Abstract:In order to understand the effect of light intensity on the agronomic properties and quality traits of two-year-old notoginseng (Panax notoginseng), the agronomic properties, anatomical structure, biomass accumulation and allocation, as well as saponins accumulation in P. notoginseng were studied by using artificial shade method. The results showed that biomass accumulation of P. notoginseng was the biggest under 13.5% of full sunlight. The content of total saponin was the highest under 9.2% of full sunlight, while the saponin content per plant was big under 13.5% of full sunlight. The leaf and stem biomass accumulation of P. notoginseng enhanced with the light transmittance decreasing. When the light transmittance increased, the thickness of leaf epidermis, sponge tissue, palisade tissue and the leaf increased for reducing light capture. Therefore, the growth, biomass and saponin accumulation of P. notoginseng would be improved under light transmittance from 9.2% to 13.5% of full sunlight.