title: [Study on method and its optimization of improving seed germination of Astragalus membranaceus as gansu traditional medicinal herb].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To break the hard testa and improve seed germination situation of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus, in order to solve the problems of low success rate of seed germination and seedling.
  
  
  METHODS
  Longxi Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus seed was treated by soaking seed with 75% alcohol and concentrated sulfuric acid, warm-water incubating, grinding and comprehensive treating with warm-water incubating, grinding and sand culture. Its seed germination situation was evaluated by germination potential, germination rate and germination index.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Different processing methods significantly improved seed germination with different effect. Comprehensive treatment with warm-water incubating, grinding and sand culture was the best one on Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus seed germination. Its germination potential, germination rate and germination index was 66.04%, 87.70% and 1.34,respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Comprehensive treatment with warm-water incubating, grinding and sand culture is an economic and effective processing method, which is suitable for actual production.
authors.forename: Li-Ping
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.forename: Qiao-Ming
authors.initials: QM
authors.lastname: Ou
authors.forename: Wen-Juan
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.forename: Yu-Liang
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000438:Alcohols / Q000494:pharmacology; D027885:Astragalus propinquus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D018525:Germination / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D012639:Seeds / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D013464:Sulfuric Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D000438:Alcohols; D013464:Sulfuric Acids; D014867:Water