• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.65 no.1
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• pp.63-71
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to analyze the growth characteristics of perilla according to the materials of the seedbed for the development of seedling plug technology suitable for the mechanical transplantation of perilla. Perilla (Perilla frutescens var. japonica Hara) cultivars Deulsaem and Sodam were used in this experiment. The composition ratios of 170 products from 16 companies published in the 'Korean Association of Seedbed Media' homepage were compared according to usage and type, and 11 products that corresponded to the average were selected. The seedbed was classified according to the seedbed for paddy rice as light-weight, semi-weight, and weight, and based on the seedbed for horticulture, as light-weight and ultra-light. The seedlings were placed in 72-cell (semi-automatic), 128-cell (automatic) and 220-cell (automatic) plug trays. We selected 2 light-weight seedbeds of paddy rice and 2 light-weight seedbeds of horticultural products with the highest plant growth. We analyzed plant height and mat formation of the perilla roots. Results showed that the perilla height and mat formation were the best in light-weight seedbeds of paddy rice (product R1). Therefore, light-weight seedbeds of rice (product R1) were suitable for perilla plant transplantation. The estimated major components were vermiculite 41.0%, cocopeat 31.0%, peat moss 5.7%, and red-yellow soil 20.0%. The mechanical transplantation of perilla significantly boosts plant growth and reduces sowing and thinning efforts. However, continuous evaluation of newly introduced, commercial seedbeds is needed.