Work

Optimizing cultivation density for Pseudostellaria heterophylla: a novel evaluation strategy integrating electrophysiological and traditional traits for early growth indication

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Pseudostellaria heterophylla is an herb with medicinal, edible and ornamental uses, and unreasonable planting density severely restricts its growth. Traditional methods for evaluating optimal planting density primarily rely on agronomic traits, yield, and quality indicators, which suffer from significant lag and provide only superficial insights. Methods In this study, the electrophysiological information was regarded as key indicator, and the influence of plant density on the growth of P. heterophylla was evaluated through multi-dimensional data. Results The results indicate that there were significant differences ( p < 0.05) in electrophysiological indices, electrical signals, intracellular water metabolism, nutrient transport and agronomic traits of P. heterophylla under different planting densities. Electrophysiological responses were faster and more sensitive than traditional methods, showing a non-linear pattern of “low in the middle and high at both ends”. The sensitivity of this response is reflected in the changes of growth state under density stress. When plant density was 80,000 to 100,000 plants per 667 m 2 , the above-ground part and underground part grew best, and total biomass and economic benefits were also optimal. When it was 100,000 plants per 667 m 2 , the saponin content reached 3.95%. Correlation analysis showed that the electrophysiological signal was positively correlated with the traditional evaluation index, and grey relational analysis indicated that each index at this density performed evenly and excellently. The change of electrophysiological signals had a high correlation with the results of grey relational analysis, which verified that electrophysiological information is an index for early, rapid, non-destructive indication of P. heterophylla growth status. Conclusion This study demonstrates that electrophysiological information can serve as an early, rapid, non-destructive indicator of P. heterophylla growth status, and identifies 80,000–100,000 plants per 667 m 2 as the optimal planting density. These findings provide a scientific basis for standardized cultivation of P. heterophylla .

Source: Frontiers in Plant Science

DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2026.1943951