Phenotypic Diversity of Lancea tibetica Hook. f. & Thomson and Its Correlation with Environmental Factors in Qinghai

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the phenotypic diversity of wild Lancea tibetica resources in Qinghai, clarify the degree of phenotypic differentiation and population variation characteristics, so as to fully exploit wild L. tibetica resources and provide a theoretical basis for the extraction of its active ingredients and the breeding of superior varieties.

Methods A total of 18 phenotypic traits from six representative populations of L. tibetica in Qinghai were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA). Based on these phenotypic traits, cluster analysis was performed on the six populations, and the correlations between phenotypic traits and environmental factors (longitude, latitude, altitude, soil pH, and soil electrical conductivity) were investigated.

Results The coefficients of variation for 18 phenotypic traits of wild L. tibetica in Qinghai ranged from 0.31% to 36.54%. Among populations, all 17 phenotypic traits except seed shape index showed significant difference (P<0.05). The phenotypic traits most strongly affected by geographical and environmental factors were plant height before and after flowering. Longitude was positively correlated with plant height before flowering (r=0.827) and after flowering (r=0.825), whereas soil pH was significantly negatively correlated with plant height before flowering (r=−0.913) and after flowering (r=−0.909). The four extracted principal components had a cumulative contribution rate of 78.29%, and could reflect the primary information of the phenotypic traits of L. tibetica. Cluster analysis divided the six L. tibetica populations into two types: the hort type (Gande County and Tianjun County) and the all type (Maqin County, Dari County, Yushu City, and Henan County).

Conclusion L. tibetica populations in Qinghai exhibit extensive phenotypic variation and hold significant potential for exploitation and utilization. The findings provide a scientific basis for the evaluation, development, and utilization of L. tibetica germplasm resources.