Morphologisch-anatomische Untersuchungen an Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae) und die Bedeutung arbuskulärer Mycorrhizapilze im Ginsenganbau

The present PhD-Thesis deals with the morphology and anatomy of the Korean ginseng plant, Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer. The root system, leaves and fruits are described, just as the morphological and anatomical particularities and special features of different developmental stages (seed, embryo, seedling, one-year-old plants and older plants). It is shown, that conventionally used botanical terms do not deal with all aspects of plant anatomy or morphology. Germination experiments reveal, that modifiction of environmental determinants can be used for only slight shortening of natural occurring ginseng diaspore dormancy. But, these determinants were important for germination rates. Treatment with gibberillic acid also stimulates germination rates of Panax ginseng in a special way and reduces dormancy of ginseng diapores. The second part of the thesis focuses on the importance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in ginseng cultivation. Inoculation with 12 different AMF-isolates including the genera Glomus, Acaulospora and Gigaspora were succesful, but there are dependencies on inoculation procedures and plant age. The different AMF-isolates give rise to growth stimulation effects on several growth criterion. Most of the isolates enhance growth of the ginseng plants, but some are causing growth depression. Substrates at different nutrition regimes can modify growth stimulation additionally. Finally, the usefulness of AMF in ginseng cultivation is discussed.