Abstract
A reasonable plant density is the basis for improvement of seed yield by agronomic practice. Previous researches had addressed the influence of plant density on cereal crops and grasses, but little information can be accessed for native plant with potential industrial applications. Artemisia sphaerocephala (Asteraceae) is a widely used pioneer species on moving and semi-stable sand dunes in China. Seed of A. sphaerocephala can provide valuable raw materials to a wide range of industrial purposes. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum between-row and within-row spacing for A. sphaerocephala seed production. Field trials were conducted in the Hexi Corridor of Gansu Province, China, from 2016 to 2018. The experiment was a split plot in randomized complete block design containing three between-row spacing treatments (100, 140, and 180 cm) and four within-row spacing treatments (40, 60, 80, and 100 cm). Meanwhile, correlation and path coefficient analysis were used to determine the contribution of yield components to seed yield. The greatest seed yield were obtained at the combinations of between-row spacing of 140 cm and within-row spacing of 60 and 80 cm, at which combinations the total net profits were also the highest (4304.6 and 4215.9 $ ha−1). Seed germination was not influenced by between-row and within-row spacing treatments. Among yield components, stems per square meter and inflorescences per stem had the greatest contributions on seed yield (0.913 and 0.857 for direct path coefficient, respectively). In conclusion, medium plant densities (between-row spacing: 140 cm, within-row spacing: 60–80 cm) would be optimum for A. sphaerocephala seed production without reducing seed quality. Future breeding program and agronomic practice for A. sphaerocephala should pay more attention to increase stem per square meter and inflorescences per stem. This study will provide useful information to researchers, farmers, pharmaceutical companies, and government program directors to better evaluate the potential industrial utilization of A. sphaerocephala.
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