Effect of actinomycetes on ginseng growth and production of ginsenosides

Ginseng root rot is a major root disease and result in serious economical losses. An increasing demand has caused a greater interest in soil microorganisms which are able to enhance plant nutrition, health and improve plant quality. The effect of inoculation with biocontrol actinomycetes on growth and ginsenoside contents of 4-year old ginseng seedlings was studied under field conditions. Growth parameters were enhanced slightly. Maximum increase was recorded (p = 0.05) in fresh weight of shoot estimated at 28.7%. No statistically significant increase was observed on ginsenoside production, but four kinds of ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rb1 and Rb2 per root were increased significantly, respectively. The contents of four kinds of examined ginsenosides per root showed range from 34.5 to 42.2%.