Abstract:

To explore the introduction performance and adaptability of four elderberry varieties in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, four foreign elderberry varieties named ‘Aurea’, ‘Plumosa Aurea’, ‘Variegata’ and ‘Thunder Cloud’ were regularly observed and the analytic hierarchy process was used for character evaluation for five consecutive years from 2015 to 2019. The results showed that the four elderberry varieties could grow, blossom and fruit normally in Zhengzhou open field cultivation. All the four elderberry varieties were robust, flourishing, long-blooming and resistant to low temperature. The weight distributions of ornamental, adaptability and growth characteristics were 0.4, 0.3 and 0.3 respectively for comprehensive analysis and evaluation. The comprehensive score was shown as ‘Aurea’ > ‘Variegata’ >‘Plumosa Aurea’ > ‘Thunder Cloud’. It shows that the four elderberry varieties have high ornamental value and adaptability, and they could be widely used in Zhengzhou urban landscaping and beautification.

Key words: elderberry, introduction, biological characteristics, adaptability, evaluation