Root Yield and Saikosaponin Content in Local Strains of Bupleurum falcatum L.

Six local strains collected in Korea and one cultivar (Samdo) introduced from Japan were applied for comparative cultivation to investigate growth characteristics, root yield potentials and saikosaponin contents of root in Bupleurum falcatum L. The one and two year old plants of the native local strains flowered in August 2~3 and July 16~18, respectively, whereas Samdo was late flowering type, being delayed by 18~32days and sustained the growth of above ground parts to the end of November. All the native local strains have similiar characteristics but Samdo was completely different in plant and root type. Local strain collected from Chunchon showed better in growth and root characteristics, consequently resulting high yield of dry roots and saikosaponin contents in both one and two year old plants. The average yield of two year cultivation system was 2.6 times high as 105Kg /10a, compared with that of one year.