The classification of the morphological characteristics of aerial vegetative tissues in a large germplasm collection of Korean Ginseng (panax sp.)

This study was conducted to clarify the morphological characteristics related to the qualitative characters of aerial vegetative tissues in a large collection of ginseng germplasms. A total of 380 germplasm lines collected from different regional sites of Korea were morphologically characterized in detail. We also characterized additional 18 lines that were generated by the mutagen MNU (N-methyl-N-nitrosourea) treatment to 'Gopoong' and 'Gumpoong' varieties. The color and shape of stem and leaflet of ginseng germplasms were divided into specific sub-categories. The stem color was divided into 5 classes such as light green, green, light purple, purple, dark purple colors. Anthocyanin expression was also determined based on the extent and distribution in stem and petiole. Four categories were observed for the shape of leaflets. We also characterized the appearance of cross-sectioned leaves and found 3 classes such as concave, plane and convex type. The leaflet color at senescence was divided into 5 classes such as yellow, brown, reddish brown, red, dark red. Our thorough investigation broadens genetic resources for ginseng breeding and provides useful information of morphological diversities in ginseng germplasms in South Korea. Morphological distinction established in this study will be applied in different germplasm collections.