Lee, D., Go, B., Lee, C.-B., Kim, Y., & Kang, K.-S. (2025). Correlation between Morphological Characteristics of Panax ginseng and Environmental Factors at the Major Cultivation Sites. Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science, 114(1), 30–42. https://doi.org/10.14578/JKFS.2025.114.1.30
Abstract
Wild-simulated ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a valuable forest product containing pharmacologically active compounds, including ginsenosides. Standardizing and grading its quality requires understanding its morphological characteristics and the environmental factors influencing its growth across different regions. This study measured and compared the aboveground and underground morphological traits of 2-, 5-, and 8-year-old wild-simulated ginseng, along with environmental factors at major cultivation sites in Pyeongchang, Seosan, and Geochang, South Korea, to assess correlations between these traits and factors. Results showed that 2-year-old plants had the longest stems in Seosan, whereas stem diameter was greater in Pyeongchang and Geochang. For underground parts, rhizomes were longest in Pyeongchang, and roots were longer in Pyeongchang and Geochang. Root fresh weight was highest in Seosan for 2-year-old plants and in Pyeongchang and Geochang for 8-year-old plants. Seosan produced the longest seeds, whereas Pyeongchang yielded seeds with the highest fresh weight. Correlation analysis revealed a positive association between root fresh weight and both stem diameter (r = 0.79) and stem length (r = 0.79). Wild-simulated ginseng grown in colder climates developed longer rhizomes, and higher Na+ concentrations resulted in shorter roots. This research provides fundamental data for the standardization and quality management of wild-simulated ginseng.