[Genotype, environment and their interactions of functional components in Rheum palmatum].

Area of Science:

• Pharmacognosy
• Plant Science
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Rheum palmatum (rhubarb) is a valuable medicinal plant.
• Understanding factors influencing its active components is crucial for quality production.
• Genotype and environmental interactions affect medicinal component accumulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the effects of genotype, environment, and their interactions on four key functional components in Rheum palmatum.
• To identify optimal cultivation conditions and provenances for high-quality Rheum palmatum.
• To provide a theoretical basis for selecting excellent Rheum palmatum germplasm.

Main Methods:

• Eight Rheum palmatum provenances from four provinces were collected.
• Plants were transplanted into three distinct environments using a randomized block design with three replicates.
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the content of 14 active components, focusing on phenolic acids, bianthrone, free anthraquinones, and combined anthraquinones.

Main Results:

• Both genotype and environment significantly influenced the functional components of Rheum palmatum.
• Phenolic acid content was primarily affected by the environment, while bianthrone, free anthraquinones, and combined anthraquinones were influenced by both environment and genotype interactions.
• Environmental factors played a larger role in component accumulation than genetic factors.

Conclusions:

• Cultivation quality of Rheum palmatum should prioritize environmental selection, followed by provenance.
• Specific regions showed potential for accumulating certain compounds: Sichuan for free anthraquinones, and Gansu for combined anthraquinone, phenolic acids, and bianthrone.
• Identified potential germplasms (P2, P6, P7, P1) with distinct medicinal properties, guiding the production of precision rhubarb medicinal materials.