OBJECTIVETo transfer the effective elements of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium into carrot, and provide theoretical data for the exploitation, improvement and selection of the germplasm of Chinese medicinal plants.

METHODThe protoplasta of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium irradiated by ultraviolet light (UV) at an intensity of 300 microW.(cm2)-1 for 0, 1, 2 min respectively were fused with those of carrot Fisch by PEG method. The regenerated clones, derived form a single fused cell, were examined for their hybrid nature by phenotype and Esterase isoenzyme analysis.

RESULTNine clones were identified as the somatic hybrids between B. scorzonerifolium and carrot.

CONCLUSIONThis provides a firm foundation for the further analysis of the main active components saikosaponin of somatic hybrids and the screening out of high-medicine-content hybrid cell lines.