Phenotypic variation and diversity of natural Pinus koraiensis populations in Jilin Province of northern China

  Objective  In order to reveal the phenotypic differentiation and variation pattern of natural Pinus koraiensis populations, 6 natural populations in Jilin Province of northeastern China were taken as the research object.

  Method  The 13 phenotypic traits (needles traits and fruit traits) of the Pinus koraiensis population were systematically analyzed and comprehensively assessed by means of variance analysis, principal component analysis, cluster analysis and comprehensive evaluation of multiple traits.

  Result  (1) Except that there was no significant difference in the ratio of fascicle width to needle thick among populations, the other traits reached extremely significant differences within and among populations (P < 0.01). (2) The average phenotypic differentiation coefficient of Pinus koraiensis among the populations was 59.33%, and its variation was much smaller than within the population (40.67%). (3) The average phenotypic variation coefficient of the 6 populations was 11.30%, the phenotypic variation coefficient decreased from needle traits (14.56%) to cone traits (10.48%) and seed traits (5.87%). (4) The results of principal component analysis indicated that, the basic source of phenotypic diversity of Pinus koraiensis population was needle traits > seed traits > cone traits. (5) The results of cluster analysis showed that the 6 populations of Pinus koraiensis were divided into 3 groups. (6) Using comprehensive evaluation of multiple traits method, the natural populations were evaluated by fruit traits (seed length, seed diameter, hundred seed mass, cone mass) and needle traits (needle length, needle diameter, needle thick, fascicle width), and 1 population was screened out, respectively.

  Conclusion  Pinus koraiensis populations have moderate phenotypic diversity, and there are abundant phenotypic variations between and within groups. The research results can provide a basis for the protection and utilization of Pinus koraiensis germplasm resources, and it can provide materials for the construction of superior populations of Pinus koraiensis.