ALLELOPATHIC EFFECT OF GINSENOSIDE RD ON GINSENG SEEDS AND SEEDLINGS

This study evaluated the physiological and ecological activities of (ginsenoside Rd, G-Rd) in ginseng seeds and seedlings. The effects of different concentrations (2, 1, 0.5, 0.25 mg L-1) of G-Rd on the growth and development of ginseng seeds into seedlings were investigated. G-Rd had an allelopathic on the germination of ginseng seeds and increased the fresh weight of ginseng seedlings, both effects increasing with increasing concentrations. After G-Rd treatment, the antioxidant enzyme activities in young ginseng roots were lower than in the control group. Regarding antioxidant enzyme activities, the SOD, POD and CAT activities were higher than in the control group at low G-Rd treatment concentrations and significantly lower after treatment at high G-Rd concentrations (P < 0.05). The MDA content increased with increasing G-Rd treatment concentration. Regarding plant hormones, a low concentration of G-Rd could increase the GA content which decreased the ABA and IAA level, while high concentrations of G-Rd decreased the GA and IAA contents and increased the ABA content in the meantime. The allelopathic of different concentrations of G-Rd on ginseng seed germination, seedling growth and plant development were different. In short, G-Rd was proved to have a significant allelopathic activity.