Evaluation of oak germplasm resources with ornamental values based on leaf shapes

Leaf shape is one of the important value standards of ornamental trees, especially the special-shaped leaves of oak trees are widely concerned. In this study, 165 oak trees’ germplasm resources from 20 species in Wenjiang Huihe Base of Sichuan Agricultural University were taken as the object, and an analytic hierarchical analysis model was constructed based on leaf shape characteristics, and comprehensive evaluation was made from two dimensions: leaf ornamental value (weight 0.84) and plant growth quantity (weight 0.16). The indicator weights were determined through expert questionnaires, in which leaf shape (weight 0.3195), leaf spread (weight 0.1982), and leaf area (weight 0.1095) were the core evaluation factors, and thirteen first-class excellent germplasm resources (such as marsh oak "Hongyun Dangtou" and Oak-Henan) were screened out. The results showed that leaf shape features (such as multiple lobes and strong three-dimensional veins) significantly enhanced the ornamental value of oaks, and some oak species (such as Q. palustris Münchh.-henan) excelled in leaf shape variation and adaptability. The evaluation system established in this study (CR<0.1) was both scientifically sound and practical, providing methodological references for germplasm screening of foliage ornamental woody plants. It also offered theoretical support and distinctive germplasm resources for introducing high-quality oak varieties (such as Q. palustris Münchh.-henan and Quercus palustris) and adaptive cultivation practices in Chengdu and similar climate zones, contributing to the enhancement of regional landscape diversity and ecological benefit.