EFFECTS OF HYDROPONIC ENVIRONMENT TO THE GROWTH OF KOREAN GINSENG

Abstract

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng/Asian ginseng belong to the family Araliaceae) is reported as a rare and reputable herb in the world. Some valuable components of Korean gingseng include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, saponins, amino acids and proteins. Nevertheless, low quality and bioactive activity of Korean ginseng is identified when it is exported to Vietnam and other countries in the world. In this study, the authors investigate the influence of nutrition of hydroponic environment on the root growth of Korean gingseng to establish the same ecological and nutritional conditions as the local Korean Ginseng. It aims to improve the quality of ginseng grown in Vietnam. We used a substrate (MS + 30 g/l glucose + 150 ml/l coconut water) combined with several nutrients: TC-Mobi, Hydro Umatv, Growmore, Hyponex or Bio-Life, pH = 5.6-5.8. The obtained results showed that the potent hydroponic environment for Korean ginseng root growth was MS + 30 g/L glucose + 150 ml/L coconut water, pH 5.6-5.8 following the addition of 3 ml/L of Bio-Life and 2 g/L of KaCl. It could increase the weight of Korean ginseng root up to 7.93 folds.