Jinchang Ginger

Jinchang Ginger

　　Ginger is an important economic crop and export commodity in China. For many years, variety selection has relied heavily on traditional cultivars, with very few new varieties introduced, resulting in stagnant yields under conventional cultivation practices.

　　In 1996, the Dejie Ginger Research Institute in Changyi City discovered a mutant plant among the traditionally cultivated Changyi Ginger — the main local variety — which featured plump rhizomes, bright yellow color, and outstanding yield potential. After five consecutive years of selection and breeding, a new high-yield, high-quality, disease-resistant ginger variety named Jinchang Ginger was developed. This variety exhibits stable genetic traits, vigorous growth, rapid rhizome expansion, and strong resistance to diseases. From 2001 to 2005, comparative variety trials conducted at the Dejie Ginger Research Institute in Changyi City showed that Jinchang Ginger achieved an average yield of 4,738.3 kg per 667 square meters (1 mu), representing a 25.6% increase over the control variety, Changyi Ginger. Starting in 2003, the variety was introduced and planted in areas such as Laiwu, Anqiu, and Weihai within the province, as well as in Hebei Province. Jinchang Ginger demonstrated strong adaptability, with a cumulative planting area of 7,000 hectares and an average yield of 4,966.7 kg per mu. In November 2005, it passed expert evaluation organized by the Science and Technology Department of Shandong Province.