Main Character Differences and Comprehensive Evaluation of ‘Qiufenzi’ Superior Trees in Different Camellia oleifera Communities

To compare the trait differences among early-maturing Camellia oleifera communities and screen superior trees with optimal comprehensive traits, 43 superior trees from four early-maturing communities of autumn equinox seed Camellia oleifera in Macheng, Hubei were selected as study materials. 16 indicators were measured, including single fruit weight, seed count, seed yield rate, seed kernel oil content, and fatty acid composition. Comprehensive evaluation was conducted using analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis. The results demonstrated significant or highly significant differences in economic traits and fatty acid composition among superior trees from different communities: the dry seed rate of fresh fruits in Xiaojieling and Lianglukou communities (20.62–21.16%) was significantly higher than that in Dujiahe and Xianyangyan communities; the seed kernel oil content (44.68–45.68%) in Xiaojieling, Lianglukou, and Xianyangyan communities was significantly higher than that in Dujiahe community; and the oleic acid content (81.63%) in Xianyangyan community was significantly higher than in Xiaojieling, Lianglukou, and Dujiahe communities. KMO and Bartlett tests confirmed suitability for PCA, with three principal components accounting for 76.73% of total variance, corresponding to fatty acid profile, oil content, and seed yield rates, respectively. The top 10 superior trees by comprehensive evaluation scores were: LK7> JL6> JL7> LK190> JL5> LK2> JL8> DJ190> JL2> JL3, predominantly distributed in Lianglukou and Xiaojieling communities. Cluster analysis classified the 43 superior trees into three types: high-unsaturated fatty acid type, high-seed-yield type, and high-oil-content type. The selected batch of early-maturing camellia oleifera trees with superior comprehensive traits provides a theoretical foundation and material support for the breeding of early-flowering, early-maturing camellia varieties and germplasm innovation in northern production areas.