Study on the Variation in Growth Traits of Cupressus funebris.

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the variation in growth traits of Cupressus funebris in Chongqing Municipality, thus laying the foundation for further breeding and improvement of fine varieties. [Method] Growth traits of three fine stands of C. funebris in Qijiang, Pengshui and Youyang of Chongqing Municipality were investigated. [Result] The results showed that C. funebris stand in Pengshui exhibited the best growth performance, followed by C. funebris stand in Qijiang; C. funebris stand in Youyang exhibited the poorest growth performance. The average volume growth of C. funebris in Pengshui, Qijiang and Youyang was 0.14, 0.11 and 0.06 m3, respectively. Among different stands, variation coefficients of major growth traits were above 11.31%, and the maximum variation coefficient of the volume was 39.11%; within the stands, variation coefficients of plant height were basically the same (about 20%). The variation coefficient of diameter at breast height in Qijiang reached the maximum of 42.42%, followed by that in Youyang. The variation coefficients of volume and diameter at breast height were consistent; seed bearing coefficient (SBC) of C. funebris stand in Pengshui exhibited the maximum variation, which indicated that C. funebris stand in Pengshui was conducive to establishing seed stands and constructing seed orchard by using the selected stands. [Conclusion] It is necessary to conduct provenance selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]