Abstract:

This study aims to analyze the quantitative correlation characteristics between the core quality indexes and mineral elements of gray jujube fruits in the main producing areas of Xinjiang, and clarify the direct effect intensity and direction of key elements (e.g., Mg, B, P, etc.) on quality formation. Samples were collected from orchards in 9 counties of major producing areas. Seven quality parameters (single fruit weight, soluble sugar, titratable acid, protein, fruit shape index, edible rate, and sugar-acid ratio) and eleven mineral elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B, S) were analyzed using correlation and path analysis. Results showed significant regional variations, with coefficients of variation exceeding 30% for titratable acid, protein, sugar-acid ratio, B, Fe, and Zn, while edible rate exhibited the smallest variation (CV=1.06%). Significant correlations between mineral nutrients and fruit quality were identified: single fruit weight was negatively correlated with P (r=-0.657), Mg (r=-0.606), and S (r=-0.648); fruit shape index was significantly negatively correlated with P (r=-0.603); and titratable acid was positively correlated with Ca (r=0.651). Path analysis revealed that Mg exerted the strongest negative direct effects on single fruit weight (-0.698) and soluble sugar (-0.446), but positive effects on protein (0.785) and fruit shape index (0.529). B showed the maximal negative impact on titratable acid (-0.959) and positive impact on sugar-acid ratio (0.978). P negatively influenced edible rate (-0.825), while Mn (0.373) and P (0.342) significantly affected soluble sugar. These findings suggest that increasing B, Mn, and P fertilization with controlled Mg and Ca inputs, combined with optimized nutrient allocation, can effectively enhance fruit quality. This study provides a theoretical foundation for precision fertilization strategies to achieve high-quality jujube production, promoting industry transformation toward efficient and precision-oriented management.

Key words: Xinjiang gray jujube, mineral elements, fruit quality, correlation analysis, path analysis, reasonable fertilization, trace elements, quality management