Effect of Habitat Differences under the Forest of Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis on the Growth and Quality of Panax notoginseng

Purpose To investigate the effect of habitat under the forest of Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis on the growth of Panax notoginseng, and then provide the theoretical support for the site selection of the ecological planting of P. notoginseng.

Method Different altitudes, orientations, and light transmittances were set up in the P. kesiya var. langbianensis forest, Zhutang Town, Lancang County, Pu'er City, Yunnan Province. The growth and quality of P. notoginseng under different environmental conditions were compared.

Result The emergence rate of P. notoginseng at the altitude of 1510 m was significantly higher than that at 1 890 m (P<0.01). The total ginsenoside content of the P. notoginseng at the altitude of 1510 m was significantly higher than that at 1890 m (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in dry weight. The dry weight and total ginsenoside content of P. notoginseng on the sunny slope were higher than those on the shady slope. Light transmittance from >10% to 25% contributed to the higher dry weight and total ginsenoside content of biennial P. notoginseng. The dry weight and ginsenoside content of biennial P. notoginseng decreased when the light transmittance was above 25%.

Conclusion The difference in altitude, orientation, and light transmittance of P. kesiya var. langbianensis forest affected the growth and quality of P. notoginseng. Biennial P. notoginseng was suitable for growing P. kesiya var. langbianensis forest with altitude of about 1510 m, sunny slope, and light transmittance of >10%-25%.