Abstract:

The seed characteristics and main chemical composition of 8 natural populations of Xanthoce sorbifolia in the west of China were studied by field investigation. The results showed that the seed length, width and seed-shape index were 1.05~1.51 cm, 0.86~1.38 cm, and 1.07~1.32, respectively, these parameters were significantly different among different populations. The mass of 1 000 seeds and kernel rate from Yan'an of Shaanxi were 1 108.4 g and 48.28%, respectively and significantly higher than those from Gansu and Qinghai population. The average oil content in the seed kernel was over 53%, and there were 12 fatty acids in the oil, among which the linolenic acid was the most (40.90%~46.12%), followed by oleic acid (29.21%~31.25%). There were 17 amino acids in the seed kernel, including 7 essential amino acids (27.61%). The seed index showed a significantly negative correlation with longitude. A positive correlation was observed between the mass of 1 000 seeds and the rainfall from April to September rainfall, as well as the mean annual temperature. The greater the longitude and the longer the frost free period, the higher the content of amino acids.

Key words: Xanthoceras sorbifolia, seed characteristic, oil ratio, fatty acid, amino acid