[Population characteristics and threatened of wild Angelica sinensis in Gansu province].

The study aims to investigate spatial distribution pattern and age structure of wild Angelica sinensis in Gansu province.Ten plots each with an area of 100 m2 were set and the spatial coordinates of all wild A. sinensis individuals were measured within each plot. Based on plant individual mapping data,we explored the spatial distribution pattern and its differences between different life history stages of wild A. sinensis in Gansu province by using nearest neighbor distance statistics. Correlation analysis were carried out to explore the relationship between spatial aggregation degree and topographic factors. We also distinguished individuals to three life history stages( i.e. seedlings,adults and boltings) and then test the differences among/between them using nonparametric test.(1)We found that the dominant spatial distribution pattern of wild A. sinensis population in Gansu was aggregated distribution. There was no significant correlation between spatial aggregation degree of wild A. sinensis and altitude,slope and aspect. There was no significant difference between the average distance from seedlings to their nearest bolting individuals; the average distance from adult individuals to their nearest seedlings was significantly larger than the average distance from adult individuals to their nearest adult individuals; and the average distance from bolting individuals to their nearest adult individuals was significantly smaller than the average distance from bolting individuals to their nearest bolting individuals.(2)The age structure was showed as a declining population,characterized by less seedlings and bolting individuals,while more adult individuals within population. The population characteristics of wild A. sinensis,characterized by aggregated distribution pattern and senescent type of age structure,are disadvantage to its population development. The factors,such as habitat specialization,human activities and intraspecific competition,which shapes the current population characteristics,may increase the threatened status of wild A. sinensis. We suggest to strengthen the protection of wild A. sinensis.

Transcriptome and digital gene expression analysis unravels the novel mechanism of early flowering in Angelica sinensis.

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels is a widely used medicinal plant mainly originated in Gansu, China. Angelica sinensis is greatly demanded in the clinical practice of Chinese medicine due to its broad pharmacological activities of hematopoietic and anti-inflammatory properties. But, the percentage of early flowering in Angelica sinensis arrives to 20%~30%, which severely affects its quality and quantity. Here, transcriptome profiling and digital gene expression analysis were applied to study the mechanism of early flowering in Angelica sinensis. A total of 49,183,534 clean reads were obtained and assembled into 68,262 unigenes, and 49,477 unigenes (72.5%) could be annotated to a minimum of one database in the Nr, Nt, Swiss-Pro, GO, COG and KEGG. Taking the above transcriptome data as a reference, digital gene expression result showed that 5,094 genes expression level were significant changed during early flowering. These annotated genes offered much information promoting that the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites pathway, the hormone signal transduction pathway, and the transcription regulation system may be closely related to the early flowering phenomenon of Angelica sinensis. Further expression patterns of key genes contribute to early flowering were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. The transcriptome result offered important gene expression information about early flowering in Angelica sinensis.

[Production regionalization study of Chinese angelica based on MaxEnt model].

The distribution information of Chinese angelica was collected by interview investigation and field survey, and 43 related environmental factors were collected, some kinds of functional chemical constituents of Angelica sinensis were analyzed. Integrated climate, topography and other related ecological factors, the habitat suitability study was conducted based on Arc geographic information system(ArcGIS),and maximum entropy model. Application of R language to establish the relationship between the effective component of Chinese angelica and enviromental factors model, using ArcGIS software space to carry out space calculation method for the quality regionalization of Chinese angelica. The results showed that 4 major ecological factors had obvious influence on ecology suitability distributions of Chinese angelica, including altitude, soil sub category, May precipitation and the warmest month of the highest temperature, et al. It is suitable for the living habits of the Chinese angelica, cold and humid climate, which is suitable for the deep area of the soil. In addition, the ecological suitability regionalization based on the effect of Chinese angelica also provides a new suitable distribution area other than the traditional distribution area, which provides a scientific basis for the reasonable introduction of Chinese angelica.

[Effects of Different Altitudes and Sowing Dates on Direct Sowing Angelica sinensis Yield and Quality].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of different altitudes and sowing dates on direct sowing Angelica sinensis biomass, yield and quality, and to provide a theoretical basis for Angelica sinensis direct sowing cultivation techniques. METHODS: Two factors trials were used to research the influence of altitude and sowing dates on yield and quality of direct sowing Angelica sinensis. The altitudes were located at 2500, 2000 and 1500 m, and the sowing dates were set up at autumn August 29, and Spring April 3 and April 24. The experiments were designed with split plot. RESULTS: Under the same altitude, roots and aboveground biomass of direct sowing Angelica sinensis were higher when sowing earlier. In the same sowing date, the root and aboveground biomass was the maximum at 2 000 m altitude, followed by elevation of 1 500 m. At 2 500 m altitude, Angelica sinensis root and aboveground biomass was the minimum. Sowing at 2 000 m altitude at August 29 direct sowing Angelica sinensis showed the highest biomass and yield, reaching 13 840.95 kg/hm2, significantly higher than the other treatments. Compared with transplanting Angelica sinensis in this region, the production of direct sowing Angelica sinensis was also 15. 3% higher. Angelica sinensis medicinal grade was significantly higher than the rest of the process. Angelica sinensis extract, volatile oil and ferulic acid content had reached the standard of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. CONCLUSION: Angelica sinensis sowed in late August at 2000 m altitude has the best yield and quality on root length, root diameter, plant height, leaf number, dry and fresh matter accumulation, followed by 1500 m altitude, and 2500 m worst. Therefore, altitude range of Angelica sinensis direct sowing cultivation area can be reduced to 1500-2000 m. CONCLUSION: Angelica sinensis sowed in late August, at 2000 m altitude, the indicators like root length,root diameter,plant height,leaf number,and dry and fresh matter accumulation showed the best, followed by 1500 m altitude, 2500 m worst. Therefore, altitude range of Angelica sinensis direct sowing cultivation area can be reduced to 1500~2000 m.

[Potential Ecological Suitability Regionalization Analysis of Angelica sinensis Based on GIS and Fuzzy Matter Element Model].

OBJECTIVE: To study the potential ecological suitability regionalization of Angelica sinensis, for protecting wild resources and selecting cultivation location and designing rational production layout. METHODS: Based on fuzzy matter element model, the relationship of fuzzy membership function between ferulic acid content and 14 ecological factors, including climate, topography and soil,were established. Then information entropy theory was used to determine the relative importance of each environmental factor, and thus to determine the most limiting habitat criteria. Finally, the probable spatial distribution of Angelica sinensis across ten provinces in Western China was determined based on GIS spatial analysis of habitat conditions. Meanwhile, the optimal index range of ecological factors was quantified. RESULTS: It was showed that the percentage of moderately and highly suitable habitats for Angelica sinensis in the study area was 9. 64%, its area was 306,768. 01 km2. The moderately and highly suitable habitats were mainly located in the southeast of Gansu ind Tibet,the north of Sichuan and the northwest of Yunnan. The results also showed that six dominant ecological factors controlling the distribution of Angelica sinensis. These six dominant features were as follows: (1) mean temperature of wettest quarter, (2) altitude, (3) precipitation of growth, (4) annual relative humidity, (5) average temperature of growth period, and (6) annual )recipitation. CONCLUSION: The habitat suitability assessment model based on GIS and fuzzy matter element model theory can accurately valuate the habitat suitability of Angelica sinensis, quantify the area of suitable habitat and analyze the spatial distribution. This informaion is of value to provide insight for choosing the most suitable cultivation sites,as well as the habitat protection zones.

Geoherbalism evaluation of Radix Angelica sinensis based on electronic nose.

Radix Angelica sinensis (Danggui, DG), derived from the dry root of Angelicae sinensis, is popularly used for its antioxidant, hematinic and immuno-enhancement. However, DG from different origins possess different quality, and difficult to identity. In this study, we used electronic nose technique to investigate DG from different producing areas for monitoring the correlation of origin and quality. The electronic nose was employed to establish classification model of DG originated from four main producing areas of Gansu, Yunnan, Sichuan and Hubei in China. Principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant function analysis (DFA) were performed to differentiate DG samples from four main producing areas. The content of phthalides of DG were determined to confirm the quality changes and investigate its correlation with the odor response values by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). The results of PCA and DFA analysis showed that the electronic nose could accurately distinguish DG from four main producing areas. The method of electronic nose for identification could be verified by GC-MS technology, and the main ingredient content was consistent with its odor of DG. In conclusion, electronic nose could effectively identify different origins of DG, and could be applied for rapid identification and quality control of genuine Angelica herbs.

[Effects of conjunctive application of Chinese herbal medicine residue compost and chemical fertilizer on ferulic acid and ligustilide contents in Angelica sinensis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of conjunctive application of Chinese herbal medicine residue compost (CHMRC) and chemical fertilizer on ferulic acid and ligustilide contents in Angelica sinensis. METHODS: There were six treatments, viz. T1: control (no fertilizer), T2: chemical fertilizer (the fertilizer rates for N, P2O5 and K2O were 90, 90 and 60 kg/hm2, respectively), T3:1 350 kg/hm2 CHMRC, 86 kg/hm2N, 84 kg/hm2 P2O5 and 52 kg/hm2 K2O, T4:2 250 kg/hm2 CHMRC, 83 kg/hm2N, 81 kg/hm2 P2O5 and 47 kg/hm2 K2O, T5: 3 150 kg/hm2 CHMRC, 82 kg/hm2N, 77 kg/hm2 P2O5 and 42 kg/hm2 K2O, and T6: CHMRC at 4 500 kg/hm2 (nitrogen application rate was the same as T2). RESULTS: Along with growth stages, the changing trend of ferulic acid and ligustilide contents from all treatments showed a "J"-shaped curve; Ferulic acid and ligustilide contents in the roots at the harvest were increased compared with the beginning by over 16.0% and 117.0%, respectively, in which the maximum increasing rates of ferulic acid and ligustilide contents occurred in the chemical fertilizer treatment (T2), and reached at 68.4% and 176.6%, respectively; Compared with control, T2, T5 and T6 significantly increased ferulic acid content by 19.2% - 25.6%, and ligustilide content by 9.1% - 11.2% (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results are obtained as following: the application of CHMRC and/or chemical fertilizer does not change the chemical composition in the root of Angelica sinensis, but has some effects on the content of related ingredients. This research indicates that T5 should be recommended for Angelica sinensis growing, which will ensure a production of high quality, low cost and environment-friendly.

[Research on relevance between macroscopic feature individual differences and quality of Gansu cultivated Angelica sinensis].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the appearance differences of Gansu cultivated Angelica sinensis, and explore the relevance between the appearance differences and quality. METHODS: The macroscopic feature of 22 batches of Angelica sinensis from different habitats was measured as index. The content of ferulic acid, volatile oil and extract were determined by the method recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The data were analyzed by SPSS 15.0 software. RESULTS: The habitat was positively correlated with the index. Indexes of nine groups had direct correlation with each other. The habitat was significantly correlated with other indexes except the length of the head. The extract and ferulic acid were positively correlated with habitat and index. Extract had significant correlation with macroscopic feature. Ferulic acid only had significant correlation with head length. The volatile oil only had significant correlation with habitat and no significant correlation with index. Root weight and number of lateral roots had obvious difference in different habitat which coefficient of variation was 44.1% and 28.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: There are significant individual differences in Angelica sinensis. The chemical composition has a certain correlation with macroscopic feature. Angelica sinensis cultivation needs to consider the choice of habitat.

[Study on prediction model of Angelicae sinensis yield per unit in Min County].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a prediction model of Angelicae sinensis yield per unit in Min County, and the forecasting information can be provided to correlated department and organization. METHODS: With the basis of the Angelicae sinensis yield statistics in Min County from 1995 to 2009 and weather data of development phase of each ten days, polynomial forecasting modeling was used and the stimulation forecasting of Angelicae sinensis yield in Min County was carried out. RESULTS: The results showed that the average accuracy of prediction model was reached to 97.2%, which basically met the demand for yield prediction. CONCLUSION: The prediction model of Angelicae sinensis yield per unit in Min County has good accuracy and relatively correct forecasting information about Angelicae sinensis yield, which provides methodology and important references for dynamic forecasting in the progress of Chinese medicinal materials production.

Mucilaginibacter polysacchareus sp. nov., an exopolysaccharide-producing bacterial species isolated from the rhizoplane of the herb Angelica sinensis.

Three exopolysaccharide-producing bacteria, designated strains DRP28(T), DRP29 and DRP31, were isolated from the rhizoplane of Angelica sinensis from the Geumsan, Republic of Korea. Cells were straight rods, Gram reaction-negative, aerobic, non-motile, and catalase- and oxidase- positive. Flexirubin-type pigments were absent. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene indicated that these bacteria belong to the genus Mucilaginibacter in the phylum Bacteroidetes. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to strains of recognized species of the genus Mucilaginibacter were 93.8-97.4%. The major fatty acids were iso-C(15:0) and summed feature 3 (C(16:1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15:0) 2-OH). The strains contained MK-7 as the major isoprenoid quinone. Strains DRP28(T), DRP29 and DRP31 formed a single, distinct genomospecies with DNA G+C contents of 41.9-42.7 mol% and DNA hybridization values of 82.6-86.8%; the strains exhibited DNA-DNA hybridization values of only 20.4-41.3% with related species of the genus Mucilaginibacter. On the basis of evidence presented in this study, strains DRP28(T), DRP29 and DRP31 were considered to represent a novel species of the genus Mucilaginibacter, for which the name Mucilaginibacter polysacchareus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DRP28(T) (=KACC 15075(T) =NBRC 107757(T)).

[Effect of altitudes on the photosynthate accumulation and distribution pattern of Angelic sinensis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of altitudes on the photosynthate accumulation and distribution pattern of Angelic sinensis in Gansu province and provide theontical for its expanding ecological planting region. METHODS: Used field test to study the photosynthate accumulation and distribution pattern of Angelic sinensis on three different altitudinal gradients from 2 300 m to 2 800 m. RESULTS: Before September 25, total photosynthate accumulation were decreased with the increasing of elevation, which amaunt was 176 g/plant, 166 g/plant and 128 g/plant, respectively. The total photosynthate of low-altitude and middle-altitude were significantly higher than that of high-altitude (P < 0.05). After September 25, middle-altitude was significantly higher than the other two altitudes (P < 0.05), respectively, by 13.9% and 11.1%. The photosynthate accumulation rate existed the altitude effects, there was no significant difference between high-altitude (46.7%) and middle-altitude (43.7%), but they were even significantly higher than that of low-altitude (33.1%). The root distribution proportion (> 30%) existed the difference, that of high-altitude was 10 days earlier than the other two altitudes, and later that of high-altitude (about 54%) was higher than the other two altitudes (49.8% - 50.9%), it laid the foundation for yield formation. Yield of Angelic sinensis was as follows: middle-altitude (28.4 g/ plant), high-altitude (26.6 g/plant) and low-altitude (21.8 g/plant). Yield of Angelic sinensis middle-altitude and high-altitude were higher than that of low-altitude, respectively, by 30.2% and 22.2%, and it had a significant difference (P < 0.05), this result was consistent with the photosynthate accumulation rate. CONCLUSION: Altitudinal gradients affect yield formation of Angelic sinensis by changing the photosynthate distribution pattern and dry matter accumulation rate. So by appropriately increasing altitude, the root distribution proportion and yield are improved, this provides theoretical reference for expanding Angelic sinensis planting ecological region.

[Study on the dynamic variations of Z-ligustilide and n-butylidenephthalide content in essential oil of radix angelicae sinensis from different growth period].

OBJECTIVE: To study the variation of the biomass of the root and active components of Angelica sinensis during different growth periods. METHODS: 27 batches of Angelica sinensis were harvested from different growth periods, and the biomass of underground parts were determined; The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for determining the contents of Z-ligustilide and n-Butylidenephthalide in essential oil of Radix Angelicae Sinensis. RESULTS: The average contents of n-Butylidenephthalide and Z-ligustilide were more than 1% and 40% in the total essential oil of Radix Angelicae sinensis respectively. Their contents showed larger difference during different growth period. CONCLUSION: The contents of Z-ligustilide and n-Butylidenephthalide of Radix Angelicae Sinensis is closely related to their growth period.

[Study on quality evaluation of Angelica sinensis by grey incidence degree method].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of Angelica sinensis based on Grey incidence degree method. METHODS: Grey model was set up by determining four main compositions contained in the samples. RESULTS: The result of quality evaluation on 21 samples by this model was as same as that of genuine medicinal materials. CONCLUSION: Grey incidence degree method and the model can be used to evaluate the quality of Angelica sinensis.

[Correlation analysis and evaluation of inorganic elements in Angelica sinensis and its correspondence soil from different regions].

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the relationship between the inorganic elements and the genuineness, invigoration efficacy of this medicinal material by qualitative and quantitative analysis of the inorganic elements in Angelica sinensis and its correspondence soil. METHODS: The contents of 14 kinds of inorganic elements from 40 samples from 4 main habits of Angelica sinensis in China were determined by the method of ICP-AES. RESULTS: In Angelica sinensis and its correspondence soil, significant positive correlations existed between each pair of Ca, Na, Ni. The enrichment coefficients of Mg by Angelica sinensis was a certain peculiarity. The analysis showed that Zn, Cu, Mn, Mg were distincter to Angelica sinensis's geo-authentic than other elements. The results seemly confirmed that the Mingui was considered as geo-authentic crude drugs by traditional knowledge. CONCLUSION: The inorganic elements in Angelica sinensis may be correlated with its geo-authentic certainly. This result can provide scientific basis for understanding of Angelica sinensis's geo-authentic nature and the active material base.

[Effects of continuous cropping obstacle on growth of Angelica sinensis and its mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of continuous cropping obstacles on growth of Angelica sinensis. METHOD: The growth indexes, photosynthetic characteristic, activity of leaf protective enzymes, and the yield, essential oil content and extract content were determined. RESULT: Continuous cropping decreased the growth and the yield, essential oil content, extract content of A. sinensis. Photosynthetic pigment, which include Chla and Chlb, and photosynthetic rate of A. sinensis leaves decreased. Activity of leaf SOD, POD and CAT were also inhibited. The content of proline, soluble sugar and MDA increased. CONCLUSION: Through decreasing the activity of protective enzymes and their ability of cleaning free radical, continuous cropping made free radical remain in plant so that induced membrane lipid peroxidization, electrolytic leakage became heavier, content of proline and soluble sugar increased. The external manifestation of this influences were that plant growth was inhibited, content of photosynthetic pigments decreased, so did the intensity of photosynthesis and respiration, content of dry mass.

[Inhibition of winter seedling raising in greenhouse of premature bolting in Angelica sinensis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the inhibition effect of winter seedling raising in sunlight-greenhouse on premature bolting of Angelica sinensis. METHOD: One factor of sowing date with 4 levels was tested at random design with 3 repeats. RESULT: Sowing date of winter seedling raising had an important effect on seedling growth, seedling mature, plant growth, premature bolting, yield, quality, and extreme significant effect on yield. The bolting date of winter raised seedlings started in middle of July, 50 d later than tranditional seedlings, and bolting peck date was in the last ten days of July, 40 d later than the traditional seedlings. The highest ratio of premature bolting for winter raised seedlings was 1%, and the lowest was 0. A. sinensis roots sowed in November 28 had the highest yield, root dry ratio, ethanol extract, essential oil and ferulic acid contents compared to that in other sowing dates. The best sowing time was from end of November to middle of December. CONCLUSION: Premature bolting of A. sinensis could be greatly inhibited by winter seedling raising, end of November to middle of December would be the best sowing time for winter seedling raising in greenhouse.

[Studies on grain filling characteristics in different spikes of triennium-growth Angelica sinensis].

OBJECTIVE: To study grain filling characteristics of triennium-growth Angelica sinensis in order to provide theoretic evidence for determining the adapted harvesting time for seeds. METHODS: 1000-grain fresh and dry weight, 100-grain volume, grain length, width and thickness in different spikes which were measured every day from the 8th day afte the head spike bloomed and finally estimated by Logistic equation. RESULTS: It was the peak filling time when the grain water decreased most rapidly. The grain filling speed, intensity, dry matter accumulation in head spike were all higher than those in the second spike, which resulted in early peak. The seeds in the head spike had advantages in grain filling and their adapted harvesting time should be the 13th day after blooming, when there were 86.2% of dry the maximum matter accumulation and 68.8% as water content in seeds. However, the adapted harvesting time for the seeds in the second spike should be the 14th day after the first spike bloomed, when there were 82.0% of the maximum dry matter accumulation and 72.2% as water content. CONCLUSION: According with the Logistic equation, the grains filling in different spikes had the same duration but differed in the intersity. We should harvest the whole plant seeds at a time, and away the head and below weak spikes before blooming.

[Influence of humic acid fertilizer on biomass accumulation and quality of Angelica sinensis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of humic acid fertilizer on plant growth, assimilation base, dried biomass accumulation, yield, quality and disease infection of Angelica sinensis. METHOD: Three kinds of humic acid fertilizer and an amino acid liquid fertilizer were tested in randomized groups at 1 level with 3 times repeat. RESULT: T1 promoted plant and root growth effectively, increased dried biomass accumulation and fresh root average weight remarkably, the yield was increased, the content of ethanol extract was increased by 11.31%. T3 promoted plant and root growth quickly, enlarged leaves area and increased dried plant weight, but effect lasted shortly, the content of ethanol extract was increased by 5.23%. T4 increased more leaves in late growth period, enlarged leaves area, the yield was increased, the content of ethanol extract was increased by 3.09%. T2 increased fresh root average weight remarkably, the yield was increased. CONCLUSION: Humic acid fertilizer and amino acid liquid fertilizer could effectively promote plant growth, enlarge leaves area, promote dried biomass accumulation and transformation to root and increase yield and content of ethanol extract effectively.

[Study on eco-climatic applicability of Angelica sinensis].

OBJECTIVE: In the interest of establish planting base of Angelica sinensis on a large scale, enhance economic benefit, and improve decision-making reasons, the eco-climatic applicability of A. sinensis was studied. METHOD: Using integral regression, eco-climatic applicability and the effect of meteorological conditions for the yield of A. sinensis' were analysed by field experimental data. RESULT: Selected > or =0 degrees C accumulated temperature and annual precipitation as leading index, altitude as assistant index, yield and rate of finished products as reference index, the integrated eco-climatic division index and the planting division applicability of A. sinensis was confirmed. CONCLUSION: Accordancing to theory of climate similitude and leading index summarisation, combining with assistant index and reference index, the integrated division index of eco-climate was confirmed. The planting division of co-climate applicability was divided into 5 grades as best suitable, suitable hypo-suitable, just suitable and no suitable regions. At the same time,the way to enhanced utilizing efficiency of eco-climate resources was brought forward.

[Effect of boron, manganese and rare soil trace fertilizer on Angelica sinensis].

The experiment of spraying boron, manganese and rare soil trace fertilizer was carried out on Angelica sinensis in leave flourish stage and root expand stage respectively. The result showed that trace fertilizer supplement, especially manganese sulfate and rare soil,could significantly enhance the yield over 60% and improve the proportion of high quality product.