Classification of fruit variation types and screening of superior types of Docynia delavayi (Franch.) Schneid. in Lancang County, China

This study screened superior variant types through phenotypic trait analysis and measurement of nutritionally valuable components in the fruits of Docynia delavayi, providing a theoretical basis for the breeding of high-quality Docynia delavayi cultivars.

Taking the fruits of Docynia delavayi from Lancang County as the subject of study, twelve variant types were classified based on fruit size, shape, and color. Seven nutritional components—total acidity, total sugars, tannins, flavonoids, crude protein, vitamin C, and crude fiber—were measured. Comprehensive evaluation of the twelve types was conducted using principal component analysis, correlation analysis, score assignment method, and integrated scoring method.

Based on the variation characteristics of fruit phenotypic traits (fruit size, fruit shape, fruit color), these are categorized into 12 variation types: small globular yellow type, small globular red-yellow type, small oval yellow type, small oval red-yellow type, medium globular yellow type, medium globular red-yellow type, medium oval yellow type, medium oval red-yellow type, large globular yellow type, large red-yellow type, large oval yellow type, large oval red-yellow type). Analysis of fruit constituents (total acidity, total sugars, tannins, flavonoids, crude protein, vitamin C, crude fiber) revealed significant variation across all traits. The coefficients of variation were as follows: flavonoids (39.92%)>total sugars (27.25%)>crude fiber (20.83%)>vitamin C (18.42%)>crude protein (12.50%)>total acidity (10.39%)>tannin (2.31%). Correlation analysis revealed extremely significant positive correlations between flavonoid, vitamin C, and total sugar content with fruit transverse diameter, longitudinal diameter, individual fruit weight, and fruit shape index. Principal component analysis further indicated that individual fruit weight, transverse diameter, longitudinal diameter, total sugar, and flavonoids were the primary indicators influencing fruit morphological variation, cumulatively accounting for 70.795% of the variance. Principal component-based ranking revealed that PC1 and PC2 clearly distinguished the ‘large, medium, and small’ fruit size categories, with high internal clustering and distinct classification boundaries within each category. The quality ranking obtained using the score assignment method—‘large fruit>medium fruit>small fruit’—was consistent with the PCA analysis conclusions.

The fruits of Docynia delavayi exhibit rich phenotypic variation and nutritional bioactive compounds. Twelve types were identified and screened, yielding four superior types. This provides a scientific basis for the breeding of high-quality Docynia delavayi cultivars and the development and utilization of its resources.