Effect of Seed Dehydration and Temperature during Cold-Stratification on the Seed Quality of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer

Background: Dehisced ginseng seeds need to be stored at cold temperatures for around 3 months to break their physiological dormancy, and thus, to aid in gemination. In the presence of high moisture in such an environment, seed spoilage and pre-germination may lower seed quality and productivity. To improve seed quality during cold-stratification, the effects of seed dehydration and temperature were tested. Methods and Results: In early December, dehisced ginseng seeds were dehydrated at 4 different levels and stored at $2^{\circ}C$ $-2^{\circ}C$, and $-20^{\circ}C$ for 3 months. Germination was carried out on the filter papers moistened with distilled water; emergence of root, shoot, and seed spoilage were assessed. Seed viability was examined by the tetrazolium test. More than 90% of the seeds stored at $2^{\circ}C$ and $-2^{\circ}C$ without drying or endocarp dehydration germinated, but seeds that were dehydrated to have a moisture content (MC) below 31% showed poor germination and lost their viability. In addition, the seeds stored at $-20^{\circ}C$ failed to show effective germination. Conclusions: Seed storage after endocarp dehydration might help to improve seed quality and increase seedling's ability to stand during the spring-sowing of ginseng.

인삼 종자의 생리적 휴면타파기간 중 건조처리 및 저장온도가 종자 건전성에 미치는 영향