2018 ASHS Annual Conference

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a fleshy root plant that has been used for millennia in Asian medicines. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is the North American cousin to the Asian species and both are members of the ivy family. Both the Asian and American species have been valued throughout history, and collected or cultivated for use. The demand for ginseng is highest in the Eastern markets. To meet this demand, both farmers and wild ginseng harvesters have increased output to leverage a growing far-eastern economy. Agricultural scientists have been researching methods to aid farmers in their production of American ginseng. The goals of this paper are (1) to summarize the research of several specialists into one coherent narrative; and (2) to give agricultural producers in Tennessee a working understanding of several variables that affect the growth and value of North American ginseng. By focusing on the wild simulated method, information from a diverse set of disciplines can be delivered to the public in a fashion that allows for its practical use. Also, switching production of ginseng for human consumption from harvesting dwindling wild sources to wild simulated methods can lessen harvest pressure on threatened populations.