Changes of Major Components and Growth Characteristics According to Harvesting Times of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge

Abstract

Background : This study examined the effect of harvesting time on the growth, yield characteristics, and major beneficial components in Salvia miltiorrhiza. Methods and Results : Although plant height, stem diameter and branch length were not affected by harvesting time, the number of stems was highest when harvested in mid October. There were no differences in root length and thickness, however, the rhizome was thicker when it was harvested at the end of October or early November than when it was harvested in early and mid October. The dried root weight also showed a similar pattern. However, there was a statistically significant increase to 408 kg (16%) in the rhizome weight when in late October and a rise to 455 kg (29%) when harvested in early November. Harvest time had little effect on the content of the major component of S. miltiorrhiza. For example, salvianolic acid content rose from 9.42 to 9.64% with later harvest times, and tanshinone content was tended to be slightly more increased in mid October which S. miltiorrhiza has 0.22% tanshinon than in early October. Conclusions : According to these results, the optimum harvest time for S. miltiorrhiza is early November when plant or major component yields are hightest. There were no significant harvest time effects on the major beneficial components.