Abstract: To investigate the effects of different seedling raising methods on Prunella vulgaris L., four methods were compared: Traditional open-field seedling raising, plug seedling raising with plastic film isolation, plug seedling raising with direct soil contact, and flat tray seedling raising. The influences of these methods on seedling morphology, agronomic traits, and physiological and biochemical indicators of Prunella vulgaris, as well as the correlations among these indicators, were analyzed and discussed. The results showed that among the four seedling raising methods, the two plug seedling raising methods exhibited the best root development. Their root length and root volume were 1.80 times and 2.50 times those of traditional open-field seedling raising, respectively. The roots were closely bound to the substrate, which was conducive to seedling establishment and transplanting. In terms of physiological metabolism, the two plug seedling raising methods significantly promoted the accumulation of soluble sugars. Specifically, the leaf soluble sugar content under plug seedling raising with plastic film isolation was 1.30 times that of traditional open-field seedling raising. The total content of the three photosynthetic pigments was the highest in traditional open-field seedling raising [(0.695±0.039) mg/g], followed by the two plug seedling raising methods [(0.563±0.042) mg/g and (0.614±0.008) mg/g], and was the lowest in flat tray seedling raising. It could be concluded that plug seedling raising had obvious advantages in promoting root system construction and carbohydrate accumulation in Prunella vulgaris, and was suitable for standardized seedling production. Although traditional seedling raising had a higher photosynthetic pigment content, it was only suitable for small-scale cultivation. Flat tray seedling raising resulted in poor overall growth and was therefore not recommended for production applications.

Key words: seedling raising methods, Prunella vulgaris L., seedlings, agronomic traits, physiological and biochemical indicators