Establishment and validation of elevation model of climate quality for Zanthoxylum schinifolium Sieb.et Zucc

【Objective】 The effects of meteorological conditions during the key growth period on quality of Zanthoxylum schinifolium Sieb.et Zucc were researched and the evaluation model of climate quality for Z. schinifolium was established, in order to provide technical support for climate quality evaluation for Z. schinifolium and exploitation and utilization of regional climate resources.【Method】 Took Jiuyeqing Z. schinifolium as material, samples were collected at major producing districts in Chongqing during 2015-2020. Three to five orchards were selected in each district. Quality indexes were tested for Z. schinifolium. Correlation analysis were used to screen climate factors that influenced volatile oil, amide compounds and selenium of Z. schinifolium. Regression model was established by climate factor and quality index. The threshold of climate factors corresponding to the Z. schinifolium quality and classification criteria for climatic conditions of Z. schinifolium were also determined by regression model. Analytical hierarchy process(AHP) were used to establish the evaluation model. To predict the effects of the evaluation model by using the other samples that were not included in the model development.【Result】 There were eight key climate factors that reflected the climate quality of Z. schinifolium, which were sunshine duration(X₁), cumulative precipitation(X₂), daily temperature range(X₃), ≥85% humidity days during the fruit formation period(X₄) and sunshine duration(X₅), cumulative precipitation(X₆), daily temperature range(X₇), rainy days(X₈) during picking period. The weight coefficients of climate factors were 0.19, 0.06, 0.17, 0.13, 0.07, 0.19, 0.06, 0.13, respectively. The climate quality evaluation model of Z. schinifolium was ICQ=0.19 X₁+ 0.06 X₂+0.17 X₃+0.13 X₄+0.07 X₅+0.19 X₆+0.06 X₇+0.13 X₈. The climate quality of Z. schinifolium were divided into 4 grades:extra excellent, excellent, good and normal. The thresholds of evaluation indexes(I_CQ) were I_CQ≥0.85, 0.75≤I_CQ<0.85, 0.65≤I_CQ<0.75 and I_CQ<0.65. Based on the model, the comprehensive index of climate quality of Z. schinifolium picked in Jijiang, Jiangjin District, Chongqing in 2020 was 0.91, which was judged as extra excellent and consistent with actual conditions in sampling sites.【Conclusion】 The established evaluation methods and indicators can objectively reflect the quality grade of Z. schinifolium, they can be applied to serve in climate conditions suitability of Z. schinifolium production and harvest forecast of Z. schinifolium.