Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is one of the most important
perennial herb plants grown and used in Asia. Its clinical value as a
medicine has been recognized for over a thousand years [1,2]. The
pharmacologically active compounds in ginseng are primarily
located in the roots. Long cultivation periods (4e6 yr) maximize the
concentrations of these root compounds. Therefore, in Korea,
P. ginseng plants are generally cultivated for several years, usually in
shady areas. However, successive cultivation in the same soil for a
long period of time leads to a deterioration in the physical and
chemical properties of the soil, frequently providing favorable
conditions for infection by various soil-borne pathogens; this can
potentially lead to severe reductions in yield. Chemical pesticides
have been applied to control disease in P. ginseng plantations.
However, the accumulation of deleterious pesticide residues in
ginseng roots and in the surrounding soil has become a serious
environmental concern. As a result, the organic production of
ginseng is being increasingly favored. Ginseng anthracnose, caused
by the fungus Colletotrichum panacicola, has a severe impact on
yields, necessitating the development of an organic control
method.