ABSTRACT
Objective To identificate the development process and impact factors of lateral root in Bupleurum chinense. Methods The dynamic growth of lateral root primordia was observed by applying paraffin sectioning, and by light microscopy. In addition, the influence of growth regulators treatment on lateral root growth was also investigated. Results The lateral root primordium formation of B. chinense started near the pericycle cells, part of the endodermis cells also participated in this formation; 10 μmol/L IAA and Ca2+ greatly promoted the development of lateral root, but its high concentration inhibited lateral root emergence; 0.1 μmol/L TIBA and 10 μmol/L EDTA promoted the development of lateral root, but its high concentration inhibited lateral root emergence. Conclusion This research method can also be applied in other pharmaceutical plants, such as Angelica sinensis and Panax ginseng. So the study is very important to medicinal plant cultivation and breeding.