Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb © 2025 BioSciPublisher, an online publishing platform of Sophia Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. Sophia Publishing Group (SPG), founded in British Columbia of Canada, is a multilingual publisher.
Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb © 2025 BioSciPublisher, an online publishing platform of Sophia Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. Sophia Publishing Group (SPG), founded in British Columbia of Canada, is a multilingual publisher. BioSciPublisher, operated by Sophia Publishing Group (SPG), is an international Open Access publishing platform that publishes scientific journals in the field of life science. Sophia Publishing Group (SPG), founded in British Columbia of Canada, is a multilingual publisher. Publisher Sophia Publishing Group Editedby Editorial Team of Molecular Soil Biology Email: edit@msb.bioscipublisher.com Website: http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb Address: 11388 Stevenston Hwy, PO Box 96016, Richmond, V7A 5J5, British Columbia Canada Molecular Soil Biology (ISSN 1925-2005) is an open access, peer reviewed journal published online by BioSciPublisher. The journal publishes in describing and explaining biological processes in soil in terms of soil micro-structure, soil micro-ecosystems, soil microbiology and molecular interactions among soil, microbes and plants, environmental stress resistances, effects of introduced genetically modified organisms, chemical contamination and soil bioremediation, modeling of soil biological and biochemical processes, application and outcomes on the soil biotechnology, etc. At each level, different disciplinary approaches are welcome: molecular biology, genetics, ecophysiology and soil physiochemical properties. All the articles published in Molecular Soil Biology are Open Access, and are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. BioSciPublisher uses CrossCheck service to identify academic plagiarism through the world’s leading plagiarism prevention tool, iParadigms, and to protect the original authors’ copyrights.
Molecular Soil Biology (online), 2025, Vol. 16, No.2 ISSN 1925-2005 https://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb © 2025 BioSci Publisher, an online publishing platform of Sophia Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. Sophia Publishing Group (SPG), founded in British Columbia of Canada, is a multilingual publisher Latest Content Study on the Effects of Different Irrigation Strategies on the Yield and Quality of Chrysanthemum morifolium Jianmin Zheng, Chuchu Liu Molecular Soil Biology, 2025, Vol. 15, No. 2, 55-62 The Study on the Effect of Soil Improvement on the Growth and Quality of De-toxic Mother Plants and Seedlings of Wu Yao Xiaocheng Wang, Jianli Zhong Molecular Soil Biology, 2025, Vol. 15, No. 2, 63-72 Screening of Disease-Resistant Germplasm and Its Application in Off-Season Cultivation of Leonurus japonicus var. hunanensis Minghui Zhao, Huizhen Huang Molecular Soil Biology, 2025, Vol. 15, No. 2, 73-82 Research on the Promotion and Application of Efficient Off-Season Cultivation Technology in the Industrialization of Leonurus japonicus Shiying Yu, Lian Chen Molecular Soil Biology, 2025, Vol. 15, No. 2, 83-90 Breeding Rice Varieties for Low Nitrogen Environments Qifu Zhang, Danyan Ding Molecular Soil Biology, 2025, Vol. 15, No. 2, 91-102
Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 55-62 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 55 Research Insight Open Access Study on the Effects of Different Irrigation Strategies on the Yield and Quality of Chrysanthemum morifolium Jianmin Zheng, Chuchu Liu Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, China Corresponding email: chuchu.liu@jicat.org Molecular Soil Biology, 2025, Vol.16, No.2 doi: 10.5376/msb.2025.16.0006 Received: 03 Jan., 2025 Accepted: 14 Feb., 2025 Published: 02 Mar., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Zhen and Liu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zheng J.M., and Liu C.C., 2025, Study on the effects of different irrigation strategies on the yield and quality of Chrysanthemum morifolium, Molecular Soil Biology, 16(2): 55-62 (doi: 10.5376/msb.2025.16.0006) Abstract We studied the effects of different irrigation methods on the yield, quality, stress resistance and water use efficiency of Chrysanthemum morifolium. The results showed that water-saving irrigation and precision irrigation during the growth period could significantly improve the water use efficiency without affecting the yield. If sufficient irrigation is adopted, although the yield per mu is the highest, the water use efficiency is poor. We also noticed that the amount of effective components such as flavonoids and volatile oil would change with different irrigation methods. Among them, precision irrigation can make these medicinal ingredients accumulate more. Water saving irrigation also makes chrysanthemum more drought resistant and disease resistant, and powdery mildew and leaf spot disease occur less. The study also shows that efficient irrigation methods such as drip irrigation can further improve water use efficiency and provide a good help for planting in different regions. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical methods for the efficient planting of Chrysanthemum morifolium. By adjusting the irrigation strategy, it can not only save water resources, but also promote the development of chrysanthemum industry, and also help to promote the development direction of green agriculture. Keywords Chrysanthemum morifolium; Irrigation strategies; Yield; Quality; Water use efficiency 1 Introduction Chrysanthemum morifoliumis a common ornamental plant. It is not only beautiful, but also has high economic and medicinal value. It can be used in traditional Chinese medicine and daily herbs, and is very popular in the flower market because of its beautiful flower shape (Sun et al., 2010; Yuan et al., 2020; Hao et al., 2022; Cai et al., 2024). Irrigation is particularly important when growing chrysanthemum. In order to improve yield and quality, irrigation methods should be selected well. Many studies have discussed this issue, indicating that reasonable water use can help it grow better and blossom better (Amarin et al., 2021; Gurjar et al., 2023). Now water resources are becoming increasingly scarce, so we need to study more water-saving irrigation methods to ensure that Chrysanthemum morifolium can be continuously planted (Amarin et al., 2021). Irrigation methods will directly affect the growth and flower quality of Chrysanthemum morifolium. For example, drip irrigation and irrigation with treated wastewater, different methods will affect the number, size and overall quality of flowers. The results showed that more and better quality flowers could be planted by controlling the amount of drip irrigation; Wastewater irrigation can sometimes improve soil conditions and is also good for plants (Gurjar et al., 2023). In addition, the experiment of irrigation with saline water showed that Chrysanthemum morifoliumcould tolerate a certain amount of salt, but the change of salinity would affect its physiological state and appearance (Amarin et al., 2021). Our study will test several different irrigation methods to see how they affect the yield and quality of Chrysanthemum morifolium. We want to find out which irrigation method can save water without degrading the quality of flowers, or even become better. At the same time, we will also see how the growth and reaction of Chrysanthemum morifolium will change when irrigated with saline water or wastewater. It is hoped that these results can provide some practical suggestions for growers, help them grow high-quality Chrysanthemum under the condition of water shortage, and realize a more water-saving and environmental friendly planting method.
Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 55-62 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 56 2 Biological Characteristics and Water Requirements of C. morifolium 2.1 Growth and development characteristics of C. morifolium At different growth stages of Chrysanthemum morifolium, the demand for water is different. At the beginning of sowing, enough water is needed so that the roots can grow well and the plants can grow normally (Buwalda and Kim, 1994; Taweesak et al., 2014). When the flower is about to bloom, the plant needs more water, because the flower buds need more water to support. Studies have pointed out that in order to grow high-quality and marketable flower branches, Hangzhou White Chrysanthemum needs about 0.96 to 1.07 cm of water every day. This shows that in the whole growth process, it is really critical to control irrigation. The time and method of irrigation will also affect the length of growth period and water use efficiency. If properly managed, the output and quality can be improved (Zhao et al., 2018). 2.2 Effects of water on quality The active ingredients in Chrysanthemum morifolium, such as flavonoids and volatile oil, are affected by the amount of water. Only when enough water is available can these components be formed normally. These substances are the key to determine the medicinal value and market price of Chrysanthemum morifolium(Zhang et al., 2020). Karasudani et al. (2023) found that the content of effective components such as chlorogenic acid and Luteolin in Chrysanthemum morifoliumwill increase if organic fertilizer is combined with less chemical fertilizer, indicating that water and nutrients jointly affect the quality of Chrysanthemum morifolium. The antioxidant effect of Chrysanthemum morifoliumextract was also affected by water content. If the water management is good, it is not only good for the flower, but also helpful to retain its health function (Xu et al., 2021). 2.3 importance of irrigation inC. morifoliumcultivation In order to plant chrysanthemum, precision irrigation is particularly critical. Too much or too little water will bring problems. Too much water, the soil is easy to accumulate water, and the root system is impermeable, which will affect the absorption of nutrients by the root, and finally make the yield and quality of flowers worse (Gurjar et al., 2023). If there is too little water, the plants will lack water, grow slowly, have fewer flowers and poor quality (Amarin et al., 2021). Now, some more advanced irrigation methods, such as using sensors to control wastewater irrigation, have been proved to improve soil conditions and make plants stronger and more stress resistant (Gurjar et al., 2023). 3 Design and Implementation of Different Irrigation Strategies 3.1 Climate and environmental conditions Climate and environment will directly affect the irrigation effect of Chrysanthemum morifolium. The study found that different seasons, different planting methods, and different varieties will affect crop water consumption, as well as the yield and quality of flowers (Posse et al., 2019). The salinity of irrigation water is also a problem that can not be ignored. If the salt content is too high, Chrysanthemum morifoliummay not grow high, the yield will decline, and the quality of flowers will become worse. However, some substrates, such as zeolite soil, can reduce the adverse effects of salt (Amarin et al., 2021; Yasemin et al., 2022). 3.2 Irrigation strategies design We use full irrigation as the control group, which is to provide the plants with the most water so that they can grow freely and achieve the best flowering effect. It is usually irrigated when the soil moisture drops to a certain extent to keep the soil moisture (Gurjar et al., 2023). The goal of water-saving irrigation is to save water without reducing the yield and quality. Technology such as drip irrigation has proved very effective, and can control the daily water consumption between 0.96 and 1.07 cm. Drip irrigation is particularly useful where water is scarce. For example, studies have installed drip irrigation equipment on each pot of Chrysanthemum morifolium in the field to supply water in a fixed amount (Figure 1) (Posse et al., 2019). Intermittent irrigation is watering at intervals, not every day. This method helps to improve water utilization. It can better regulate the water content of soil, which is helpful for plant growth and flower quality (Lin et al., 2011). Moreover, this method can also be combined with the treated wastewater, which not only supplements nutrition, but also does not increase the content of heavy metals too much (Gurjar et al., 2023). Precision irrigation is to adjust the amount of irrigation
Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 55-62 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 57 according to the growth stage of plants. For example, more watering at the early stage and less watering at the time of flowering can save water and make the flowers bloom better (Li et al., 2014). However, this method requires close monitoring of soil moisture and plant status in order to adjust the irrigation plan in time. Figure 1 Chrysanthemums cultivated in pots, under open field conditions, placed on ceramic bricks (Adopted from Posse et al., 2019) 3.3 Key monitoring indicators To evaluate the irrigation effect, we need to look at several key data. The first is the soil moisture, which can tell us whether the plants are full of water and prevent too much watering (Lin et al., 2011). The growth of plants, such as height, crown width and branch number, can reflect the health of plants (Pansuriya and Kumari, 2024). The quantity and quality of flowers are directly affected by irrigation. If the irrigation method is selected well, the flowers will bloom more and better (Li et al., 2014). Finally, the content of active ingredients, such as flavonoids and chlorogenic acid, is an important standard for judging the quality of Chrysanthemum morifolium and is directly related to its medicinal value (Li et al., 2014; Xu et al., 2021). 4 Effects of Different Irrigation Strategies on the Yield of C. morifolium 4.1 Yield analysis The yield of Chrysanthemum morifoliumwill be significantly affected by irrigation methods. The study found that the amount of water consumption will directly affect how many marketable flower stems can be harvested. In general, daily irrigation of 0.96 to 1.07 cm of water can make Hangzhou White Chrysanthemum produce more high-quality flowers. This result is true in different varieties and planting methods. The frequency of irrigation and the amount of water per irrigation are also important. They will affect how fast plants grow and when they bloom. For example, when irrigated with treated wastewater under different soil drought levels, it is found that more water supply will lead to better growth performance and higher yield (Turan et al., 2015; Gurjar et al., 2023). 4.2 Relationship between water supply during critical growth periods and yield In some key stages, such as when the flower bud is just beginning to form, enough water must be guaranteed. At this time, if there is no water supply, the flowers will be less and the size will be smaller, and finally the total output will be affected (Hassanein, 2015; Pansuriya and Kumari, 2024). Irrigation with saline water will reduce the quantity and quality of flowers, which shows that in these critical periods, it is necessary to ensure not only the availability of water, but also the quality of water (Amarin et al., 2021). 4.3 Balancing water-saving irrigation and efficient production It is very important to save water and ensure the yield in Chrysanthemum planting. In 2024, pansuriya and Kumari used organic fertilizers such as "jeevamrut" and "panchagavya" in their research and found that they can help crops grow well and reduce water consumption. Another way is to use sensors to control the irrigation system. It
Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 55-62 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 58 can decide when to water and how much according to the real-time data of soil moisture. This not only saves water, but also ensures that the yield of flowers will not be reduced (Gurjar et al., 2023). 5 Effects of Different Irrigation Strategies on the Quality of C. morifolium 5.1 Sensory quality The sensory performance of Hangbai Chrysanthemum, such as its color, shape, and neatness, is significantly influenced by irrigation methods. For example, irrigating with water with high salt content can make flowers smaller and their colors less vibrant, which can affect the overall viewing effect (Amarin et al., 2021). To maintain consistency in the shape and size of flowers, the water tension in the soil needs to be well controlled (De Farias and Saad, 2011). If the soil is too dry, the stems and inflorescences may become shorter and smaller, but in most cases, the quality of the flowers can still meet the sales standards. 5.2 Active component accumulation The irrigation method can also affect the amount of active ingredients in Hangbai Chrysanthemum, such as flavonoids, volatile oils, and total phenols. Gurjar et al. (2023) found that irrigating with wastewater can increase the organic matter and trace elements in the soil, which can help increase the content of medicinal ingredients in plants. If the water used for irrigation has a high salt content, it may affect the normal physiological activities of plants and lead to a decrease in the active ingredients (Amarin et al., 2021). Choosing a good water source and controlling irrigation methods are crucial for enhancing the medicinal value of Hangbai Chrysanthemum. 5.3 Flower drying characteristics Different irrigation methods can also affect the moisture content and drying speed of Hangzhou white chrysanthemum flowers. Scientific management of irrigation during the planting process can not only promote good flower growth, but also stabilize the quality of dried flowers. If the soil is too dry, both the fresh and dry weight of flowers will decrease, and the drying performance will also deteriorate. Saline irrigation can reduce the relative moisture content of flowers, which may affect their performance during the drying process and ultimately affect the quality of dried flowers (Amarin et al., 2021). 6 Effects of Different Irrigation Strategies on the Stress Resistance of C. morifolium 6.1 Drought resistance Under water-saving irrigation conditions, Hangbai Chrysanthemum exhibits stronger drought resistance. A study has found that spraying Robinin and Chitosan can make Hangbai Chrysanthemum more drought tolerant. These treatments can increase the moisture content of the leaves and improve the efficiency of photosynthesis. The chlorophyll content will also increase accordingly, and important substances such as carbohydrates, proline, potassium, and calcium in the plant body will also increase, helping the plant regulate water (Elansary et al., 2020). These treatments can also increase the activity of some antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), further enhancing drought resistance. The use of exogenous melatonin (MT) is also effective. It can enhance the level of photosynthesis during drought, allowing plants to maintain a high water content, while also improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes and osmotic regulation ability, enhancing drought resistance (Luo et al., 2023). Through these methods, more drought tolerant varieties can also be screened for future planting (Sun et al., 2013). 6.2 Disease resistance Different irrigation methods can also affect the disease resistance of Hangzhou white chrysanthemum, especially against common diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. Appropriate irrigation can alleviate the pressure on plants, make them more vibrant, and thus help reduce the risk of diseases (Elansary et al., 2020; Luo et al., 2023). Although there is not much research on the impact of irrigation on disease incidence, existing studies suggest that optimizing irrigation to make plants grow healthier, such as enhancing antioxidant capacity and improving nutritional status, may lower their chances of disease. 6.3 Environmental adaptability In areas with unstable climate conditions, the effectiveness of irrigation strategies is crucial for the successful
Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 55-62 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 59 planting of Hangzhou white chrysanthemums. A study has found that the combination of stress resistant substances such as Robinia pseudoacacia extract, chitosan, and melatonin can greatly enhance the environmental adaptability of Chrysanthemum morifolium. These treatments can regulate the physiological responses and gene expression of plants, allowing them to maintain a good state in the face of stress such as drought and salinity (Elansary et al., 2020; Luo et al., 2023) (Figure 2). Using special substrates such as zeolite soil to replace ordinary soil can also enhance the salt resistance of plants, indicating that the selection of planting substrates is also important (Amarin et al., 2021). Some people have also experimented with different shading rates and watering intervals, and found that adjusting the light and watering frequency appropriately can reduce the pressure on plants, allowing Hangzhou white chrysanthemums to maintain normal photosynthesis and transpiration even in water tight environments (Sahithi et al., 2020; Bdewi and Kadhim, 2024a; 2024b). Figure 2 Effects of melatonin on chrysanthemum seedlings and their chlorophyll content and photosynthetic capacity under drought stress (Adopted from Luo et al., 2023) Image Caption: (A)Phenotypes after 12 days of drought stress treatment. (B) Tr (Transpiration rate). (C) Pn (Net photosynthetic rate). (D) Ci (Intercellular carbon dioxide concentration); (E) Gs (Stomatal conductance). (F) RWC (Relative Water Content). (G) Chl (Chlorophyll content). (H) REC (Relative conductivity). CK, control; MT, exogenous melatonin treatment; PEG, drought stress; MT_PEG, drought stress with exogenous melatonin treatment (Adopted from Luo et al., 2023) Luo et al. (2023) also found that drought stress can lead to a decrease in photosynthesis in Hangzhou white chrysanthemum seedlings, a decrease in leaf water content and chlorophyll, and an increase in cell membrane conductivity, indicating that the cells have been damaged. However, if exogenous melatonin (MT-PEG) is used under drought conditions, these negative effects can be significantly alleviated. The transpiration rate, photosynthetic capacity, and water retention of the plant have all been improved. This indicates that melatonin can regulate photosynthesis and antioxidant systems, enabling Hangzhou white chrysanthemums to better withstand drought, providing new ideas for planting management under water deficient conditions. 7 Water Use Efficiency and Irrigation Strategy Optimization 7.1 Irrigation methods and water use efficiency Different irrigation methods can have a significant impact on the water use efficiency (WUE) of Hangzhou white chrysanthemum. For example, drip irrigation can directly deliver water to the roots of plants, so that water is used more accurately, not wasted, and can also improve the quantity and quality of cut flowers (Jawaharlal et al., 2017).
Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 55-62 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 60 Research has shown that regardless of the variety or management method, the most suitable daily water consumption to achieve qualified flower stem yield is 0.96 to 1.07 centimeters. Gurjar et al. (2023) attempted to use sensor controlled wastewater irrigation systems in their research. This method can improve soil nutrients and structure, indirectly enhancing water use efficiency. 7.2 Coordination of irrigation levels and water utilization Properly controlling the irrigation amount can achieve both no water waste and guaranteed yield. For example, some people use organic fertilizer combined with some chemical fertilizers to grow Hangzhou white chrysanthemums, and the effect is very good. Research has found that reducing the use of chemical fertilizers by 28% and replacing them with organic fertilizers not only results in more flowers growing, but also enhances the nutrients and antioxidant capacity inside, indicating that both water and fertilizers are used more effectively (Xu et al., 2021). Another method is to choose a suitable planting substrate, such as zeolite rock. In areas with high salt content and water scarcity, using this substrate combined with regulated irrigation can keep plants healthy without affecting yield (Wahome and Shongwe, 2014; Amarin et al., 2021). 7.3 Water use efficiency and economic benefits A reasonable irrigation plan can also help farmers save costs and increase income. For example, the "water fertilizer integration" technology combines irrigation and fertilization. This method not only allows Hangbai Chrysanthemum to grow better, but also increases its yield. Vimal et al. (2022) confirmed through research that using 100 kilograms of fertilizer per hectare, combined with appropriate planting density, is an ideal practice for producing high-quality cut flowers and can also bring good economic benefits (Vimal et al.. 2022). Using organic liquid fertilizers like Jeevamrut and Panchagavya can not only make plants grow more vigorously, but also save fertilizer costs and increase income (Pansuriya and Kumari, 2024). 8 Challenges and Future Directions 8.1 Challenges of climate change on irrigation strategies Climate change has brought many troubles to the irrigation management of Hangzhou white chrysanthemums, especially extreme weather conditions such as drought and high temperatures that can affect their normal growth and make their water needs more complex. Rising temperatures and decreasing water often lead to an increase in soil salinity. This salinization can cause plants to become shorter, resulting in a decrease in the yield of fresh and dried flowers, and the quality of flowers may also deteriorate. Studies have shown that excessive salt content can affect the flowering and growth performance of Chrysanthemum morifolium (Amarin et al., 2021). Different planting methods and varieties can also lead to significant differences in water usage across different regions, and seasonal water changes make irrigation plans difficult to arrange. This has become a more challenging issue in the face of increasingly evident climate change. 8.2 Integration of technology and precision management Irrigation nowadays no longer relies solely on manual experience. Integrating modern technologies such as smart sensors and big data can make irrigation more precise and water-saving (Wang et al., 2024). Sensor controlled wastewater irrigation systems have been proven to be useful. It can improve the nutritional status of the soil without exceeding the limit of heavy metals. This indicates that this method has the potential for sustainable development (Gurjar et al., 2023). These technologies can also help us monitor the status of soil and plants in real time, adjust irrigation plans in a timely manner, and provide water as needed. This not only allows Hangbai Chrysanthemum to grow better, but also improves the quality and quantity of flowers. 8.3 Regional adaptability studies The soil and climate vary in different regions, so irrigation plans need to be designed according to specific circumstances in order to ensure good cultivation of Hangzhou white chrysanthemums. Amarin et al. (2021) found through their research that selecting appropriate planting substrates (such as zeolite rock) can help plants better cope with salinization issues, indicating that substrate selection is also important in irrigation management. Organic liquid fertilizers like Jeevamrut and Panchagavya have shown good application effects in different regions, not only improving soil quality but also increasing yield. This indicates that these organic inputs can be
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Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 55-62 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 62 Posse R., Borghi E., Fornaciari G., Valani F., Boni F., Moreira R., and Costa G., 2019, Influence of irrigation depths in the growth of Chrysanthemum puritan cultivar, cultivated in pots, under open field conditions, in the Northwest region of Espírito Santo, Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 30: 1-8. https://doi.org/10.9734/JEAI/2019/46465 Sahithi B., Razi K., Murad M., Vinothkumar A., Saravanan J., Benjamin L., Jeong B., and Muneer S., 2020, Comparative physiological and proteomic analysis deciphering tolerance and homeostatic signaling pathways in Chrysanthemum under drought stress, Physiologia Plantarum, 172(2): 289-303. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppl.13142 Sun J., Gu J., Zeng J., Han S., Song A., Chen F., Fang W., Jiang J., and Chen S., 2013, Changes in leaf morphology, antioxidant activity and photosynthesis capacity in two different drought-tolerant cultivars of chrysanthemum during and after water stress, Scientia Horticulturae, 161: 249-258. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SCIENTA.2013.07.015 Sun Q., Hua S., Ye J., Zheng X., and Liang Y., 2010,. Flavonoids and volatiles in Chrysanthemum morifoliumRamat flower from Tongxiang county in China, African Journal of Biotechnology, 9: 3817-3821. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJB2010.000-3252 Taweesak V., Abdullah T., Hassan S., Kamarulzaman N., and Yusoff W., 2014, Growth and flowering responses of cut Chrysanthemum grown under restricted root volume to irrigation frequency, The Scientific World Journal, 2014(1): 254867. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/254867 Turan A., Uçar Y., and Kazaz S., 2015, Effects of different irrigation treatments on quality parameters of cut chrysanthemum, Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, LIX: 419-426. Vimal V.B., Bala M.B.M., and Sharda R.S.R., 2022, Assessment of Nitrogen fertigation and plant spacing in Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) cv. Ratlam selection, Int. J. Agric. Extension. Social. Dev., 7(7S): 108-112. https://doi.org/10.33545/26180723.2024.v7.i7sb.809 Wahome P., and Shongwe N., 2014, Effects of salinity stress on vegetative growth of chrysanthemum [Dendranthemaglandiflora Kitam.], UNISWA Journal of Agriculture, 15: 19-27. Wang W.P., Zhang B., and Li M.M., 2024, Big data analytics in biology: a systematic review of methods for large-scale data processing, Computational Molecular Biology, 14(3): 97-105. Xu Y., Liu Y., Peng Z., Guo L., and Liu D., 2021, Effects of chemical fertilizer reduction combined with organic fertilizer on the yield, quality, and pharmacological activity of Chrysanthemum morifolium, Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology, 32(8): 2800-2808. https://doi.org/10.13287/j.1001-9332.202108.024 Yasemin S., Köksal N., and Ansari B., 2022, A cut flower cultivation under saline conditions: C. morifoliumRamat ‘Bacardi’, Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 31(2): 1901-1907. Yuan H., Jiang S., Liu Y., Daniyal M., Jian Y., Peng C., Shen J., Liu S., and Wang W., 2020, The flower head of Chrysanthemum morifoliumRamat. (Juhua): A paradigm of flowers serving as Chinese dietary herbal medicine, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 261: 113043. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113043 Zhang W., Wang T., Guo Q., Zou Q., Yang F., Lu D., and Liu J., 2020, Effect of soil moisture regimes in the early flowering stage on inflorescence morphology and medicinal ingredients of Chrysanthemum morifoliumRamat. Cv. ‘Hangju’, Scientia Horticulturae, 260: 108849. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2019.108849
Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 63-72 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 63 Research Insight Open Access The Study on the Effect of Soil Improvement on the Growth and Quality of De-toxic Mother Plants and Seedlings of Wu Yao Xiaocheng Wang 1 , Jianli Zhong2 1Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, China; 2 Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: xiaocheng.wang@jicat.org Molecular Soil Biology, 2025, Vol.16, No.2 doi: 10.5376/msb.2025.16.0007 Received: 10 Jan, 2025 Accepted: 22 Feb., 2025 Published: 14 Mar., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Wang and Zhong, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wang X.C., and Zhong J.L., 2025, The study on the effect of soil improvement on the growth and quality of de-toxic mother plants and seedlings of wu yao, Molecular Soil Biology, 16(2): 63-72 (doi: 10.5376/msb.2025.16.0007) Abstract This study mainly aims to clarify whether different soil improvement methods will affect the growth conditions and quality of the mother plants and seedlings of Wu Yao (Lindera aggregata). Several soil treatment methods were examined, such as adding organic fertilizers, adjusting the regular watering habits, and using beneficial microbial communities, to improve the soil environment, promote better plant growth, enhance root development, and increase the biomass of the entire plant and the quality of its medicinal parts. Soil conditions and regional natural environments vary greatly, so when growing Wu Yao, one cannot simply copy methods from other places but must adjust soil management strategies based on local specific circumstances. To ensure the sustainable development of Wu Yao cultivation, this study recommends some environmentally friendly practices, such as implementing crop rotation or using more eco-friendly soil additives. These measures not only benefit soil health but also reduce the ecological burden. This study hopes to provide a scientific basis for soil improvement strategies for the sustainable and efficient cultivation of Wu Yao mother plant gardens, improve seedling quality and yield, and promote the green development of ecological cultivation of traditional Chinese medicinal materials. Keywords Soil improvement; Wuyao; Organic amendments; Plant growth-promoting bacteria; Sustainable agriculture 1 Introduction The scientific name of Wu Yao is Lindera aggregata, which is a common traditional Chinese medicine plant and plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. People often use it to relieve pain, regulate qi and blood, and can also treat conditions such as abdominal pain, frequent urination, and cold body. Its root is the main medicinal part, and the quality of the root directly affects the efficacy of the medicine. The cultivation of Wu Yao still faces many difficulties, among which the biggest problem is poor soil. If the soil quality is poor, Wu Yao will not grow well, the yield will decrease, and the efficacy will also decline. In addition, the impact of climate change, such as irregular rainfall and more extreme weather, will make the soil worse and be detrimental to the growth of Wu Yao. In fact, this situation has also occurred in other crops. To address these issues, some people have tried improving the soil, such as using organic fertilizers or non soil seedling materials, which can help seedlings grow better (Lei et al., 2017; Zeng et al., 2023). They have already seen some effects in enhancing plant growth by making the root system more developed and absorbing water and fertilizer more effectively (Wang et al., 2019; Li et al., 2022). This study aims to figure out whether several different soil improvement methods can really help make the mother plants and seedlings of Wu Yao grow stronger. Several operations were tested to improve the soil, and the watering method was appropriately changed to see if it was more beneficial to the plants. Through this research, we hope to provide a scientific basis for soil improvement strategies for the sustainable and efficient cultivation of the mother garden of Wuyao detoxification, enhance the quality and yield of seedlings, and at the same time promote the green development of ecological cultivation of Chinese medicinal materials.
Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 63-72 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 64 2 Soil Conditions and Growth Requirements of Wu Yao 2.1 Wu Yao's requirements for soil pH, texture, and organic matter content The content of organic matter, that is, beneficial components such as humus in the soil, must reach a certain level for the normal growth of the black medicinal herb and the development of its root system will also be smoother. Among them, the pH value is particularly important for the medicinal herb of Wu. The pH value directly affects whether plants can effectively absorb nutrients and is also related to the activity and reproductive capacity of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. According to the research by Wang et al. (2021), the most suitable pH range for the Chinese herbal medicine is slightly acidic to neutral. Within this range, its growth performance is relatively ideal and it absorbs nutrients more smoothly. Therefore, to grow Wu Yao well, it is very crucial to keep the soil pH within an appropriate range. Apart from pH value, the "particle structure" or "texture" of the soil also has a significant impact. Compared with sandy soil that drains too quickly and has poor water retention capacity, medium-grained soil like loam is more suitable for the medicinal herb. Loam soil can not only retain water and nutrients, but also provide more stable support for the roots, which is helpful for increasing the yield and quality of aconite (Wang et al., 2021; 2022a). 2.2 The impact of soil drainage and water retention on Wu Yao growth To grow well, Wu Yao also needs to rely on appropriate drainage and water retention properties. Good drainage can prevent soil water accumulation, prevent root rot or disease. At the same time, the soil should also be able to hold water, so that plants do not lack water during droughts. Research has shown that loam soil has better drainage and water retention properties than sandy soil; Sandy soil is prone to water loss and cannot retain water (Wang et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2022). In some places where water resources are scarce, it is even more important to pay attention to how to use water efficiently. For example, methods such as micro irrigation can help soil with fast drainage retain some moisture, and Wu Yao can naturally benefit from it (Zhang et al., 2022). As long as the soil is maintained within a suitable humidity range, Wu Yao is more likely to grow healthily (Figure 1). 2.3 Regional variations in soil types and their adaptability for Wu Yao cultivation The soil in different regions varies greatly, which can also affect whether Wu Yao is suitable for planting there. Some places are clay, some are loam, and some are sandy soil. These types of soil have different characteristics and will have different effects on the growth of Wu Yao. For example, although clay can store a lot of water, it is prone to water accumulation; However, sandy soil has good drainage, but poor fertility and cannot retain water (Hamoud et al., 2019; Ahmad and Li, 2021). Different soils require different management methods. If it is a clay area, consideration can be given to making the soil more aerated and drainage smoother; If it is a sandy area, then we need to find ways to add more organic matter to allow the soil to retain more moisture. 3 Soil Improvement Methods 3.1 Organic soil improvement materials Organic substances like compost, green manure and biochar are quite effective in improving soil structure and increasing fertility, which can help plants grow better and of higher quality. Compost and green manure contain rich organic components, which can make the nutrients in the soil more easily absorbed by plants. At the same time, they can also activate beneficial microorganisms in the soil, which is particularly beneficial for root growth and can enhance the ability of roots to absorb nutrients (Zeng et al., 2023). The role of biochar is also significant. It can enhance soil aeration and water retention, making it suitable for regulating soil conditions and facilitating the healthy growth of plants. In addition, it can also reduce soil acidity and enhance the soil's ability to retain nutrients, thereby enabling plants to better obtain the required elements (Mao et al., 2021; Huang, 2024). After using these organic materials, plants usually grow faster and taller in the early stage, and their dry weight also increases significantly. This effect is related to some reactions within plants, such as the production of more antioxidant substances and pigments that are beneficial to photosynthesis, thereby enhancing health levels and yields. In addition, these amendments can also prevent the loss of fertilizers in the soil, reduce the risk of soil being washed away by rainwater, and maintain soil fertility for a longer time (Mao et al., 2021).
Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 63-72 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 65 Figure 1 Variation map of moisture content (TDR and weighing method) and water drainage of non-crop soil against time (Adopted from Zhang et al., 2022) Image caption: represents moisture meter method, represents weighing method, represents amount of soil water leakage. Stages I, II, and III represents three time-interval gradients, i.e., 2, 4, and 6 days, respectively (Adopted from Zhang et al., 2022)
Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.2, 63-72 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 66 3.2 Inorganic soil conditioning methods Inorganic soil conditioners usually include various fertilizers, lime, gypsum, etc. They are mainly used to adjust the pH of the soil or supplement the nutrient elements needed for plant growth. Basic nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are indispensable in the development process of crops. Scientific fertilization can enable crops to grow faster during the seedling stage and absorb nutrients more efficiently (Mao et al., 2021). Among them, lime is mainly used to neutralize the acidity of the soil and help increase the pH value to neutral or slightly alkaline, so that plants can absorb nutrients more easily and at the same time reduce the release of harmful metals (Zeng et al., 2023). As for gypsum, it is quite effective in improving soil structure. Gypsum can make the originally compacted soil softer, enhance the aggregate structure, facilitate the downward growth of the root system, and make it easier for water to seep in. Sometimes, farmers also use gypsum together with fertilizers. This can simultaneously improve the nutrient status and physical conditions of the soil, allowing plants to grow better (Mao et al., 2021). This combination is particularly suitable for use on nutrient-deficient or degraded land, which helps restore soil fertility and promote more sustainable agricultural development (Zeng et al., 2023). 3.3 New soil management techniques In recent years, some more advanced soil management methods have emerged, such as precise fertilization, mycorrhizal fungus inoculation, and water regulation techniques. Precise fertilization refers to applying fertilizers in a targeted manner based on specific crop types and soil conditions, reducing unnecessary waste and environmental pollution. Providing plants with appropriate nutrients at the right time can improve their absorption efficiency and thereby promote growth and yield (Mao et al., 2021; Sun and Qian, 2024). Mycorrhizal inoculation involves introducing certain beneficial fungi (the most common being arbuscular mycorrhizal AMF) into the roots of plants. These fungi can coexist with the root system, helping plants absorb nutrients more effectively and also improving soil structure. Zhang et al. (2019) once found that mycorrhizal inoculation could promote the formation of more aggregates in the soil, making it easier for the root system to expand and enhancing its ability to absorb water and nutrients. In terms of water management, a material called "superabsorbent polymer" is widely used. It can lock in moisture in the soil and release it slowly when plants need it. This approach can reduce the impact of drought, make photosynthesis smoother, and also make the overall growth of plants more stable (Mao et al., 2021). 4 Effect of Soil Improvement on Wu Yao Mother Plants 4.1 The promotion of root development and growth rate through soil improvement Soil amendments, such as organic and biological fertilizers, loosen the soil and make it more porous, making nutrients more accessible to the plant. This allows the roots of Linderae acuminata to grow deeper, increasing their overall range and volume. With more porosity and improved aeration in the soil, the root system can more easily expand. These changes directly enhance the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients, leading to faster and stronger plant growth (Angelopoulou et al., 2014). Biological fertilizers also activate the soil microbiome. These invisible microorganisms help break down nutrients in the soil, converting previously inaccessible elements into usable nutrients for the plant. They also promote the growth of root hairs and fine root systems, effectively creating more "supply straws" for the plant and improving root absorption efficiency (Bira et al., 2016). Stronger roots lead to healthier plants, ultimately increasing yields. 4.2 The enhancement of active ingredient content (such as essential oils, flavonoids) due to soil improvement Improved soil not only promotes the growth of Wu Yao, but also benefits the active ingredients in its body. For example, the content of active ingredients such as volatile oils and flavonoids will also increase accordingly. Organic fertilizers and proper nutrient management can provide the raw materials needed for synthesizing these components, as well as increase the activity of related enzymes, promoting the production of these substances (Feng et al., 2024). Some beneficial microorganisms can also work. They reduce the stress on plants and help absorb more nutrients. They will affect the substances secreted by the root system, thereby stimulating plants to
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