How, When and Why of Forest Farming

Unit 3: Forest Farming American Ginseng and Goldenseal.

Objectives: Unit 3 covers the cultivation of two forest-farmed crops: American ginseng and goldenseal. By the end of the unit you will:

be familiar with the differences between woods-cultivated and wild-simulated ginseng
be able to identify several common indicator species associated with ginseng
know how to recognize site conditions that are conducive to disease
be able to recognize and treat a common pathogen of ginseng
know how to cope with common pests
know how to distinguish characteristics of genetic quality in a ginseng plant
be familiar with the valuation of ginseng
be familiar with goldenseal and its cultural requirements

Watch the Ginseng Videos (requires RealPlayer):

Videos in the unit:

Required reading:

NC State University Mountain and Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center - "Commercial Goldenseal Cultivation"

Links:

American Ginseng Production in Woodlots - Agroforestry Notes #14

Economics of Marketing Ginseng - Agroforestry Notes #15

Forest Production of Goldenseal - Agroforestry Notes #16

Supplementary Readings: (pdf files)

Intro to growing Ginseng

Ginseng fact sheet

Greenbook 2002, Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture

Virginia Ginseng Management program

Ginseng regulations, 2001

Golden Seal Cultivation, NY State University

Wisconsin Crop Manager

Economics and Marketing of Ginseng

Unit 1
Introduction

Unit 2
Site Design

Unit 3
Ginseng and Goldenseal

Unit 4
Mushrooms

Unit 6
Marketing