지황의 비대시기와 수확시기 구명 연구

Abstract

Background: There have been no studies to date on rhizome development and optimal harvest timing for Rehmannia glutinosa. We therefore, undertook this investigation.BR Methods and Results: R. glutinosa ‘Jihwang 1’ was sown in early May and harvested in early November. Growth investigations were carried out at intervals of 10 days between 90 and 180 days after sowing (DAS). Leaf length, leaf width, and number of leaves increased until 150 DAS but decreased after 160 DAS. Rhizome length increased until 120 DAS subsequently, rhizome diameter increased rapidly between 130 and 150 DAS. Thus, the key period for rhizome enlargement in R. glutinosa is thought to be 130 to 150 DAS. Fresh root yield increased sharply from 916 ㎏/10a to 1,914 ㎏/10a between 4 and 5 months after sowing (MAS). Dry matter ratio increased gradually from 19.2% at 4 MAS to 24.4% at 6 MAS. Finally, the level of catalpol, a key active ingredient, increased sharply from 0.41% to 4.21% between 5 and 6 MAS. Given the dry matter ratio, catalpol content and yield measured, we suggest that optimal R. glutinosa harvest time is 6 MAS.BR Conclusions: Based on our results, the key period for rhizome enlargement is 130 to 150 DAS and optimal harvest timing is 6 MAS. We anticipate that these and other results of this study can be used to inform cultivation of R. glutinosa.