Root Yields and Saikosaponin Contents Depending onPlanting Time and Cultivated Regions of Bupleurumfalcatum L.

Abstract

In order to decide the optimum planting time for Bupleurum falcatum L. which is grown widely in Korea, some experiments were carried out in different regions such as mid-north area (Gangwon-do, Gyeonggi-do and Chungcheongnamdo), mid-south area (Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do, Gyeongsangnam-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do). The mid-south area had the highest total saikosaponin contents of 1.001, which is the medicinal ingredients of Bupleurum falcatum L., in accordance with the different Bupleurum falcatum L. regions. Also this area has the highest extract contents of 24.3%. Average dry root yields in mid-north area (Gangwon-do) were 450~460㎏/㏊ at planting time of March 20th to March 30th, 500㎏/㏊ at the time of March 30th to April 10th, and 470~480㎏/㏊ at the time of March 10th to March 20th in Chungcheongnam-do. The optimum planting time in the mid-south area (Jeollabuk-do) was March 10th to March 30th with the average dry root yield of 490~550㎏/㏊. Average dry root yield in Euiseong, Gyeongsangbuk-do area was 470㎏/㏊, and the optimum planting time was April 10th, which suggested that the yield increased as the planting time was delayed. At Jeju-do, the volcanic soil of farsouthern area, average dry root yield was 510㎏/㏊ at the time of March 10th, but the yield from non-volcanic soil was lower than from volcanic soil, which had a dry root yield of 470㎏/㏊.