We investigated the effects on ginseng adventitious root growth and ginsenoside production when macro-element concentrations and nitrogen source were manipulated in the culture media. Biomass growth was greatest in the medium supplemented with 0.5-str...
We investigated the effects on ginseng adventitious root growth and ginsenoside production when macro-element concentrations and nitrogen source were manipulated in the culture media. Biomass growth was greatest in the medium supplemented with 0.5-strength NH_4PO_3, whereas ginsenoside accumulation was highest (9.90㎎ g^-1 DW) in the absence of NH_4PO_3. At levels of 1.0-strength KNO_3, root growth was maximum, but a 2.0 strength of KNO_3 led to the greatest ginsenoside content (9.85㎎ g^-1). High concentrations of MgSO_4 were most favorable for both root growth and ginsenoside accumulation (up to 8.89㎎ g^-1 DW). Root growth and ginsenoside content also increased in proportion to the concentration of CaCl_2 in the medium, with the greatest accumulation of ginsenoside (8.91㎎ g^-1 DW) occurring at a 2.0 strength. The NH_4^+/NO_3^- ratio also influenced adventitious root growth and ginsenoside production; both parameters were greater when the NO_3^- concentration was higher than that of NH_4^+. Maximum root growth was achieved at an NH_4^+/NO_3^- ratio of 7.19/18.50, while ginsenoside production was greatest (83.37㎎ L^-1) when NO_3^- was used as the sole N source.