Effects of different shade treatments on seedling growth of buckwheat

ObjectiveIn order to give some suggestions on buckwheat resources protection and development,the pre-sent study was conducted to screen suitable shading conditions for different buckwheat varieties. MethodTwo common buckwheat varieties(Fengtian 1 and Chifeng 1) and two tartary buckwheat(Chuanqiao 1 and Xiqiao 1) were taken as ma-terials,and their survival seedling rates and seedling growth indexes were determined under four different shade treatments 0%(full exposure),30%shade degree,75%shade degree and 91%shade degree. ResultResults showed that,four dif-ferent shade treatments were ranked in order of survival seedling rates of four buckwheat varieties:30%shade degree>75%shade degree>0%(full exposure)>91% shade degree,with significant difference(P<0.05,the same below). Common buck-wheat under 75% shade treatment and tartary buckwheat under 91% shade treatment showed the highest seedling height and stem height,the biggest stem and root girth,and the longest taproot,and buckwheat under 0%(full exposure) shade treatment showed the lowest seedling height and stem height,the smallest stem and root girth,and the shortest taproot. Four different shade treatments were ranked in order of seedling biomass of four buckwheat varieties:30% of shade degree>0%(full exposure)>75% shade degree>91% shade degree. Under 30% shade treatment,the dry weights of stem,leaf and overground part were significantly higher than those under other treatments. ConclusionModerate shade can be conducive to seed germination and seedling growth of buckwheat. 30% shade degree is selected at seedling stage. 75% and 91%shade degree are good for common buckwheat and tartary buckwheat in the late seedling growth ,respectively.