RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To study the growth and yield of Elephantopus scaber under different light conditions. METHODS: Several main characters and yield performances were studied under six shading treatment as well as two planting patterns. RESULTS: The plant height, leaf number, root length and root-shoot ratio were increased under moderate shading. With the increase of shading ratio, the process of Elephantopus scaber vegetative growth to reproductive growth were shortened, seed yield, dry biomass and root yield decreased as well. Among different shading treatments, dry seed-yield showed 8. 46 ~31. 10 kg/667 m2 dry biomass showed 327. 28 ~ 800. 95 kg/ 667 m2 and dry root yield showed 30. 65 ~ 70. 72 kg/667 m2. CONCLUSION: Elephantopus scaber is a light-demanding but shade-tolerant plant. The patterns of hole seeding were suggested in planting, and not more than 60% shade density may be good under plantations.
