Abstract:In order to explore the phenotypic diversity of wild Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis resources in Qinghai province, 150 wild seabuckthorn resources from 10 regions in Qinghai province were collected and 12 phenotypic traits were analyzed. The results showed that seabuckthorn represented rich phenotypic diversity, with the coefficient of variation of 12 phenotypic characters ranged from 16.49% to 58.76%. Especially, three trait including ground diameter, tree height and thorn length were observed with great variations, showing the coefficient of variation over 50%. Correlation analysis revealed significant or extremely significant correlations among all characters except tree height, branch, ground diameter and leaf width. The phenotypic traits were observed correlating with latitude and altitude. The different traits were affected by different geographical factors, among which the leaf traits were largely affected. Four principal components with eigenvalues greater than 1 were revealed by principal component analysis, showing the cumulative contribution rate of 86.35%. Hundred fruit weight was detected with the greatest effect on phenotypic traits diversity. These results indicate abundant phenotypic diversity in population of seabuckthorn resources in Qinghai, with great potential for exploitation and utilization. This study provided a scientific basis for the breeding and preservation of excellent germplasm resources of Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis.