Effects of Different Light Intensity on the Growth and Nutrients Content of Gynura

Light condition has significant effects on plant growth and nutrient accumulation. The growth and nutrients content of Gynura (Begonia fimbristipulata) were studied under three light intensities (natural field, 100% full sunlight (L0); 50% canopy cover (L1); 70% canopy cover (L2)) in Fuyang, China. The results showed that plant height, ground diameter and number of branches were no significant difference between L0 and L1 treatments (P>0.05), these variables were significantly lower in L2 treatment than that in L0 treatment (P 0.05). The content of calcium (Ca) markedly increased in L1 treatment compared with L0 treatment (P<0.05), and it greatly declined in L2 treatment. The change of light conditions had less impact on the water-soluble amino acid content (except for alanine, serine, and glutamic acid). These results indicate that Gynura is suitable to cultivate under the forest with 50% canopy cover.