Effects of Tenebrio molitor (Mealworm) Frass on the Growth of Ginseng Sprout (Panax ginseng) in Commercial Potting Soil

Abstract

The forecasted growth of edible insect production will generate high quantities of manure. Agricultural applicationof Tenebrio molitor frass (TMF) may improve soil fertility and increases crop production. This studywas conducted to determine an optimum application rate of TMF for ginseng sprout growth in commercialpotting soil. Ginseng was seeded in commercial potting soil (control), TMF 3% + perlite 30% + cocopeat 67%(TMF 3%), TMF 5% + perlite 30% + cocopeat 65% (TMF 5%), and TMF 10% + perlite 30% + cocopeat 60%(TMF 10%). The results showed that the germination rate of ginseng in the TMF 3% treatment was significantlyhigher than those in the other treatments. In addition, plant height, leaf length, leaf width, root length,and root weight of ginseng sprout showed significantly higher in TMF 3% treatment, leading to a lower SPADvalue due to nitrogen dilution compared to those of control and TMF 5%. Our findings suggest that applicationof TMF at 3% is suitable for production of ginseng sprout in commercial potting soil.