[Studies on morphology and histology of Pinellia pedatisecta].

OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence for identification of the morphology and histology of Pinellia pedatisecta Schott. METHODS: Using microscope and scanning electron microscope, characteristics of the Pinellia pedatisecta Schott. were studied comparatively. RESULTS: The surface of leaves, fruits, testa and pollen grain of the cultivated Pinellia pedatisecta Schott. showed different characteristics. CONCLUSION: The results of the study can be used for the identification of the Pinellia pedatisecta Schott. in Shandong.

[Growth and propagation of wild Pinellia ternata in cultivation].

OBJECTIVE: To study the growth and propagation of Pinella ternata in cultivation. METHOD: Forty six populations of P. ternata originated from Sichuan, Shanxi province and chongqing city were collected and cultivated in experimental field under the same cultivation condition. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: Reproduction tubers at the weight of 0.51-2.00 g (diameter 0.9 - 1.5 cm) had higher increments of tubers and general weight. The P. ternata populations originated from Peng-an county, Shehong county, Zhongjiang county, Lezhi county, Lu county grew faster, on the other hand, the populations originated from Lezhi county, Guangyuan county, Peng-an county, Jianyang county had stronger ability of propagation. The sprouting rate of above 0.30 g (diameter 0.7 cm) tubers was about 90%. There was no significant difference in the growth between tubers and bulbils that have the same weight. The two factors that affected the yield increment were weight range and population, and the former was the main one. Significantly positive correlations were found between weight of reproduction tuber and weight of harvested tubers, number of bulbils. However, significantly negative correlations were found between weight of reproduction tuber and weight increments of tubers, increments proportion of tubers and general weight, and a negative correlations was found between weight of reproduction tuber and general weight increments. Curve-estimated models were conjectured about the weight of reproduction tuber and growth or propagation parameters such as the diameter, the sprouting rate, increments of tubers and general weight, increments proportion of tubers and general weight and the number of bulbils. Some proposals to improve the cultivation of P. ternate were suggested.

[Survey of Pinellia ternata and its adulterants].

The tubers of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. distributed widely in China, have been used in traditional medicine. Recently, P. ternata is deficient in herb market and its adulterants are used. This article mainly summarizes some researches on P. ternata and its adulterants from four aspects, including pharmacognostics, chemical component, pharmacology and toxicity. Also some suggestions are presented about the study prospect of P. ternata.