Yield and quality of Coptis chinensis from different varieties

Objective To study and compare the yield and quality of Coptis chinensis from three varieties (Dahuaye, Wuguangye, and Xiaohuaye) that bred in GAP cultivation habitat in Fubaoshan, Hubei Province. Methods Three samples were collected every year in the field, which were stochastically designed in past three-years and weighted by roasting for dryness. The weight and the contents of total alkaloids and berberine were determined by UV and HPLC, respectively. Results There was no significant difference among the three varieties on the yield of three-year-old samples (P0.05), but the yields of four-year-old and five-year-old Dahuaye and Wuguangye samples were significantly higher than that of Xiaohuaye sample (P0.05), there were no significant differences among the three varieties on the contents of total alkaloids and berberine (P0.05). Conclusion The varieties of Dahuaye and Wuguangye are excellent in higher yield and better quality, and both of them can be used as origin seeds in the GAP plantation of C. chinensis.