Study on the Fruit Traits of Local Chestnut Cultivars in Hubei Province

Based on the field investigation, Q cluster analysis and R cluster analysis were used to examine the 10 traits of 20 local chestnut cultivars grown in Hubei Province. According to Q cluster analysis, 20 cultivars were divided into 3 groups:(1) type youli, with the characters of small nut, late maturing and easy to store; (2) type of large nut, with the characters of large nut size and middle maturing; (3)type of middle nut, with the characters of middle nut size and late maturing. By R cluster analysis,the relationship among various traits was revealed. The 10 traits were divided into 3 groups:(1) the average mass of nut; (2) the average mass of involucre; (3) other traits. The former two are unstable quantitative traits.Based on involucre and nut traits, the key to the variety of chestnut was compiled. The author also puts forward some suggestions on adjustment of variety structure in Hubei Province.