[01] Xiu-Bo Liu, Pharmacy School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, PR China; Key Laboratory of Forest Tree Genetic Improvement and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China. [02] Wei-Chao Ren, Pharmacy School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, PR China. [03] Song Yan, Pharmacy School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, PR China. [04] Li-Ying Sun, Pharmacy School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, PR China. [05] Ling Ma, Key Laboratory of Forest Tree Genetic Improvement and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China. [06] Wei Ma, Pharmacy School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, PR China; Key Laboratory of Forest Tree Genetic Improvement and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China.

Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge (AR, Huangqi in Chinese), one of the most important medicinal plants in Asia, was found to exhibit various bioactivities. We developed the appropriate seed coating technology to encounter agronomic and cultivation and carried the seed physiological effects and mechanisms. To better understand the effect and mechanism of seed-coating agent (SCA) on the physiology and biochemistry of AR, the physiological and biochemical effects of SCA on AR were studied under field experiment. The results showed that the seed treated with SCA obviously increased germination rate of AR seed, maintained dramatically higher vigor of root, and chlorophyll content, promoted the area of photosynthesis, significantly improved the dry weight of root, stem, leaf and accumulated more soluble sugar, when compared with the uncoated without the treatment, which provided a guarantee to enhance the hardness resistance of seedlings, and finally to enhance the quality of AR. It can improve photosynthesis and accelerate metabolism, promote the formation and transformation of proteins and carbohydrates, thus providing more material and energy for growth and development of AR. Seed coating can improve astragaloside content, improve the quality of AR, so as to improve medicinal value.

Astragalus membranaceus, Seed-Coating Agent, Physiology, Biochemistry

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