Efficient Agroforestry System Using Fiber Grow Bag of Medicinal Plant, <i>Asparagus cochinchinensis</i> (Lour.) Merr

Forest cultivation of medicinal plants is environmentally friendly, but selecting the optimal cultivation sites is essential because of the wild environment. Fiber planting bags are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy-draining pots made from non-woven fabric. This study investigated the optimal conditions for forest cultivation of Asparagus cochinchinensis using fiber grow bags. The size of the fiber grow bag and planting density showed differences in the above and underground parts, and the growth of the underground part also showed differences depending on the size of the fiber grow bag. The above-ground growth of A. cochinchinensis showed no significant differences based on planting density, with planting under conifers being favorable and its growth being greater on northern slopes compared to southern slopes. The photosynthetic rate of A. cochinchinensis was slightly lower than that of other wild plants. The maximum quantum yield was over 0.8, indicating no problems with photosynthetic growth during forest cultivation using fiber grow bags. The content of asparagine, an important bioactive substance, in A. cochinchinensis was approximately 9.9 times higher than that grown on farms. Cultivation of A. cochinchinensis using fiber bags is an excellent production method and can be applied to other wild vegetable cultivation.