Background : The purpose of this study was to establish the optimum organic compost composition and fertilizer application for nutrient management during the cultivation of Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) in the greenhouse. Methods and Results : Wood chips, popped rice hulls, and mixed expeller cake were mixed with certain contents, fermented microorganisms were added, and fermented for about 100 days to produce organic composts. Organic compost was applied to the greenhouse soils at a rate of 1,500 – 3,000 ㎏/10 a, and the Korean ginseng seedlings were planted (2015) and cultivated. The growth and quality characteristics of 4-years-old Korean ginseng were investigated as follows. In all treatments, the emergence date were April 17, and the emergence rate were 70 - 74%. Soil chemical properties such as pH (6.7 - 6.8) and trace element Ca (7.9 - 9.2 cmol+/㎏) were higher than the standard values, and EC, P2O5 and OM were appropriate. Disease incidence rate were less than 0.2% in the control (treatments of livestock manure compost 1,500 ㎏/10 a) and treatment 3 (wood chips 60% + popped rice hulls 40%), but there were no disease in other treatments. Plant growth such as plant height, leaf length, and stem diameter were superior to treatment 1 (wood chips 20% + popped rice hulls 80%), and growth of underground part such as root length were excellent in treatment 1 as a whole. In particular, in the application of 1,500 - 2,000 ㎏ of treatment 1, root weight (39.9 g, 42.3 g/plant, respectively) were superior to the other treatments. In general, as woodchip content and usage amount increase, root weight tended to decrease. Conclusion : It is considered appropriate to apply 1,500 - 2,000 ㎏/10 a of fermented compost of organic material which is mixed with wood chips (20%) and popped rice hulls (80%) with mixed expeller cake when growing Korean ginseng in the plastic house covered with blue-white vinyl.

Background : Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer belong to Panax species Araliaceae and a perennial plants. It grows in Far East Asia such as the Maritime province in Russia, the Manchuria reg ion of China, and the Korean peninsula. Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer is cultivated by seed sow ing or transplanting-culture, but seedling standing rate is as low as 50%. Therefore, it is impo rtant to increase seedling standing rate. This study was performed to research of plug-seedling cultivation techniques of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer for increase of seedling standing rate. Methods and Results : Testing material, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer seed, was sown on 5 kin ds of seedling trays (72, 105, 128, 162, 200 cells) in the middle of February 2016. It was gr own in the seedling green house in medicinal plant resources research department of Gyeongs angnam-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services. Four months after sowing, the seedli ng growth characteristics such as seedling standing rate and seedling withering rate were inves tigated. After transplanting in the mountain area of Hamyang-gun, growth characteristics of the root length, root weight, and other factors were investigated at the beginning of November. A s a result, seedling standing rates were 50.1% to 56.2% and seedling withering rates were 25. 2% to 35.9%. Among the five ports, the seedling standing rate of 105 cells and 72 cells was 56.2% and 55.7%, which were higher than others. In the case of 105 cells, however, seedling withering rate was 35.1% higher than that of 72 cells. Seedling leaf length and width were lo nger at 72, 105, 128 cells than at 162, 200 cells and seedling root length, root fresh weight and shoot fresh weight were the highest at 72 cells. Roughly, the more tray cells, the less se edling growth. After harvesting, among the five ports, root fresh weight and root dry weight per 1 hill of 128 cells were 0.36 g and 0.11 g, respectively, which were higher than those of other cells. Conclusion : The growth characteristics of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer considering the seedling standing rate and seedling withering rate, among the five ports, 72 cells was most suitable. A mong the five ports, considering root fresh weight and root dry weight after harvesting, 128 c ells was most suitable.

Background: Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer is wood-cultivated ginseng (WCG) in Korea which depends on an artificial forest growth method. To produce this type of ginseng, various P. ginseng cultivars can be used. To obtain a WCG similar to wild ginseng (WG), this method is usually performed in a mountain using seeds or seedlings of cultivated ginseng (CG) and WG. Recently, the WCG industry is suffering a problem in that Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen or Panax quinquefolium L. are being sold as WCG Korean market; These morphological similarities have created confusion among customers. Methods and Results: WCG samples were collected from five areas in Korea. After polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using the primer pair labeled with fluorescence dye (FAM, NED, PET, or VIC), fragment analysis were performed. PCR products were separated by capillary electrophoresis with an ABI 3730 DNA analyzer. From the results, WCG cultivated in Korea showed very diverse genetic background. Conclusions: In this study, we tried to develop a method to discriminate between WCG, P. notoginseng or P. quinquefolium using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Furthermore, we analyzed the genetic diversity of WCG collected from five cultivation areas in Korea.

Background: This study was conducted to acquire basic information on the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the germplasm of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer collected from China and Korea, and identify the variations that can be utilized in ginseng breeding programs. Methods and Results: Quantitative parameters were evaluated, and used to compare and analyze on genetic polymorphisms in the germplasm. The genetic characteristics and classifications were compared and analyzed for each character. Stem length followed a normal frequency distribution ranging from 15.5 ㎝ to 40.5 ㎝, with showing approximately 40% having a stem length of 20 - 30 ㎜. Stem diameters ranged from 2.7 ㎜ to 11.3 ㎜. Stem number per plant ranged from 1 to 3; approximately 50% had a single stem, and 45% had two stems. A non-normal frequency distribution was observed for petiole number, with approximately 60% of the germplasm having 3 - 5 petioles. Petiole length exhibited a normal frequency distribution, raging from 4.5 to 10.6. Petiole angle in the germplasm ranged from 28° to 89° and seedstalk length ranged from 5.6 ㎝ to 27.3 ㎝. Conclusions: The genetic polymorphisms identified by complete linkage clustering based on the quantitative characteristics of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer collected from Korea and China were classified to 6 groups, namely I, II, III, IV, V, and VI with frequencies of 6.7%, 20.0%, 31.7%, 8.3%, 6.7%, and 26.7%, respectively.

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.

This study was conducted to examine the antioxidant activities and physiological activities of mixture extracts (Liriope platyphylla, Schizandra chinensis and Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) with different extraction mixing ratios (MEC, 2:1:1; ME1, 1:2:1; ME2, 1:1:2; ME3, 1.34:1.33:1.33). The yield of extracts ranged from 25.33 to 33.87%. The total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents of ME1 extracts were 1.01 g/100 g, 0.07 g/100 g, respectively. The total sugar contents of MEC extract was 22.83 g/100 g, respectively. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities of ME1 extracts at 1,000 μg/mL were 26.79% and 21.08%. The superoxide radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power of ME1 extracts at 1,000 μg/mL were 67.83% and 295.47 μM, respectively. The functionalities of extracts were investigated with L-132 and RAW264.7 cell lines. The extracts on different mixing ratios did not show the toxicity on L-132 and RAW264.7 cell line in 100-2,500 μg/mL. The ME1 extract of 1,000 μg/mL performed better than other extracts protective effects against oxidative stess in L-132 cells (81.22%) and the ME2 extract at 1,000 μg/mL decreased nitric oxide production by 7.48 μM which was more potent than other extracts. There results suggest that the ME1 extracts may be a useful functional food material in the food industry.

Background : Although ginseng has various bioactive compounds in it, there is lack of study on the variations of bioactive compounds in ginseng according to the cultivation soil and the applied fertilizer types (or amount). Therefore, this study aims to examine the variations of 37 fatty acids (FA) and 8 vitamin E (Vit-E) vitamers in 6-year-old ginseng root cultivated in different soil types with different fertilizers regimes. Methods and Results : The profiling of 37 FAs and 8 Vit-E vitamers in 6-year-old ginseng roots was measured by gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector, and then these results were statistically analyzed with chemometrics. The FA and Vit-E content in ginseng roots varied significantly with respect to soil cultivation conditions due to organic fertilizer types and amounts used. Unsaturated FA in ginseng is approximately 2.7 fold higher than the saturated FA. Linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids were the most abundant FAs found in the ginseng roots. Also, the major Vit-E vitamer found in ginseng root is α-tocopherol. In particular, the application of rice straw compost or food waste fertilizer was increased to create nutritionally desirable FAs and bioactive Vit-E in ginseng root. In addition, phytonutrient profiling coupled with chemometrics can be used to discriminate the cultivation conditions of ginseng. Conclusion : This study extends our understanding about the variations of FA and Vit-E in ginseng root depending on cultivation conditions. Hence, these results can be useful as basic information for reliable ginseng production containing high amounts of phytonutrients in a paddy-converted field.

Background : This study aimed to identify the mechanisms of the antinociceptive effects of PG in the fibromyalgia (FM)-like animal model. Methods and Results : To assess the possible effect of PG on FM symptoms, we constructed a FM animal model induced by intermittent cold stress with slight modification. All mice underwent nociceptive assays using electronic von Frey anesthesiometer and Hargreaves equipment. To assess the relation between PG and the expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB), western blotting and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed. In behavioral analysis, nociception tests showed that the pain threshold was significantly decreased in the FM group compared to control group. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses of the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus showed downregulation of BDNF and p-CREB proteins in the FM group compared to control group. PG recovered these changes at behavioral tests and protein level. These results provide evidence that the effects of PG extract in the FM model may be related to its modulating effect on the BDNF signaling pathway in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex. Conclusion : Our animal model may be involved in the mechanism by which PG extract is effective as a therapeutic agent for FM.

Background : In this study, a total of 46 breeding lines consisting of native ginseng collections from Geumsan was analyzed and clustered for the selection of Geumsan native ginseng in Korea using DNA markers. Methods and Results : We collected 46 Ginseng breeding lines from Geumsan : GS97-25 - GS00-58. Analyses of the genetic characteristics of the collection were conducted for extraction gDNA using sprout. 46 Ginseng breeding lines from Geumsan could be identified polymorphism using the selected 5 primer. We determained that the 46 breeding lines analyzed could be classified into 5 groups with similartiy value of 0.77 in dendrogram derived from the cluster analysis based on STS-markers. Group 4, which is the largest one, contained 19 collertions (41%). Conclusion : These finding could be used for morphological and genetic characteristics for produced native ginseng in Geumsan area. Futhermore, We could be used diverse genetic resources for Ginseng breeding.

Background : This experiment was conducted to select suitable industrial crop after Panax ginseng cultivation under the greenhouse in the middle area. Methods and Results : This experiment was conducted in greenhouse of Chungbuk Agricultural Research Service and extension services from 2015 and 2016 years. Ginseng grown four years in greenhouse. After cropping of Panax ginseng was transplanted Cynanchum wilfordii, Platycodon grandiflorm, Dioscorea opposita, and Codonopsis lanceolata. Non-cultivated field that were grown sesame. Cynanchum wilfordii, Platycodon grandiflorm, and Codonopsis lanceolata was collected in the Chungbuk area and Dioscorea opposita was collected in Andong-si. Each industrial crop after panax ginseng cultivation under the greenhouse was sowing from late April to early May 2015 years. The growth and yield of crop examined in the experiment were good on the whole except Codonopsis lanceolata without disease due to continuous cropping of Panax ginseng. The yield of Cynanchum wilfordii, Platycodon grandiflorm, Dioscorea opposita, and Codonopsis lanceolata was 803kg, 1,393kg, 1031kg, 412kg per 10a respectively, and the every decline yield index was by 1%, 8%, 12%, and 31% respectively. The proper crop in after cropping of Panax ginseng was cynanchum wilfordii, which was yielded 1,393kg per 10a by fresh tuber and it was 1% decline compared to the non-cultivated field. Conclusion : In this study, Cynanchum wilfordii, Platycodon grandiflorm, Dioscorea opposita was recommended as a crop after Panax ginseng cultivation under the greenhouse in the middle area.

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 : The geographical origin of Panax ginseng Meyer, a valuable medicinal plant, is important to both ginseng producers and consumers in the context of economic profit and human health benefits. We therefore aimed to discriminate between the cultivation regions of ginseng using the stable isotope ratios of C, N, O, and S, which are abundant bio-elements in living organisms. Methods and Results : The C, N, O, and S stable isotope ratios were measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometer, and then these isotope ratios profiling was statistically analyzed with chemometrics. The various isotope ratios found in Panax ginseng roots were significantly influenced by region, cultivar, and the interactions between these two factors (P ≤ 0.0002). In particular, δ18O was lower in ginseng roots grown at high altitudes (r = −0.47), while δ34S was higher in ginseng roots grown close to coastal areas (r = −0.48). Chemometric results provided discrimination between the majorities of different cultivation regions. Conclusion : Our case study extends the understanding about the variation of C, N, O, and S stable isotope ratios in ginseng root depending on cultivation region. Hence, the analysis of stable isotope ratios is a suitable tool for discrimination between the regional origins of ginseng samples from Korea, with potential application to other countries.

Background : This study was carried out to investigate the changes of the growth of ginseng in the house when the light intensity was increased. Three shading screens were used: shading materials 85%, 77%, and 55% net. Changes in the growth of ginseng and the quality of red ginseng were investigated in these shading materials. Methods and Results : The test site was a three house constructed in the Punggi Ginseng Research Institute, Gyeongsangbuk - do Agricultural Research and Extension Services. The entrance to the house is located east-west, and the structure is double steel frame. The inside of the house is covered with vinyl, and 85%, 75%, 55% shading net is installed for each shading treatment. From the end of June to the middle of August, a 55% shading net was double covered to reduce the high temperature damage. The test material was grafted on March 20, 2013. The management of the irrigation water was from 30 kPa to 10 kPa. The aM-21A data log of Wise Sensing Co., Ltd. was used to measure the cultivation environment in the house. Photosynthesis was measured using Lci Compact Photosyntheisi System, adc, UK. Surveys were carried out in accordance with the inspection standards of the Rural Development Administration. The data were analyzed statistically using SPSS. Conclusion : The summer temperature of shading method was more than 2℃ higher than other treatments in 55% shading treatment and more than 6℃ in autumn. The light intensity of 90 μmol/s/㎡ was lower than that of August, and the light intensity was higher than 400 μmol at the end of September. The 55% shading method showed twice as much light in summer and more than four times in autumn. The amount of photosynthesis increased due to the light intensity of 55% treatment, especially in the morning of May. In the light of shading method, 85% light shading method showed the best growth at 2 years, but 55% at 3 years and more, and 5 years at 5 years.

Background : This study is designed to select the best shading materials for the 4-year old ginseng K-1 variety by examining the light volume, photosynthesis and growth characteristics of ginseng. Methods and Results : The ginseng seedling was transplanted in the 7 lines x 9 rows (63 plants)/ 1.65 ㎡. The shading materials were installed in the form of rear line with 170 ㎝ high for front pole and 100 ㎝ high for rear pole. The installation of shading materials were installed in combination of polyethylene, blue polyethylene sheet + polyethylene, polyethylene + polyethylene, polyethylene + aluminium screen 70%, polyethylene + aluminium screen 100%, aluminium shade plate to inspect the photosynthesis and ginseng's growth characteristics. The photosynthetic rate was measured on the middle of small leaf using the photosynthetic tester (L1-6400, Li-COR) a t 10 : 00 – 14 : 00 on a clear day with the light volume of 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1,000, 1,400, 1,800 μmol s-1m-2.For the ginseng K-1, which is 4-years old, the aerial parts growth (such as survival rate, height of plant, length of stem, diameter of steam and length of leaf) and underground part (length, diameter and weight of root) were examined in 2016. As for the PAR (photosynthetically active radiation), the aluminum shade plate showed the best performance while the polyethylene + polyethylene showed the least. As for the photosynthetic rate, the following order was shown in the decreasing order: blue polyethylene sheet + polyethylene > polyethylene > aluminium shade plate ≒ polyethylene + aluminium screen 100%, > polyethylene + polyethylene > polyethylene + aluminium screen 70%. As for the survival rate for 4-year old ginseng, the polyethylene + aluminium screen 70% showed the highest survival rate with 91.0%. As for the growth of aerial part of ginseng, the polyethylene and polyethylene + polyethylene showed the best growth. As for the underground part of ginseng, the polyethylene, blue polyethylene sheet + polyethylene, and polyethylene + polyethylene showed the best growth in the length of roots and length of main root while polyethylene and blue polyethylene sheet + polyethylene showed the best growth in the weight of roots. Conclusion : In conclusion, considering the characteristics of photosynthesis and the underground parts of ginseng, it was found that the best shading materials for K-1 4-year old ginseng is blue polyethylene sheet + polyethylene.

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 : Despite the presence of various bioactive compounds in ginseng, there is lack of study on the variations of bioactive compounds in ginseng according to the cultivation of soil and the applied fertilizer types (or amount). Therefore, this study aims to examine the variations of 37 fatty acids (FA) and 8 vitamin E (Vit-E) vitamers in 6-year-old ginseng root cultivated in different soil types with different fertilizers regimes. Methods and Results : The profiling of 37 FAs and 8 Vit-E vitamers in 6-year-old ginseng roots was measured by gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector, and then these results were statistically analyzed with chemometrics. The FA and Vit-E content in ginseng roots varied significantly with respect to soil cultivation conditions due to organic fertilizer types and amounts used. Unsaturated FA in ginseng is approximately 2.7 fold higher than the saturated FA. Linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids were the most abundant FAs found in the ginseng roots. Also, the major Vit-E vitamer found in ginseng root is α -tocopherol. In particular, the application of rice straw compost or food waste fertilizer was increased to create nutritionally-desirable FAs and bioactive Vit-E in ginseng root. In addition, phytonutrient profiling coupled with chemometrics can be used to discriminate the cultivation conditions of ginseng. Conclusion : This preliminary study extends our understanding about the variations of FA and Vit-E in ginseng root depending on cultivation conditions. Hence, these results can be useful as basic information for reliable ginseng production containing high amounts of phytonutrients in a paddy-converted field.