# Selection and preliminary evaluation of superior individual plant in Camellia oleifera

## TL;DR

Researchers identified high-performing Camellia oleifera plants to improve low-yield forests through better selection and breeding.

## Contribution

A systematic evaluation and clustering of elite C. oleifera germplasms to guide genotype selection and breeding.

## Key findings

- Genotype H2 showed the best performance across all measured traits.
- Three genotypes (H16, H1, H6) showed strong potential with optimized practices.
- Cluster analysis grouped elite trees into five distinct phenotypic groups.

## Abstract

Camellia oleifera exhibits significant economic and ecological value as a woody oil crop. However, widespread low-yield stands persist due to suboptimal agricultural management and historical neglect of scientific cultivation practices. This study conducted a systematic characterization of 25 elite C. oleifera germplasms with high fruit set but phenotypic variability in fruit morphology and yield components. Multi-dimensional assessments were performed at late-stage fruit development, focusing on architecture traits (height, canopy area), fruit morphological parameters (size, weight, pericarp thickness), and key economic indices including yield potential and oil content. Multivariate analysis revealed H2 as the top-performing genotype, demonstrating superior performance across all evaluated traits. Genotypes H16, H5 and H6 ranked second tier but require optimized agronomic practices to maximize yield potential. Hierarchical cluster analysis based on 17 quantitative traits classified the elite trees into five distinct phenotypic groups. These findings provide a scientific framework for genotype selection in low-yield forest restoration programs. The identified superior trees offer potential for regional production enhancement, while the established trait correlation inform targeted breeding strategies.