OBJECTIVETo study the growth state and physiological changes of Epimedium wushanense under different light conditions (100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, 20%), and investigate its adaptation mechanism to shade environment so that it can provide theoretical basis for cultivation and production.

METHODThe growth index, the content of photosynthetic pigments, proline content, MDA content, soluble sugar content, soluble protein content and antioxidant enzymy activity of E. wushanense under different shade conditions were measured.

RESULTExcept for length/width, the other form index of E. wushanense changed significantly. The E. wushanense grew well between light intensity 80%-40%, besides, the biomass above the earth was relatively high. The chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll content and carotenoids cotent were enhanced after shaded, the values of chlorophyll a\chlorophyll b increased between light intensity 100% -60% and reduced between light intensity 60% -20%. The proline and MDA content decreased after shading, the soluble sugar and soluble protein content increased respectively between light intensity 100% -60%, 100% -40% and reduced respectively between light intensity 60% -20%, 40% -20%. The SOD activity, CAT activity decreased after shading, and the POD activity, APX activity reduced between light intensity 60% -40%, raised under 20% treatment.

CONCLUSION80% 40% irradiance treatment was favorable to the growth of E. wushanense.