soil of panax ginseng in china

Root rot, predominantly caused by Fusarium oxysporum, is a widespread disease in ginseng production leading to significant yield losses. Although chemical pesticides can control F. oxysporum, they typically result in environmental pollution and pesticide residues. This study aimed to identify an herbal medicine for developing botanical pesticide, by testing the extracts of 13 herbs for their efficacy against F. oxysporum using the mycelium growth rate method. Various parameters, including agronomic characteristics, gas exchange, soil enzyme activity, soil properties, disease index, ginsenoside content, and soil fungal community, were assessed to evaluate the field-control effect of the most effective antifungal herb on ginseng growth. S. flavescens (SF) extract demonstrated the highest inhibition rate (75.74%) against F. oxysporum, significantly reducing root rot incidence by 22.2%. SF application also increased uniformity of fungal communities, and decreased fungal community diversity and the relative abundance of potential pathogens, while improving soil enzyme activities and properties. Additionally, SF treatment increased root weight per plant by 37.8% and the sum of ginsenoside content (Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rb2, and Rb3) by 28.5%. Thus, the ethanol extract of SF show potential as a botanical pesticide for preventing and controlling ginseng root rot. These findings suggest that S. flavescens extract could offer a sustainable and environment-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides, promoting healthier ginseng cultivation and reducing environmental impact.