Growth Rate and Nutrient Content Changes of Humulus japonicus

The growth pattern and the seasonal changes in nutrient contents of Humulus japonicus were investigated. Stem length of H. japonicus reached the maximum from 240 to 260 Julian date and the median value was found at 255 Julian date. The maximum leaf area was observed from 235 to 248 Julian date and the median value was at 240 Julian date. The maximum growth rate of the stem length ranged from 205 to 227 Julian date. The leaf area showed the maximum growth rate from 196 to 214 Julian date. The median date in the growth rate of the stem length and leaf area was 212 and 205 Julian date, respectively. The growth rate of H. japonicus was related to rainy season and precipitation. Phosphorus and sodium contents of H. japonicus were correlated with maximum potential rate of relative growth. Although stem biomass of H. japonicus was $ 1.5{\sim}3.5$ times larger than that of leaf, N content of the leaf ($4.48{\sim}5.27%$) was about 2 times higher than that of the stem ($2.00{\sim}3.62%$). High content of N might be responsible for the high growth rate of H. japonicus in summer. This result provides valuable information for appropriate timing for the removal of H. japonicus.