Abstract: The substance distribution of ¹⁴C tracer assimilates in Tamarix chinensis-Cistanche tubulosa complex was measured and analyzed by using BH1216 low background αβ measuring device. The results showed that the specific activity of ¹⁴C in Tamarix chinensis fed leaves was the highest, and ¹⁴C was distributed in different parts of Tamarix chinensis and Cistanche tubulosa at different time. The ¹⁴C specific activity of leaves fed with the same treatment was the highest in September, followed by August and October, and the lowest in November. At the same time, the distribution proportion of ¹⁴C assimilates in Tamarix chinensis and Cistanche tubulosa under different treatments also reached a significant level. With the increase of the parasitic number of Cistanche tubulosa, the proportion of ¹⁴C assimilates allocated to Tamarix chinensis at the same time decreased significantly, while the proportion allocated to Cistanche tubulosa increased significantly. The distribution ratio of ¹⁴C assimilates in Tamarix chinensis and Cistanche tubulosa at different times was significantly different. With the parasitic growth of Cistanche tubulosa, the proportion of ¹⁴C assimilates allocated to Tamarix chinensis decreased significantly from August to October, while the proportion allocated to Cistanche tubulosa increased significantly, reaching a peak in October. Therefore, there is a significant difference in the conversion process of ¹⁴C assimilates between Cistanche tubulosa and its host Tamarix chinensis.

Key words: Tamarix chinensis, Cistanche tubulosa, different times, different parts, assimilate