The influence of intercropping Paris polyphylla with Polygonatum cyrtonema or Ganoderma lucidum on rhizosphere soil microbial community structure and quality of Paris polyphylla

Summary

Researchers studied how planting Paris polyphylla (a rare medicinal plant) together with other plants affects soil health and medicine quality. Growing P. polyphylla alone caused problems like soil nutrient depletion and harmful microorganism growth. When grown alongside Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms or Polygonatum cyrtonema plants, the soil became healthier with better nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. This resulted in higher yields and better quality medicinal compounds in the P. polyphylla.

Background

Paris polyphylla is a rare medicinal plant whose rhizomes contain bioactive polyphyllins. Prolonged monoculture cultivation leads to rhizosphere soil microbial imbalance, nutrient depletion, and declining crop quality. Intercropping has emerged as a strategy to address these continuous cropping challenges.

Objective

To evaluate whether intercropping Paris polyphylla with Polygonatum cyrtonema or Ganoderma lucidum enhances P. polyphylla quality, soil physicochemical properties, and rhizosphere microbial community structure compared to monoculture.

Results

PPG intercropping significantly increased available potassium by 50.28% and Trichoderma abundance by 3,022%, resulting in 51.30% yield increase and 34.16% increase in polyphyllin VII content. PPPC promoted nitrogen-fixing bacteria enrichment and 26.78% increase in available phosphorus, with 20.00% increase in polyphyllin II. Both systems markedly elevated Basidiomycota abundance.

Conclusion

Intercropping P. polyphylla with either P. cyrtonema or G. lucidum enhances soil physicochemical attributes, optimizes rhizosphere microbial community composition, and positively influences bioactive compound accumulation and yield. These results provide a theoretical foundation for sustainable high-efficiency cultivation of P. polyphylla.
Scroll to Top