'Kowon', a New Korean Ginseng Cultivars with High Yield and Alternaria Blight Resistance

Recently, there has been increased attention to the development of new plant cultivars with enhanced resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. To develop ginseng cultivars with such traits, systematic breeding programs and comprehensive field studies are prerequisites. In this study, we applied a pure-line selection method to identify a ginseng cultivar with enhanced stress resistance. Phenotypic and agronomic characteristics, seed yield, and physiological responses to biotic and abiotic stresses were investigated according to the guidelines of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). In the newly developed 'Kowon' cultivar, the time of emergence, flowering, and berry maturity were intermediate between those of the controls, 'Yunpoong' and 'Chunpoong'. The stem length of 'Kowon' was intermediate, whereas the root length was shorter and the main root diameter was greater than those of 'Chunpoong'. In local adaptability tests conducted in three regions, the yield of 'Kowon' was 666 kg.10a(-1); 27% and 4% higher than that of 'Chunpoong' and 'Yunpoong'. Diseases such as Alternaria blight, Phytophthora blight, mulberry mealybug, and nematode infestation did not occur in 'Kowon'; and it also exhibited moderate resistance to damping-off and anthracnose. In these cases, yellow spots occurred on aerial parts and the rusty skin of the root, and it exhibited moderate resistance at high temperatures. Our study demonstrates that 'Kowon', which has a high root weight and enhanced biotic/abiotic stress resistance, is a superior cultivar that could increase farmers' income.