Comprehensive evaluation of the ornamental value of 46 peach varieties in the central Henan

Abstract: 【Objective】By screening traits closely related to ornamental value of peach germplasm, an ornamental evaluation system was constructed. Using this evaluation system, 46 peach varieties in the resource nursery were evaluated, with the aim of selecting varieties with high ornamental value and strong adaptability in central Henan.【Methods】11 ornamental traits of the 46 peach varieties were investigated. The quality traits of flowers were determined by comparing the peach blossom DUS testing guidelines; the length of flowering period was calculated by observing the start and end flowering periods of different variety groups. The approximate chilling requirement of the peach varieties was obtained by consulting the meteorological data of Yanling County from February to April on the China Meteorological Data Network and combining expert evaluations. The diameter of flowers in the vertical direction at full bloom was measured using vernier calipers. The number of flowers per branch was randomly selected from the upper 60 cm of the plant (20 cm for dwarf varieties), and the number of flowers on the branch was recorded. For the quantitative traits measured in various varieties, six consistent samples were selected for biological replicates and the average value was obtained. A questionnaire survey was used to determine the evaluation indicators and scoring criteria. An ornamental evaluation sys-tem for peach variety was constructed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process, consisting of a goal layer, a criteria layer, and a scheme layer. The consistency of the judgment matrix was tested using Yaahp software, and the weights of each indicator were calculated. Finally, the comprehensive score of ornamental quality of each peach variety was calculated.【Results】Through pairwise comparisons of evaluation indicators, four judgment matrices were constructed, including A-C and C-P. Their consistency was tested and found to meet the requirements. In the criteria layer, the weight value of the flower quantity feature was the largest. Followed by the flower quality feature and the overall external feature. Among the 11 evaluation indicators in the solution layer, the length of flowering period, flower color, number of flowers per branch, flower shape, and flower diameter all had a large weight value (＞12%), which are the important indicators affecting the ornamental value of peach germplasm. In the flower quality feature, the plumper flower shape, the more beautiful flower color, and the more prominent anther, the higher the score. All the flower quality indicators had a positive impact on the ornamental value of peach germplasm. Therefore, the higher the indicator level, the higher the score. There were many flower colors in the 46 peach varieties. The main colors included red, pink and white, with a small numbers of varieties with multicolor flowers. The plant flowering period in central Henan was mostly concentrated from late February to mid-to-late March. Among them, Yanfenjiaoxiang had the longest flowering period of 28 days; while Feitao and Linglongfen had the shortest flowering period of only 15 days. The cold requirement of different peach varieties varied greatly. In the planning and design of garden landscapes, the combination of different varieties of cold requirement could extend the peach ornamental period to about 50 days. Yanhongzaohua had the highest average number of flowers per branch, with an average of 48.33 flowers. When in full bloom, the flowers were clustered together, colorful, and the entire branch was covered with flowers. Huangjinmeili had the largest average flower diameter, reaching 53.41 mm. It also had the highest number of filaments, with an average of 89.67. This led to the orange anther being particularly eye-catching, with distinctive characteristics and a unique style. Wanchongfen had a significantly difference in number of petals from the other varieties, with an average of 103.33, which was 2-5 times that of ordinary ornamental peaches. It also had a large flower diameter and a peony-type flower shape, which was very unique and novel. According to the comprehensive score, the 46 peach varieties were clustered using the Euclid distance. The results were divided into four grades, including 7 at grade Ⅰ, 17 at grade Ⅱ, 11 at grade Ⅲ, and 11 at grade Ⅳ.【Conclusion】The use of Analytic Hierarchy Process to evaluate the ornamental value of peach germplasm is relatively systematic, comprehensive, accurate and effective. Yanhong, Yanhongzaohua, Hongjuhuatao, Mantianhong, Wubaotao, Wanchongfen, and Huachunshouxing had scores ＞3.677 1, indicating high ornamental value and strong adaptability. These were excellent plant materials for landscape application and hybrid breeding. While Wanbai and Fenhongnvhai had low ornamental values and should be reduced in the central Henan. The other varieties with good ornamental value can be selected and utilized based on breeding objectives and application scenarios, combined with their own characteristics.