Review on uses, residues and effects of plant growth regulators in the cultivation of Ophiopogon japonicus

Ophiopogon japonicus is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine. The reasonable application of plant growth regulators (PGR) could increase the yield of O. japonicus, however, there might be some negative effects by overuse of PGR. In this article, the current state of application of PGR in O. japonicus cultivation in China was summarized, and the residue status of PGR in O. japonicus was reviewed. The effects of PGR on crop yield, agronomic character and appearance, active ingredients of O. japonicus, soil, succeeding crops, and population health were summarized. The countermeasures and suggestions of increasing fundamental research, deepening the connection of management norms, accelerating the pesticide registration, strengthening pesticide guidance and supervision, advancing establishment of standards, and improving risk assessment were put forward to promote the safety application of PGR on O. japonicus, which can provide references for the green and healthy development of O. japonicus industry.