Abstract: Selection of optimal provenances is a key link in breeding Cunninghamia lanceolata. In this study, a method of modified projection pursuit was employed to overcome difficulties in decision making in the selection of the optimal provenances. The modified projection pursuit method had been widely used in forest investigation in recent years. This method integrates the multidimensional classification indexes of every provenance into one-dimensional projection values, and it, therefore, is able to rank directly the indexes according to the projection size and provides a scientific basis in provenance selection of C.lanceolata. Based on the data of provenance test of C. lanceolata planted in Xinkou Experimental Forest of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, the modified projection pursuit method was used to study the selection of superior provenance for C. lanceolata. The results showed that the provenance from Nanping of Fujian Province was the best in terms of growth speed, productivity and high quality, followed by that in Huitong of Hunan Province. Consequently it is suggested to use Nanping Provenance for plantation in the north of Fujian. This result is consistent with that based on the field experiment, and also basically consistent with that by the analytic hierarchy process. It is concluded that the modified projection pursuit method is feasible in provenance selection.

Key words: Cunninghamia lanceolata, selection for provenance, modified projection pursuit method