Differences of Leaf Functional Traits and Main Active Components in Different Lithocarpus polystachyus Families

Purpose To investigate the functional traits and content of main active components in leaves of Lithocarpus litseifolius among different families, as well as their interrelationships, providing a scientific basis for the selection and genetic improvement of economically and ecologically superior germplasm of L. litseifolius.

Methods Leaf samples were collected from 16 families originating from nine provenances of L. litseifolius. The morphological traits, nutrient contents, and main active component contents of the samples were measured, and their differences were analyzed.

Results The family origin significantly influenced the leaf morphological traits, nutrient contents, and main active components contents of L. litseifolius. Significant correlations were also found between leaf functional traits and the main active components. The Hunan Chengbu family (LNT2) exhibited the highest resource use efficiency, possessing the highest leaf dry weight (0.25 g), leaf volume (550.75 mm³), and leaf dry matter content (34.62%), while having the lowest specific leaf area (110.97 cm²/g). The Jiangxi Anfu family (AF) had the highest phloridzin content (27.93 mg/g). The Hunan Suining family (C2) showed the highest trilobatin content (37.12 mg/g) and phloretin content (3.68 mg/g). The families with higher dihydrochalcone content were AF (60.08 mg/g), C2 (54.92 mg/g), and Jiangxi Fenyi family (NZ, 44.88 mg/g). The variation range of the main active components contents in leaves among the families was relatively large, and the coefficient of variation of phloridzin and trilobatin content was the largest, which was 48.12% and 45.93%, respectively.

Conclusion Substantial variation exists in functional traits and active components among L. litseifolius families. The Hunan Chengbu family (LNT2) demonstrates high resource use efficiency, the Hunan Suining (C2), Jiangxi Fenyi (NZ), and Jiangxi Anfu (AF) families exhibit outstanding active component contents, making them promising candidates for breeding superior germplasm.