Effects of variety and density on leaf value of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge
[Objective]By analyzing the effects of density and variety on the growth characteristics,nutrient content and metabolite accumulation of Xanthoceras sorbifolia,the theoretical basis was provided for the efficient cultivation of X.sorbifolia.[Method]Three different varieties of grafted X.sorbifolia Bunge seedlings(Zhongshi No.1,Zhongshi No.4 and Zhongshi No.9)were used as materials,and three density treatments(A1:40 cm×40 cm,A2:60 cm×60 cm,A3:80 cm×80 cm)were set up,and the leaf characters,Contents of nutrient elements and metabolites were determined.[Result]With the increase of planting density,the leaf fresh mass,leaf dry mass,leaf area,nutrient elements content,soluble sugar and flavone content of X.Sorbifoli,all increased,while the specific leaf area,leaf thickness and soluble protein all decreased.The highest content of total flavonoids was A3'Zhongshi No.4',and the content was 84.684 mg·g-1.The maximum content of total polyphenols was A1'Zhongshi No.9',and the content was 24.467 mg·g-1.The maximum content of total saponins was A2'Zhongshi No.9',and the content was 253.951 mg·g-1.(2)Under the same density,the comprehensive evaluation of X.Sorbifoli leaf use value was'Zhongshi No.4'>'Zhongshi No.1'>'Zhongshi No.9'.Under the same variety and different planting densities,the leaf use value of X.Sorbifoli from high to low was:A3>A2>A1.(3)The top three are A3'Zhongshi No.4',A3'Zhongshi No.1'and A2'Zhongshi No.4'.[Conclusion]In terms of leaf value,A3 is the moderate planting density of X.Sorbifoli'Zhongshi No.1'and'Zhongshi No.9',and A3 and A2 is the moderate planting density of'Zhongshi No.4'.