Screening of Elite Leonurus japonicus Germplasm Based on Multi-Trait Coordinated Selection

Objective To screen high-quality Leonurus japonicus Houtt. germplasm resources suitable for large-scale promotion and with high medicinal value in the Zhejiang region.

Methods This study systematically evaluated Leonurus japonicus germplasms from nine different sources within the country and conducted a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between agronomic traits and the accumulation patterns of active compounds in different germplasms.

Results Significant differences were observed among various germplasms in terms of phenological stages, leonurine content, and agronomic traits(P<0.05). The total accumulation of leonurines per plant was positively correlated with biomass (fresh weight r = 0.667^**), while it showed a negative correlation with plant height (r = -0.014). Principal component analysis further revealed that biomass accumulation is a key factor influencing the comprehensive performance of the germplasm.

Conclusion Germplasms No. 7, No. 1, and No. 3 were identified as excellent germplasms with both high yield potential and a relatively high content of medicinal components. This study lays the groundwork for a comprehensive evaluation model of Leonurus japonicus germplasm, providing new insights for the breeding of superior germplasms.