Growth and physiological response of Lycium chinense 'Tianjing 3' seedlings to different shading rates

To understand the light requirement characteristics of 'Tianjing3', expand its cultivation range and improve the spatial utilization efficiency of forest land, the growth and physiological indicators of 'Tianjing3' was measured through four treatments: on shading control (CK), light shading (LS), moderate shading (MS), and severe shading (SS). The results showed that light shading was beneficial the the height growth of 'Tianjing3', but had little impact on its ground diameter, total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid content, which was beneficial to the accumulation of soluble sugars and proteins, mitigated the accumulation of MDA, enhanced POD activity, and reduced the stress responses of SOD and CAT. In contrast, moderate and severe shading significantly hindered the height and ground diameter growth of 'Tianjing3', decreased the total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b content, and the chlorophyll a/b ratio. These findings indicate that the optimal shading intensity for 'Tianjing3' was light shading (light transmittance of 80±5%), and it could be interplanted in sparse forests and orchard rows with corresponding shading rates in practical applications.