[Plant growth analysis of Bupleurum chinense].

OBJECTIVE: To learn the development characteristics of Bupleurum chinense DC. for the cultivation fundament. METHOD: Mature and intact plant samples of different growing periods are studied by the method of plant growth analysis. RESULTS: The plant organs are composed of root, root crown, stalk, basal leaves, stem leaves, branches and leaves, apical and lateral inflorescences. Dry substance in the branches of the first and second level was 93.8% of that in all branches. Though the branches of third or fourth level were relatively weak, their amount was large. The root-shoot ratio with the value 0.19 was especially low. Lateral inflorescences of third or fourth level were found commonly in the population, but the first and second ones were the majors part. About 38.1% dry substance was used for the development of propagation organ. The length of main root was only 17.2 cm, its weight was nearly same as that in the lateral roots. CONCLUSION: Short cultivated history of B. chinense are still maintained some significant wild characteristics, so they don't accord with the demand of the objective gathering in the root. It may be resolved with artifical regulation and breeding.

[Study on organogenesis and dry substance accumulation of Bupleurum Chinense].

OBJECTIVE: To learn the development characteristics of Bupleurum chinese DC. and to provide the cultivation fundament. METHOD: Plant samples of different growing periods were collected and investigated. RESULTS: It was found that the development stages of B. chinense could be divided definitely into emergence of seedings, seedling, elongation of internode, flowering and fruiting, and dormancy. During its life, cotyledon, basal leaves and stem leaves appeared and died away in turn, and the stem extended to its full length in one month. The root reached its top length during seedling stage, and its diameter increased quickly from July to August. The dry substance accumulated in aerial part of the plant increased quickly, and that in root increased by 42.4%, 94.0%, or 40.1% respectively, from mid July to mid August after stem elongation beginning, from mid September to mid October, or from mid October to the date of harvesting. CONCLUSION: Management methods and planting technologies of B. chinense should be mapped out according to the different characteristics of its three key growing stages.

[The influence of seed maturity and seed coat on the germination of Bupleurum chinense and B. falcatum].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors influencing the seed germination of Bupleurum chinense and B. falcatum. METHOD: The seeds of different maturity, and the seeds whose coat were removed or nicked before dipping in water, were germinated in a light growth chamber. RESULT: The different inflorescence level represents different development period. Seeds harvested from cultivation have different maturity. The germination rate of the seeds in period I to III was nearly zero, and it was significant different from period IV to VII. The seed coat is not an obstacle for water absorption or gas exchange, but its removal led to significant increase of seed germination rate. However, to dip the seeds without coat into water for 48 h had no more effect on germination. CONCLUSION: The seed maturity and germination inhibitors in seed coat are two important factor influencing seed germination in B. chinense and B. falcatum.