Abstract: [Objective]To provide theoretical basis and genetic materials for the breeding of the Sapindus, a comprehensive assessment and selection of superior germplasms from natural germplasm resources of three species and one variety of Sapindus in China and Vietnam.[Method]Based on 200 accessions of Sapindus germplasm resources from S. mukorossi, S. delavayi, S. rarak and S. rarak var. velutinus in 14 provinces of China and 1 region of Vietnam were carried out on the basis of fruit and seed properties. Correlation analysis, cluster analysis and principal component analysis were conducted for a quantitative assessment of the germplasms using the 20 fruit and seed properties.[Result]1)The coefficient of variation of fruit and seed properties was 5.46%-38.19%, and the average coefficient of variation was 17.42%. Pericarp saponin content(38.19%), 100-seed kernel weight(30.23%)and 100-fruit pericarp weight(30.29%)were significantly different, while non-significant variation was found in fruit shape index (5.46%) and seed shape index (5.70%). The diversity index ranged from 1.47 to 2.04 with an average of 1.95. 2) 100-fruit weight showed a significant positive correlation with 100-fruit pericarp weight (0.927) and 100-seed weight (0.768), while 100-seed weight significantly and positively correlated to the 100-seed shell weight(0.863)and 100-seed kernel weight(0.635). On the contrary, there was a significant negative correlation between oil content and pericarp saponin content (-0.382). 3) Cluster analysis divided the germplasms into three groups according to the fruit size:small (group I), medium (group Ⅲ), and large (group Ⅱ). S. mukorossi mainly belongs to group I, and S. delavayi, S. rarak and S. rarak var. velutinus mainly belong to group Ⅱ, Ⅲ. Group Ⅱ is mainly distributed in the Guizhou and Yunnan province. 4) Based on the principal component analysis respectively for oil content, saponin content and integrated use, 3 categories each with 10 accessions of superior germplasms were selected mainly from S. mukorossi and S. rarak with an average gain of 36.85%.[Conclusion]The yield index had the largest variation range, represented by pericarp saponin content and 100-fruit pericarp weight. This provides abundant resources and great space for the breeding of Sapindus. The increased investment in saponin accumulation is at the expense of reduced investment in oil accumulation, which reflects the trade-off strategy of the Sapindus in specific ecological environment. The 3 categories each with 10 selected superior germplasm accessions for oil, saponin and integrated uses are widely distributed in Yunnan and Guizhou province. It is speculated that these areas have more suitable environmental conditions and better germplasms for the development of Sapindus industry.

Key words: Sapindus, fruit and seed properties, variation, integrated assessment