Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 234-244 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 242 yield (Ding et al., 2018). Genomic studies of D. officinale have revealed gene expansions related to fungal symbiosis and drought resistance, which may play a significant role in the plant’s environmental adaptability and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. However, the specific mechanisms by which genes and environmental factors influence biomass allocation remain incompletely understood, limiting the development of effective management strategies (Niu et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2021). The lack of efficient and scalable methods for mycorrhizal association, which is crucial for nutrient uptake and stress tolerance, also poses a significant limitation (Shan et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2022b). Furthermore, the chemical composition of D. officinale can vary significantly depending on the cultivation method, affecting its medicinal properties (Yang et al., 2023). 7.3 Potential solutions and innovations To address these challenges, several innovative approaches have been proposed. The use of mycorrhizal fungi, such as those from the genera Hyphomycete, Umbelopsis, and Ceratorhiza, has shown promise in enhancing the growth and stress tolerance of D. officinale (Li et al., 2021a; Zhang et al., 2022b). Advanced cultivation techniques, including the use of red-blue LED light and potassium fertilizers, have been found to improve the quality of D. officinale by optimizing its metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles (Jia et al., 2022). Additionally, precise control systems using PLC and SCADA technologies can help maintain optimal growing conditions, thereby improving plant quality and yield (Ding et al., 2018). The development of fungus-seed bags for restoration-friendly cultivation offers a low-cost, scalable solution for propagating D. officinale in its natural habitat, promoting both conservation and commercial production (Wang et al., 2021a). These innovations collectively provide a comprehensive strategy to overcome the current limitations in D. officinale cultivation. 8 Concluding Remarks The study found that light exposure and potassium treatment enhanced the quality of Dendrobium officinale by increasing anthocyanin levels and activating flavonoid and jasmonic acid metabolic pathways. Environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and soil nutrients significantly influenced the accumulation of medicinal compounds. A short light/dark cycle promoted the shift from CAM to C3 pathways, which facilitated biomass and polysaccharide accumulation. Additionally, precise environmental control technologies optimized cultivation conditions. Although low nitrogen stress inhibited growth, it increased polysaccharide and flavonoid content, while a pine bark substrate significantly raised flavonoid levels. D. officinale cultivated in greenhouses showed the best health benefits, especially in terms of anti-aging properties. Future research should further elucidate the molecular mechanisms of D. officinale's responses to various environmental factors. Studies on gene expression profiles and metabolic pathways activated under different cultivation conditions could help identify key regulatory genes and metabolites. Exploring interactions between D. officinale and mycorrhizal fungi may provide insights into enhancing its resilience and growth rate, which are essential for large-scale cultivation. Practical applications should consider integrating advanced environmental control systems, such as PLC and SCADA, to maintain optimal growth conditions and improve yield and quality. Developing standardized cultivation protocols that incorporate key ecological factors and optimal light/dark cycles could also significantly enhance the medicinal quality of D. officinale. Further research into the health benefits of its polysaccharides, particularly their anti-aging and stress-resistant properties, may open new avenues for therapeutic applications. The findings of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the optimal cultivation conditions for D. officinale and their impact on its physiological traits and medicinal quality. Integrating advanced cultivation technologies and understanding the plant's adaptive mechanisms can significantly improve the yield and quality of this valuable medicinal plant. Future research and practical applications should continue to build on these insights to optimize cultivation practices and fully harness the therapeutic potential of D. officinale. Acknowledgments The authors would like to express their special gratitude to Dr. Li from the Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Center for his invaluable assistance in this study, particularly for his substantial support in data collection and manuscript revision. Sincere thanks are also extended to the two anonymous peer reviewers for their comprehensive evaluation of the manuscript.
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