ISHS Acta Horticulturae 523: XXV International Horticultural Congress, Part 13: New and Specialized Crops and Products, Botanic Gardens and Human-Horticulture Relationship
THE INFLUENCE OF SOIL PREPARATION, SEEDLING RATES AND ORGANIC MULCH ON THE PRODUCTION OF WOODS-CULTIVATED GINSENG |
| Authors: | P. Charest, M. Dorais, L. Gauthier, S. Khanizadeh |
| Keywords: | Ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, mulch, plant density, soil, woods-cultivated root |
| Abstract:
North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) has long been recognized as a valuable horticultural crop because of the properties of its roots for both herbal and medicinal purposes. The wild root is generally described as having the highest quality. Unfortunately, over-harvesting and inappropritae management in the 1800's have led to its decline. Today, ginseng production can be divided in three distinct categories: 1- wild simulated root, 2- woods-cultivated root, and 3- field-cultivated root. The aims of this study were to compare different treatments in natural forests and in pesticide and chemical free environments in order to produce high quality roots. To achieve this goal, three soil preperations (1- wild simulated, 2- tillage, and 3- preparation of beds), tree kinds of organic mulch (1- forest floor, 2- deciduous leaves, and 3- wood chips/leaves), and three plant densities (20 to 35 kg per ha) were studied. The effects of these treatments on germination rate, plant growth, mortality and root morphology were analysed. Our results have shown that mulch type has an effect on plant mortality, whereas soil preperation (tillage and bed preperation) improved the germination rate and growth of ginseng seedlings. Plant density had no significant effect for the first year of growth. Data will be discussed in terms of improved crop management and plant growth. | |
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