Abstract:

This study utilized the fruit appearance indicators and effective nutritional composition indicators of Xinjiang Elaeagnus moorcroftii, combined with principal component analysis and cluster analysis to comprehensively evaluate the fruit quality, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the further development and utilization of Xinjiang E. moorcroftii. The results showed that there were significant differences in fruit appearance quality of different varieties of E. moorcroftii; the comprehensive evaluation results were ‘Hongling’ (3^#)> ‘Hongyu’ (8^#)> ‘Jinsha’ (2^#)> ‘Jinhuanghou2’ (26^#)> ‘Bachu 1’ (5^#)> ‘Jinhuanghou’ (6^#)> ‘Baishatian’ (7^#)> ‘Yafeng’ (1^#)> ‘Hongling2’ (33^#) by the principal component analysis, and 3^#, 8^#, and 2^# could be used for breeding, promotion, and development and utilization. The 9 varieties of E. moorcroftii were divided into three categories by the cluster analysis. The first category was 3^#, which was mainly characterized by high solid acid ratio, tannin and total phenol, low protein and crude fiber, and could be used for making cakes, high-grade fruit juices and drinks. The second category was 2^# and 8^#, which were mainly characterized by high edible rate, high content of total flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, tannins and total phenols were also higher than the average value, and could be used for deep processing and extraction of effective functional nutrients for health care and medical treatment. Other varieties belonged to the third category, with average indicators, could be eaten and processed fresh, and could also be used as ecological forests.

Key words: Elaeagnus moorcroftii, fruit quality, principal component analysis, cluster analysis, comprehensive evaluation