Phenotypic Diversity Analysis in Blue Honeysuckle(Lonicera caerulea L.var.angustifolia Bunye)Populations in Qilian Mountain area,China

[Objective]Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L. var. angustifolia Bunye), distributed in the Qilian Mountains, is a rare plant with abundant nutrients and medicinal value in high-altitude areas. Studying its phenotypic diversity is of significant importance.[Method]To explore the phenotypic diversity of different populations of blue honeysuckle and their variation patterns under different geographical and climatic conditions, we conducted measurements and analyses of 41 phenotypic traits of 40 plants from eight populations in the Qilian Mountains region.[Result]The study revealed rich phenotypic variation in blue honeysuckle, with significant differences among populations and close correlations among many traits. Leaf traits exhibited a gradient change pattern primarily influenced by altitude and precipitation, while fruit traits were influenced by a combination of various geographical and climatic factors. Principal component analysis (PCA) identifies leaf size and crown diameter as the main traits influencing the phenotypic diversity of blue honeysuckle. The 40 blue honeysuckle plants clustered into five groups,which did not completely follow geographic distance clustering.[Conclusion]This study lays the foundation for further analysis of the genetic mechanism of phenotypic traits in blue honeysuckle and provides reference for the protection of its wild populations and the breeding of improved varieties.