A Study On The Standardization Planting Technology Of Gynostemma Pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino In Qinling-Bashan Mountainous Area

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino, belonging to the family of Cucurbitaceae, is a kind of Chinese traditional medicinal herb. Its habit is a perennial liane. Researches on the chemical constituents of G. pentaphyllum have indicated that it contains more than ten kinds of amino acids, a variety of vitamins and 84 Cypenosides. Among the total of its Cypenoside, six of which has the same chemical structure as that in Cinsenosside. G. pentaphyllum has medicinal functions, such as tumor control, anti-radialization, anti-consenescence and cardiotonic efficacy. It also can decrease fat and cholesterin content in blood, debase the blood pressure, protect liver and give appetite for people. Because of its abundant trace element content such as Se,Zn,Mn and so on, it has good interests for the health of human beings. Now it has been used in medicine, food, drink and cosmetic industries broadly, and is an important medicinal resource with greatly development value. In order to deal with the technical problems with planting about Gynostemma pentaphyllum in Qinling-Bashan mountainous area, some experiments have been carried out, by using "Variety 402"and some others as primary materials. The effects of different varieties, seeding density, planting date and frame height on its growth,output,component content were measured and the results are as follows: 1. The result of planting experiments on the varieties of Changbing, Duanbing , 402, Tianwei, Xinzi showed that the Variety 402 presented better properties than others. It has a good adaptation to local condition, with strong growth, high output and good quality. The content of its total Cypenosides is generally 2.2% and even up to 4.7 % in highest. Following it is Tianwei and Changbing, while Duanbing, Xinzi have lower output and Cypenosides content. Obviously, Variety 402 is one of the best varieties with popularization value in Qinling-Bashan Mountain. 2. One of the key factors influencing the output and quality of the Gynostemma pentaphyllum is the planting density. Due to the different climatic and soil conditions in different areas, the planting density is from 2000 to 15000 individuals per mu. The planting density should be determined according to planting mode and date, varieties, soil fertility and managing measures. With ridge breadth 1.33—1.67 m, individual spacing 0.35 m and row spacing 0.40 m, 1600-2000 planting sites per mu (1-2 individuals each site), the high output and quality could be achieved in Qinling-Bashan Range area. 3. Experiments showed that the survival rate of Gynostemma pentaphyllum is highest from the first days of April to the middle days of May, getting to 95%. The output and quality are also the highest according to above planting time, for example, its Cypenoside content could reach 5.3%. Thus, the best time to plant the Gynostemma pentaphyllum is from the first days of April to the middle days of May in Qinling-Bashan mountainous area. 4. Frame height is one of the important measures for the growth of Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Experiments showed that the output of Gynostemma pentaphyllum is 22.50% and 45.41% higher respectively than that of the control when frame height is 1 m and 2 m, and the content of its total Cypenoside is more than 0.3% and 0.9% higher than that of the control. Moreover, the output is 18.71% higher when frame height is 2 m than when it is only 1m, and the content of its total Cypenoside is 0.6% higher when frame height is 2 m than when it is only 1m. From these results, we conclude that building frame is good for the output and the quality of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, and the most suitable frame height is 2 m. 5. The soil moisture is very important to growth and development of Gynostemma pentaphyllum. It prefers a moderate water conditions, over high and low soil moisture are not suitable for its growth. Our experiments showed that when soil water content is at 55%—75%, it has good growth and the best output and quality. At moderate water stress (no irrigation), it has lower output and worse quality, while at serious water stress (drought condition), it grows slowly and even to death. However, over high water content is also harmful to the growth of G. pentaphyllum, causes its root rotten and death. Therefore, different measures of irrigation and drainage should be taken according to different local condition, so as to create the most suitable growth condition for Gynostemma pentaphyllum in Qinling-Bashan mountainous area.