Evaluation and selection of Camellia osmantha germplasm resources

In order to select out fi ne cultivars in Camellia osmantha, growth status and fruit characteristics of 39 fi veyear-old C. osmantha planted in Guangxi Camellia Germplasm Collection Orchard were investigated and analyzed. The results show that C. osmantha with the characteristics of fast-growing and early bearing, is a species of oil tree with much potential. Variability of the fruit yield is large between individuals. There are very signifi cant differences in single fruit mass, fruit height, fruit diameter, peel thickness, seed number, and fresh seed mass. Reference to the selection standard of C. meiocarpa, 9 superior individuals were primary screened out.