction of Rehmannia glutinosa has been accomplished mainly by vegetative propagation with its seedlings. This cultivar was selected from seedling of RG10. The plant type of Chungang is some rising from ground. Regional yield trials conducted at three site from 2016 to 2017. The root yield of ‘Chunggang’ was 22.3 ton per hectare, which was increased 11% compared with ‘Jihwang 1’ (check variety). Also, ‘Chunggang’ has higher insect tolerance compared with ‘Jihwang 1’. Conclusion : ‘Chunggang’ is a insect tolerance and high-yielding Rehmannia glutinosa cultivar.

Background : Rehmannia glutinosa is a perennial herb belonging to family Scrophulariaceae. This study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness through seedling cultivation of R. glutinosa. Methods and Results : The root of R. glutinosa cultivar (Jihwang 1) was harvested in the middle of March. Seed rhizomes were seedling after air curing for three days. And seed rhizomes were plug seedlings for 30 days (30D), 45 days (45D) and 60 days (60D) then planted in the test field. Mat formation rate in 30D, 45D and 60D was 81.3, 100 and 100% respectively. Flowering occurred only in 45D and 60D except 30D. Flowering rate of 45D and 60D were 7.3 ± 3.06 and 13.3 ± 1.15%. Agronomic characteristics were evaluated in comparison with ND (directly seeded group). As a results, aerial parts of 30D in plant height, leaf length and leaf width were better than other treatment group but the number of leaf per plant was statistically the same. Also, root shape was similar when comparing ND and seedling groups. Conclusion : Taken together, it is thought that the cultivation of R. glutinosa. seedlings is possible. However, further evaluation of the economic aspect is needed.

Background : Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) is a perennial plant found in East Asian countries and an crucial medicinal herb especially in Korea. It contains several chemicals like pyranocoumarins, which are major active components including decursin (D) and decursinol angelate (DA), essential oils and polyacetylenes. This study was carried out to determine the change in active components depending on the root diameter of AGN. Methods and Results : Several processing steps are involved to use AGN roots as medicine. The dried AGN roots are divided into body (B), thick root (TkR), medium root (MR) and thin root (TnR) according to their diameter before cutting into medicine. Among them, B and TkR are mainly used as medicine. The mean diameter of dried each root part (B, TkR, MR, TnR) were measured as 51.95, 7.05, 2.88, and 1.57 ㎜, respectively. The water content of each root part was slightly reduced depending on the size of the diameter (higher in B). In addition, the two active components, D and DA, were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. The change of both D and DA content showed a similar tendency. Both D and DA content were increased as the root diameter decreased (higher in TnR). Conclusion : This study showed that the thinner the root diameter, the higher the D and DA content in AGN roots, suggesting that the thinner root parts of AGN could be used as potential materials.

Background : Platycodon grandiflorum has been used as famous medicinal vegetable and traditional medicine in Korea. Platycodon grandiflorum is used more for vegetable than it is used as a medicine. Proper storage conditons are required for distribution of Platycodon grandiflorum as vegetables. The purpose of this study was to find the appropriate storage temperature. Methods and Results : 2-years old Platycodon grandiflorum cultivated in Herbal Crop Research, RDA Eumseong was used. They were packed with plastic container box of 45 × 70 × 30 ㎝ and then stored at –2℃, 2℃, 5℃, 25℃, humidity 80 - 82%. During the storage, hardness, L a b values, weight loss, decay rate were measured every 30 days as quality indices. During the storage period, L value decreased but a and b values increased and same pattern was observed at all storage temperatures. Hardness decreased and same pattern was also observed at all storage temperature. Under constant humidity conditions, weight loss was larger at higher temperature. The higher the temperature, the larger the deviation at weight loss. There were little decay but 25℃ temperature stored showed that dacay rate was higher with time over. Conclusion : The favorable temperature for storage is –2℃ - 2℃ while maintaining constant humidity.

Background : Cnidium officinale Makino is a perennial herb of the family Umbelliferae, and an important traditional oriental medicinal plant in China, Japan and Korea. Cnidii Rhizoma, the dried rhizome of C. officinale have been used as traditional oriental medicine in Korea. It has been shown that the cnidii rhizomes are used in the treatment of pain, inflammation, menstrual disturbance, and anti-vitamin deficiency disease, and also act as a blood pressure depressant. In this study, we anticipated to establish the mass propagation system of C. officinale, which is a high economic value as medicinal herb, by plant tissue culture to solve the problem of root stocks contamination. Methods and Results : The whole study was carried out in the department of Herbal crop research, Eumseong, RDA. In this study, C. officinale root bud was used as a explant and it was surface sterilized by 1% sodium hypochlorite for 3 minutes, then several times washed with ddH2O. Multiple shoots were induction them on MS, B5, SH media with 0.1 - 2 ㎎/ℓ auxin (NAA, IBA) and cytokine (BA, Zeatin). In this study we obtained, 7.4 multi-shoots per an explant, and the shoot growth was also favorable in the presence of 0.2 ㎎/ℓ Zeatin. Subsequent transfer of these regenerated shoots on 1/2 SH media resulted in root formation. Rooted plantlets were able to grow in soil after a short period of acclimatization. Conclusion : This experiment was comducted to identify the optimal in vitro propagation condition of C. officinale.

Background : Rehmannia glutinosa belonging to the family of Scrophulariaceae have been utilized as a traditional medicine. This study was conducted to elucidate an effect of air curing for seed rhizome of R. glutinosa on storaging ability and yield. Methods and Results : The root of R. glutinosa cultivar (Dagang) was harvested in the end of November. Seed rhizomes were air curing for one to seven days then wrapped with newspaper and further stored in a plastic container box at 1℃. The weight loss and decay rates were significantly lower in seed air curing treatment than in untreated. Especially, the decay rate of control was approximately 50% at 120 days after storage. But, the decay rate of all air curing treatment groups was less than 1%. Also air curing led to an increase in germination rate of seeds and root yield compared with untreatment. Taken together, the best air curing treatment period was 3 days, under the that conditions, germination rate and yield were 88.7% and 2,185 ㎏/10 a, respectively. Conclusion : This study has successfully demonstrated that the air curing of rhizome as a seeds led to considerable increasement of both storaging ability and yield in R. glutinosa.

Background: Some plants have harmful effects on fungi and bacteria as well as other plants. Incorporating such plant into soil as green manure is effective in reducing population densities of soil pathogens. Methods and Results: Twenty-three species of green manure crops were cultivated after the harvest of 6-year-old ginseng and then incorporated into the soil at the flowering stage. The following year, the root rot ratio of 2-year-old ginseng and soil chemical properties were investigated. In the absence of green manure addition, the NO3 content, electric conductivity (EC), and K content decreased by 95%, 79% and 65%, respectively. In the presence of green manure addition, P2O5 and NO3 contents reduced by 41% and 25%, respectively. The “survived root ratio” of 2-year-old ginseng significantly increased by 56.2%, 47.5%, and 47.3%, in the Sorghum sudanense, Ricinus communis and Helianthus tuberosus treatment, respectively. In addition, there was a significant increase in the “survived root ratio” in the Secale cereale, Chrysanthemum morifolium, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Smallanthus sonchifolius treatments. The “survived root ratio” of ginseng showed a significant positive correlation with the soil pH and a negative correlation with the NO3 contents, and EC. Conclusions: Cultivation of plant form the Chrysanthemum family as green manure, using mainly the rhizomes was effective for the control of root rot disease of ginseng.

Background : Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is one of the most important medicinal plants in Korea, but its yields are often reduced by a variety of root pathogens. The root rot of ginseng is a destructive soil-borne disease caused by Cylindrocarpon destructans (teleomorph: Ilyonectria radicicola). To monitor contamination with C. destructans in ginseng harvested in 2015 were sampled from 57 different growing fields. The spore number of C. destructans was quantified by use of a specific primers and selective media (radicicol) in soils of ginseng fields. Methods and Results : The ginseng samples were surface-sterilized and placed on potato dextrose agar plates for 7 day incubation at 20℃. Emerging fungal colonies were counted primarily based on colony and conidia morphology. Further species level identification was confirmed by ITS rDNA sequencing. For quantification of the soil-borne C. destructans, the genomic DNA was extracted from the soil using a NucleoSpin soil kit (MN, Germany). Density of C. destructans was determined by species specific real time PCR (qPCR). The qPCR was completed by running a melting curve analysis. Conclusion : The C. destructans associated with root rot disease of ginseng were detected in more than 60% in pyeongtaek-1, pochenon-1, jecheon-1, chungju-1 and jinan-4. As results of the study, the correlation between pathogen density and identification clearly clarified in the soil.

Background: Crop rotation plays an important role in improving soil chemical properties, minimizing the presence of disease pathogens, and assists in neutralizing autotoxic effects associated with allelochemicals. Methods and Results: Five rotation crops of sudan grass, soybean, peanut, sweet potato, and perilla were cultivated for one year with an aim to reduce yield losses caused by repeated cropping of ginseng. In 2-year-old ginseng grown in the same soil as a previous ginseng crop, stem length and leaf area were reduced by 30%, and root weight per plant was reduced by 56%. Crop rotation resulted in a significant decrease in electrical conductivity, NO3, and P2O5 content of the soil, whereas organic matter, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, and Zn content remained-unchanged. Soil K content was increased following crop rotation with sudan grass and peanut only. Rotation with all alternate crops increased subsequent ginseng aerial plant biomass, whereas root weight per plant significantly increased following crop rotation with perilla only. A significant positive correlation was observed between root rot ration and soil K content, and a significant negative correlation was observed between ginseng root yield and the abundance of actinomycetes. Crop rotation affected the soil microbial community by increasing gram negative microbes, the ratio of aerobic microbes, and total microbial biomass whereas decreases were observed in actinomycetes and the ration of saturated fatty acids. Conclusions: In soil exhibiting crop failure following replanting, crop rotation for one year promoted both soil microbial activity and subsequent ginseng aerial plant biomass, but did not ameliorate the occurrence of root rot disease.