Abstract:

In this study, the relationship between the yield of Camellia oleifera and the main economic characters of the fruit was researched, as well as the correlation among the main economic characters, to provide scientific basis for the breeding of improved varieties of C. oleifera. As experimental objects, the yield and main economic characters of 35 clones’ fruit were measured for three consecutive years, to evaluate the relationship between the trait indicators by correlation analysis and regression analysis. The results showed that: in addition to single fruit weight, major economic traits such as single seed weight, rate of fresh seed, oil rate of kernel and fruit had significant differences in different years. The variation degree of major economic traits of fruits from high to low was in the order of oil rate of kernel> rate of fresh seed> single seed weight= oil rate of fruit> single fruit weight. There was an antagonistic relationship between yield and main economic traits of fruit. The fruit yield per plant had an extremely significant negative correlation with single seed weight, rate of fresh seed, and oil rate of fruit, a significant negative correlation with oil rate of kernel, and a negative correlation with single fruit weight, but not significant; the multiple regression equation was y=23.798-2.920x₂-0.249x₄, with single seed weight (x₂) and oil rate of kernel (x₄) as independent variables, fruit yield per plant (y) as dependent variables. In summary, single seed weight and oil rate of kernel had the greatest inhibitory effect on yield under the same conditions. The maximization of a single trait should not be pursued when selecting improved varieties of C. oleifera, but a comprehensive consideration should be made based on the relationship between target traits.

Key words: Camellia oleifera, yield, fruit economic character, correlation analysis, regression analysis