Key message

Geography and tree diameter were the major factors in determining oleoresin yield in Sindora glabra. The tangential diameter and area of secretory canals are reliable indicators of the oleoresin amount.

Abstract

Sindora glabra is a native tropical plant of China that exudes copious amounts of oleoresin from wounds on the stem. Elucidation of the mechanism affecting the oleoresin yield is of particular importance for development and selection of superior germplasm. In this study, the variation in oleoresin yield and anatomical traits of the stem of S. glabra were investigated in four main natural populations in Hainan. The results showed that annual oleoresin yield varied considerably among populations. The oleoresin yield exhibited an increasing trend with the increment of tree stem diameter until the diameter was over 80 cm. Moreover, oleoresin production in the wet season was higher than in dry season. The analysis of oleoresin chemical composition indicated that the four populations belong to the same chemotype despite the amount of four types of sesquiterpenes varying greatly among areas. Anatomical analysis revealed that quantitative traits of secretory canals including tangential diameter, area, density and frequency were significantly different among populations and tree diameters. Furthermore, the tangential diameter and area of secretory canals were positively correlated with oleoresin yield. These results suggested that the tangential diameter and area of secretory canals are reliable indicators of the oleoresin amount and can be used for selection purposes in S. glabra.