Effects of shade treatments on biomass and non-structural carbohydrates in Cyphomandra betacea Sendt. seedlings

Understanding the growth responses of Cyphomandra betacea Sendt. seedlings to varying light conditions is essential for optimizing seedling cultivation strategies. This study investigated the morphological traits, organ-specific biomass allocation, and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) dynamics in one-year old C. betacea seedlings subjected to four light regimes: full light (CK: 0% shade), light shade (S₁: 25% shade), medium shade (S₂: 50% shade), and heavy shade (S₃: 70% shade). Results showed significant differences in seedling height and soluble sugar and starch concentrations in the roots and leaves across treatments (P<0.05). As shading intensity increased, seedling height, ground diameter, and leaf starch content initially declined and then increased, while organ biomass followed the order: root> leaf>stem. Soluble sugar and starch levels in stems exhibited an opposite trend. A significant positive correlation was detected between stem soluble sugar concentration and root biomass (P<0.05). Fuzzy synthesis indicated that 50% shade was the optimal condition for seedling performance. These findings indicate that C. betacea seedlings exhibit moderate shade tolerance, and 50% shade may enhance seedling development.