MTSU ginseng institute anticipates 2023 growth after successful year, workshop

Dec 19, 2022 at 11:41 am by WGNS News


MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Following a solid year in 2022 that included an outstanding fall workshop, the Middle Tennessee State University International Ginseng Institute continues to grow as it heads to a new year that, hopefully, features increased participation by MTSU students. “We anticipate working with more students who are interested in plant conservation and herbal medicines,” said Iris Gao, director of the institute.

In America, ginseng primarily grows in the wild on hilly, mountainous areas across the region and Appalachians and is valued for its medicinal properties. Plants usually mature and produce seeds after five to 10 years.

MTSU founded the International Ginseng Institute, or IGI, in May 2018, dedicated to the research, education and outreach of wild American ginseng.

The goal of the institute is to use focused scientific research to develop comprehensive strategies, standards and sustainable products from wild American ginseng for the benefit of the world and the community it serves. Through technology, talent and resources, the institute has been successfully studying and addressing key issues affecting American ginseng conservation and industry development. 

Gao, a professor in the School of Agriculture, said the institute’s “research agenda continues in the next year, which includes studying organic ginseng cultivation methods and finding natural materials that exist in the natural environment to inhibit or prevent plant pathogens.

“We are also excited to continue and develop collaborations with researchers, growers and local herbal businesses to work out solutions for a better future for American ginseng and other endangered medicinal plants.”

‘A wonderful workshop’ 

As research continued until the December holiday break, the institute’s Ginseng Workshop and Demo Day at Barfield Crescent Park’s Wilderness Station in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, earlier this fall helped cap the successful year. 

“Overall, the workshop was wonderful,” said laboratory technician Ethan Swiggart. “There were many students in attendance, and it was great to see them engage with the speakers.” 

Not counting speakers and staff, 37 people from across Tennessee and beyond attended the workshop.

Presentations included: 

Swiggart said the institute awarded T-shirts and locally made, one-of-a-kind American ginseng soap, plus gave away American ginseng seed and stickers.

Michael Boring, of Pikeville, Tennessee, representing Boring Roots and Herbs, donated goldenseal roots for participants to take home and plant. 

In addition to Gao, Phillips and Swiggart, assistant professor Mingliang “Mike” Zhang is a participating faculty member.

For more information, email ginseng@mtsu.edu or call 615-898-2430.


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Tags: Bob Beyfuss Caitlin Elam Edward Fletcher International Ginseng Institute Iris Gao LaVergne medical ginseng Michael Boring Mike Zhang MTSU Ginseng MTSU ginseng institute MTSU news Murfreesboro Nate Phillips Rutherford County School of Agriculture Smyrna Tennessee ginseng TN Workshop
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