Abstract:The diversity analysis and comprehensive evaluation of 22 fruit traits of 116 jujube germplasms were conducted by deployment of the coefficient of variation, genetic diversity index, cluster analysis, principal component analysis and comprehensive score. The coefficient of variation at 13 quantitative traits ranged from 1.76% to 41.30 %, and a higher coefficient of variability were detected at two traits single fruit weight and content of titratable acid. Shannon-Weaver Information index of 22 fruit traits ranged from 1.04 to 2.05, while a higher H' index was observed at the fruit diameter (2.05), vitamin C content (2.04), fruit shape (1.88) and fruit color (1.10). The cluster analysis using the phenotypic datasets at the 22 fruit traits suggested four groups, including Group I that belonged to wild resource type, group II that belonged to high nutrient content germplasm type, group III that belonged to specific nutrient content germplasm, and group IV that belonged to germplasm type with good fruit appearance quality. The 22 fruit traits were divided into 8 principal components by principal component analysis, and the cumulative contribution rate was 75.620%. The first principal component was associated with fruit size, the second principal component was associated with fruit shape index, and the third and fourth principal components were associated with fruit nutrients and fruit taste. The comprehensive score (D) of fruit traits ranged from 0.15 to 1.04, with an average value of 0.64. The comprehensive evaluation suggested the elite germplasms ‘zanjing’ of Hebei Province and ‘yangjiashandazao’ of Linxian county of Shanxi Province. Based on the performance at fruit traits, 14 germplasms including ‘sihongdazao’, ‘zanhuang1’, ‘qingxumoguzao’, ‘yucinaitouzao’, ‘xiangfenhuluzao’, ‘luzao7’, ‘jishanshuizao’, ‘jishanhamazao’, ‘jishanzhuyazao’, ‘linxiantiansuanzao’, ‘linxianliujiahuizao’, ‘xingxianlaopozao’, ‘linxiankaiyangdasuanzao’ and ‘luzao10’, were identified. Collectively, the diversity analysis and identification of elite germplasm would provide important reference for the innovation and utilization of jujube germplasm resources and the construction of comprehensive evaluation system.