Analysis and comprehensive evaluation of phenotypic traits of seeds and seedlings amomg different Schima superba Province in Hunan

Studying the diversity of seed and seedling phenotypic traits among different provenances of Schima superba in Hunan Province to provide a scientific basis for the collection, evaluation, and utilization of Schima superba germplasm resources. Variance analysis, multiple comparisons, correlation analysis, and cluster analysis were used to explore the variation in seed and seedling phenotypic traits among different provenances of Schima superba and their relationship with environmental factors by measuring fruit transverse diameter, fruit longitudinal diameter, fruit stem length, leaf length, leaf width, leaf stem length, seed length, seed width, ground diameter, and seedling height of fruits, seeds, and leaves, 1-year-old seedlings from 12 provenances. The results showed that: (1) There was widespread variation in eight seed and leaf phenotypic traits among different provenances of Schima superba, with coefficients of variation ranging 8.9%～25.82%. Significant differences were found in fruit transverse diameter, fruit stalk length, leaf width, and petiole length.(2)Various phenotypic traits of Schima superba from different provenances exhibit varying degrees of correlation with geographical environments. Fruit transverse diameter, leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, seed length, and seed width were significantly negatively correlated with northern latitude and pH. Seedling height was significantly negatively correlated with eastern longitude but extremely significantly positively correlated with pH. (3)During the seedling stage, the ground diameter ranged by 4.23～5.71 mm, and the seedling height ranged by 30.10～ 45.00 cm. Significant differences in seedling height were observed between Sangzhi, Longshan and Chaling, Changsha provenances of Schima superba. The percentage of ground diameter growth above the average during the seedling stage was 1.28% to 16.6%, and the percentage of seedling height growth above the average was 0.84%～17.84%.(4)The 12 provenances of Schima superba were divided into four types Variation of S. superba by cluster analysis,. The first category included four provenances in southwestern Hunan,including Jindong, Tongdao, Guzhang, and Luxi,which were characterized by large fruits, wide leaves, and fast growth.Category II included four provenances in southeastern Hunan,including Jingzhou, Nanshan Park, Chengbu, and Zixing, which were characterized by large fruits, long and wide leaves, and relatively fast growth.Category III included provenances in eastern Hunan such as Chaling and Changsha, characterized by small fruits and moderate growth.Category IV included provenances in northern Hunan such as Longshan and Sangzhi, characterized by small fruits, short and narrow leaves, small seeds, and fast growth. Fruit transverse diameter, fruit stalk length, leaf width, and petiole length were the main traits exhibiting geographical variation among the provenances of Schima superba.Eastern longitude, northern latitude, and pH were the main factors influencing the phenotypic traits of seeds and fruits. Through comprehensive evaluation, the excellent provenance regions were selected as Sangzhi, Longshan, Nanshan Park, and Jingzhou.