IJH_2024v14n6

International Journal of Horticulture 2024, Vol.14, No.6 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh © 2024 HortHerb Publisher, registered at the publishing platform that is operated by Sophia Publishing Group, founded in British Columbia of Canada. All Rights Reserved. Publisher HortHerb Publisher Edited by Editorial Team of International Journal of Horticulture Email: edit@ijh.hortherbpublisher.com Website: http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh Address: 11388 Stevenston Hwy, PO Box 96016, Richmond, V7A 5J5, British Columbia Canada International Journal of Horticulture (ISSN 1927-5803) is an open access, peer reviewed journal published online by HortHerb Publisher. The journal publishes all the latest and outstanding research articles, letters and reviews in all aspects of horticultural and its relative science, containing horticultural products, protection; agronomic, entomology, plant pathology, plant nutrition, breeding, post harvest physiology, and biotechnology, are also welcomed; as well as including the tropical fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and industrial crops grown in the open and under protection. HortHerb Publisher is an international Open Access publisher specializing in horticulture, herbal sciences, and tea-related research registered at the publishing platform that is operated by Sophia Publishing Group (SPG), founded in British Columbia of Canada. All the articles published in International Journal of Horticulture are Open Access, and are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. HortHerb Publisher uses CrossCheck service to identify academic plagiarism through the world’s leading plagiarism prevention tool, iParadigms, and to protect the original authors’ copyrights.

International Journal of Horticulture (online), 2024, Vol. 14, No.6 ISSN 1927-5803 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh © 2024 HortHerb Publisher, registered at the publishing platform that is operated by Sophia Publishing Group, founded in British Columbia of Canada. All Rights Reserved. Latest Content Evaluation of Potato Varieties for Yield and Yield Components in Myagdi, Nepal Bishal Dhakal, Tej Narayan Bhusal, Sushrita Acharya, Dikshya Bist International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 6, 333-342 The Multipurpose Applications of Xanthoceras sorbifolium and Its Prospects in Sustainable Agriculture Haiyan Chen, Dianda Zhang, Weihua Qi, Nannan Hu, Ke Li, Kean Lin, Chao Wang, Qianyong Sun, Lixin You International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 6, 343-354 Key Agronomic Factors Influencing Rapeseed Yield and Quality and Optimization Strategies Nuan Wang, Cong Wu, Yanan Zhang, Feng Qian, Ting Shao International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 6, 355-367 Botanical Characteristics and Ecological Adaptability of Fig (Ficus caricaL.) Nana Zhou, Feng Qiao International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 6, 368-380 The Global Expansion of Hops: Botanical Characteristics and Historical Evolution in Brewing Aiping Yu, Zefeng Guo, Wei Liu International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 6, 381-393 Adoption Status of Improved Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Production Technology in Syangja, Nepal Surekha Panthi, Sapana Acharya, Manish Pandit, Bishal Shrestha, Dikshya Subedi, Shristi Tiwari International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 6, 394-404 Integrated Agronomic Practices for Enhancing Yam Productivity Jun Chen, Wenhui Yu International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 6, 405-413

International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 333-342 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 333 Research Article Open Access Evaluation of Potato Varieties for Yield and Yield Components in Myagdi, Nepal Bishal Dhakal 1 , Tej Narayan Bhusal 2, Sushrita Acharya1, Dikshya Bist 1 1 Faculty of Agriculture, Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, 44800, Nepal 2 Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Rampur, Chitwan, 44800, Nepal Corresponding author: bishal29499@gmail.com International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6 doi: 10.5376/ijh.2024.14.0034 Received: 21 Aug., 2024 Accepted: 05 Oct., 2024 Published: 01 Nov., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Dhakal et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Dhakal B., Bhusal T.N., Acharya S., and Bist D., 2024, Evaluation of potato varieties for yield and yield components in Myagdi, Nepal, International Journal of Horticulture, 14(6): 333-342 (doi: 10.5376/ijh.2024.14.0034) Abstract An experiment was conducted between February and June 2022 in Annapurna Rular Municipality, Myagdi, Nepal with an objective to assess various potato varieties for their yield and yield components. The experiment followed a randomized complete design with five treatments (Desiree, Janakdev, Kufri Jyoti, Mustang local, and Myagdi local) each replicated four times. Growth parameters, including plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, number of stems per hill, and canopy diameter (cm) at various days after planting, were measured. Yield parameters such as tuber weight per plant (g), tuber number per plant, marketable tuber (kg/m2), Unmarketable tuber (kg/m2) and tuber distribution by grading in terms of number and weight were recorded. Additionally, disease scoring was done for severity and incidence of potato wart on potato varieties. The results indicated that Janakdev exhibited the tallest plant (66.00 cm), while Desiree had the shortest (47.50 cm). Janakdev also displayed the maximum number of leaves per plant (76.90), whereas Desiree had the minimum (50.55). Desiree and Myagdi local recorded the highest (5.53) and lowest (3.50) number of main stems per hill, respectively. Myagdi local demonstrated the maximum canopy diameter (55.15 cm), while Desiree had the minimum (43.91 cm). Janakdev showed the highest tuber weight per plant (512.73 g) and the highest tuber number (8.50). Mustang local produced the highest number of small-sized tubers (25 mm), with Janakdev recording the highest number of large-sized tubers (>50 mm). In terms of yield, Janakdev yielded the highest (37.93 t/ha), whereas Mustang local had the lowest yield (12.27 t/ha). Highest incidence of potato wart was found on Myagdi local (Seto aalu) about 98%. Given its superior performance across various growth and yield traits, Janakdev demonstrated high yield potential (337.93 t/ha) in khibang-06, Myagdi, Nepal. Consequently, Janakdev was recommended as the most suitable variety for farmers in khibang-06, Myagdi. Keywords Potato varieties; Evaluation; Wart; Yield components; Myagdi local 1 Introduction Potato is the world's fourth most staple food crop for the world population and is rich in carbohydrates, providing a primary source of energy. Sustainable production of potato can contribute to all four pillars of food security: availability, access, utilization and stability. In 2020, world production of potatoes was 359 million tons, led by China with 22% of the total. Other major producers were India, Russia, Ukraine and the United State (FAO, 2022). In terms of area coverage potato ranks fifth (198,788 ha) among main staple crops paddy, maize, wheat, millet and barley; second in total production (3,325,231 t) and first in productivity (16.72 t/ha) in Nepal (MOALD, 2020). Potato has a short cropping period, low water consumption, high protein content, comparatively higher prices, and raw materials of industries with about 90% of the requirement being produced within the country. Its cultivation is common among farmers because of its greater adaptability, high yield capacity, and high demand, contributing 6.57% to AGDP and 2.17% to GDP, respectively (Bajracharya and Sapkota, 2017). It is used as subsidiary food as part of vegetables in Terai region, whereas as staple food in Hill and Mountain Regions of Nepal (Subedi et al., 2019). Myagdi is one of the districts in Gandaki Province, Nepal, covering an area of 2,297.06 km2. In Myagdi potato is cultivated once a year with productivity of 10.17 t/ha in the year 2016/17, 10.57 t/ha in the year 2017/18, 15.63 t/ha in the year 2018/19, 15.67 t/ha in the year 2019/20 and 15.85 t/ha in the year 2020/21 (MOALD, 2020). The productivity of potato in Myagdi is increasing but not satisfactory. Its productivity is still lower than the national

International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 333-342 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 334 average. To address this issue, it is essential to evaluate the performance of different potato varieties to identify the most suitable ones for local cultivation. It provides an overview of some recommended potato varieties for mid and high hill region of Nepal, including their maturity days, yield potentials, and specific traits such as disease resistance and adaptability to different climatic conditions (Table 1). Table 1 Some recommended varieties of potato for mid hills and high hills of Nepal Name of variety Released date (B.S) Days to maturity Yield (t/ha) Recommended domain Characteristics Kufri Jyoti 2049 110 23 Mid and high hills Resistance to blight and wart Desiree 2049 110-120 23 Terai, midhills and highhills Moderately resistance to blight, resistant to wart Janakdev 2056 110 39.4 Terai, midhills and highhills Moderately resistant to late blight (Shrestha et al., 2019) and wart, hailstone tolerant, wide adaptability Khumal seto-1 2056 110 38.7 Mid and high hills Resistance to blight and wart, leaf curl virus, drought, hailstone Khumal laxmi 2065 120-140 24-28 Terai, midhills and highhills Resistance to blight and wart Khumal ujjwol 2071 100-120 25 Mid and high hills Less insect problem due to trichome in stem Khumal bikas 2075 100-110 25.75 Mid and high hills - Source: Joshi et al., 2016; Krishi Diary, 2078 2 Materials and Methods 2.1 Location The field experiment was conducted in farmer's field at Khibang-06, Myagdi from February to June 2022. It is located at co-ordinates of latitude and longitude 28° 30' 50.3'' N to 83° 21' 50.7'' E respectively. 2.2Layout The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). There were 5 treatments and each treatment were replicated four times. There were 5 different varieties as treatments namely: Desiree, Janakdev, Kufri Jyoti, Mustang local and Myagdi local (Mixture of White (Seto) and Red (Rato)) as treatments. The plan of layout of the experiment was of plot size 2.5 m×1.5 m i.e. 3.75 m2 (Figure 1). There were altogether 20 plots. Each plot had 4 rows with 7 potatoes in each row with plant-plant spacing of 20 cm and row-row spacing of 60 cm. Figure 1 Field layout (A) and Plot layout (B)

International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 333-342 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 335 2.3 Cultivation practices Fertilizer applied was FYM 30 t/ha, Urea 132.3 kg/ha, DAP 217.4 kg/ha, and MOP 100 kg/ha. Urea was applied in split dose half during planting and other half during first earthing up when plant reaches the height of 15 cm. Total experimental area was 95.7 m2. 2.4 Parameters recorded Growth parameters, including plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, number of stems per hill, and canopy diameter (cm) at various days after planting, were measured. Additionally, yield parameters such as tuber weight per plant (g), tuber number per plant, marketable tuber (kg/m2), Unmarketable tuber (kg/m2) and tuber distribution by grading in terms of number and weight were recorded. Data analysis was done using MS-Excel and R-Studio. 2.5 Disease scoring of potato wart Potato tubers were harvested manually, and the disease severity was evaluated based on the EPPO Diagnostic Protocol (EPPO, 2004), which classifies symptoms into nine distinct classes depending on the extent of wart proliferation observed on the tubers (Table 2). Table 2 Classification of disease severity in potato cultivars based on wart proliferation Class Reaction of potato cultivar 1 Tubers not affected 2 Single Proliferation (<5 mm) 3 2 or 3 proliferations (<5 mm) or a single large proliferation (5-10 mm) 4 Several large warts (5-10 mm) 5 Several medium-sized warts (>10 mm) 6 Several large warts, at least one of these being>10 mm, and beginning deformation of the tuber 7 Large warts with a diameter of >10 mm and disruption of tuber formation 8 Very large warts, but individual tubers still recognizable 9 Very large warts, no normal tubers present The disease severity was evaluated for each individual plant separately, according to the size and number of the warts. The final score was considered to be the category ⁄ class which predominated among the plants with symptoms. For example, if from 10 plants, five plants were not affected (class 1); two were in class 4; and three in class 5, then the final score was written down as ‘5’ (Table 2). 3 Results and Analysis 3.1 Potato plant height (cm) The effect of different varieties on plant height was significant (Table 3). At 45 DAS maximum plant height was obtained in Janakdev (27.95 cm) and minimum height was recorded from Myagdi local (23.18 cm) which was at par with Kufri Jyoti (Figure 2). Similarly, at 60 DAS maximum height was recorded from Janakdev (47.61 cm) and minimum height was recorded from Desiree (32.24 cm). Similarly at 75 DAS maximum height was recorded from Janakdev (59.79 cm) which was at par with Myagdi local and minimum height was recorded from Desiree (42.19 cm). Similarly at 90 DAS highest plant height was recorded from Janakdev (66.00 cm) which was at par with Myagdi local and lowest plant height was recorded from Desiree (47.50 cm). The CV shows highest variability of plant height at 75 DAS and lowest at 45 DAS. 3.2 Number of stems per hill The effect of varieties on number of main stems per hill was significant (Table 4). At 45 DAS maximum number of stem per hill was recorded in Desiree (3.80) which was at par with Janakdev. Similarly at 60 DAS maximum number of stem per hill was recorded in Desiree which was at par with Janakdev and Kufri Jyoti and minimum number of stem per hill was recorded in Myagdi local (2.73) which was at par with Mustang local. At 75 DAS maximum number of stems per hill was recorded on Desiree (5.53) and minimum number of stem per hill was recorded on Myagdi local (3.50) which was at par with Mustang local and Kufri Jyoti. The CV shows higher variability of stem numbers per hill at 45 DAS and lowest variability at 60 DAS.

International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 333-342 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 336 Table 3 Plant height (cm) of potato varieties at Myagdi, Nepal (2022) Treatments 45DAS 60DAS 75DAS 90DAS T1 (Desiree) 27.63ab 32.24c 42.19c 47.50c T2 (Janakdev) 27.95a 47.62a 59.79a 66.00a T3 (Kufri Jyoti) 22.93c 42.46ab 56.67ab 62.57ab T4 (Mustang local) 23.68bc 35.24bc 45.95bc 50.72bc T5 (Khibang local) 23.18c 44.39ab 59.45a 64.96a LSD(=0.05) 4.15 9.21 12.62 12.05 SEm(±) 0.67 1.50 2.05 1.96 CV% 10.75 14.80 15.50 13.40 F probability 3.44* 4.63* 3.99* 4.84* Grandmean 25.07 40.39 52.80 58.35 Note: Mean followed by common letter(s) within columns are non-significantly different based on LSD test P=0.05, *Significant at 0.05Plevel, SEm(±) d; Standard Error of mean difference, CV: Coefficient of Variation Figure 2 Potato plant height at 35 d (A), 45 d (B), 75 d (C) and 90 d (D)

International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 333-342 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 337 Table 4 Number of stems per hill of potato varieties at Myagdi, Nepal (2022) Treatments 45DAS 60DAS 75DAS T1 (Desiree) 3.80a 4.25a 5.53a T2 (Janakdev) 3.68a 4.10a 4.55ab T3 (Kufri Jyoti) 3.08ab 4.08a 4.15b T4 (Mustang local) 3.08ab 3.38b 3.95b T5 (Myagdi local) 2.40b 2.73b 3.50b LSD(=0.05) 0.85 0.69 1.06 SEm(±) 0.14 0.11 0.17 CV% 17.28 12.05 15.88 F probability 4.10* 8.33** 4.94* Grandmean 3.21 3.71 4.34 Note: Mean followed by common letter(s) within columns are non-significantly different based on LSD test P=0.05, *Significant at 0.05Plevel, SEm(±) d; Standard Error of mean difference, CV: Coefficient of Variation 3.3 Canopy diameter The effect of varieties on canopy diameter was significant (Table 5). At 45 DAS maximum canopy diameter was recorded in Myagdi local (29.98 cm) and minimum was recorded in Mustang local (25.60 cm) which was at par with Kufri Jyoti. Similarly at 60 DAS maximum canopy diameter was recorded in Myagdi local (46.39 cm) and minimum canopy diameter was recorded in Mustang local (31.01 cm). At 75 DAS maximum canopy diameter was recorded on Myagdi local (55.15 cm) which was at par with Janakdev and minimum canopy diameter was recorded on Desiree (44.00 cm). The CV shows higher variability of canopy diameter at 60 DAS and lowest at 45 DAS. Table 5 Plant canopy diameter (cm) of potato varieties at Myagdi, Nepal (2022) Treatments 45DAS 60DAS 75DAS T1 (Desiree) 27.98ab 37.73bc 44.00c T2 (Janakdev) 27.40ab 41.28ab 51.66a T3 (Kufri Jyoti) 26.48b 41.54ab 50.28ab T4 (Mustang local) 25.60b 31.01c 44.86bc T5 (Myagdi local) 29.98a 46.39a 55.15a LSD(=0.05) 2.67 8.51 5.55 SEm(±) 0.43 0.87 0.90 CV% 6.30 8.75 7.33 F probability 3.68* 4.26* 6.82** Grandmean 27.49 39.59 49.19 Note: Mean followed by common letter(s) within columns are non-significantly different based on LSD test P=0.05, *Significant at 0.05Plevel, SEm(±) d; Standard Error of mean difference, CV: Coefficient of Variation 3.4 Number of leaves per potato plant The effect of varieties on number of leaves per plant was significant (Table 6). At 45DAS maximum number of leaves per plant was recorded in Desiree (53.65) and minimum from Myagdi local (36.80). Similarly at 60 DAS maximum number of leaves per plant was recorded in Janakdev (66.05) and minimum number of leaves per plant was recorded on Myagdi local (46.60). At 75 DAS maximum number of leaves per plant was recorded on Janakdev (70.60) which was at par with Kufri Jyoti and minimum number of leaves per plant was recorded on Mustang local (44.15). Similarly at 90 DAS maximum number of leaves per plant was recorded on Janakdev (76.90) and minimum numbers of leaves per plant was recorded on Desiree (50.55). The CV shows highest variability of leaves number at 75 DAS and lowest at 60 DAS.

International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 333-342 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 338 Table 6 Average number of leaves of potato varieties at Myagdi, Nepal (2022) Treatments 45DAS 60DAS 75DAS 90DAS T1 (Desiree) 53.65a 58.20a 62.85ab 50.55c T2 (Janakdev) 48.85ab 66.05ab 70.60a 76.90a T3 (Kufri Jyoti) 43.55bc 57.45ab 68.00a 67.73ab T4 (Mustang local) 41.05bc 49.88bc 44.15c 56.45bc T5 (Khibang local) 36.80c 46.60c 53.23bc 60.58bc LSD(=0.05) 8.55 9.61 13.84 13.44 SEm(±) 1.39 1.56 2.25 2.18 CV% 12.39 11.21 15.03 13.97 F probability 5.66** 5.99** 5.97** 5.49** Grandmean 44.78 55.64 59.77 62.44 Note: Mean followed by common letter(s) within columns are non-significantly different based on LSD test P=0.05, *Significant at 0.05Plevel, SEm(±) d; Standard Error of mean difference, CV: Coefficient of Variation 3.5 Tuber yield per plant (g) and tuber number per plant There was significant effect of varieties on number and weight of tubers per plant (Table 7). The highest tuber weight per plant (512.73 g) was recorded from Janakdev and lowest tuber weight per plant (322.00 g) was recorded from Mustang local which was statistically similar with Desiree and Kufri Jyoti. Similarly, the highest number of tubers per plant was observed on Kufri Jyoti (9.95) and lowest number of tubers per plant was observed on Myagdi local (6.45) which was statistically similar with Mustang local. 3.6 Marketable and non-marketable weight per meter square (kg) The effect of different varieties on marketable and unmarketable tuber weight was significant (Table 7). Maximum weight of Marketable size tuber (3.65 kg/m2) was recorded from Janakdev and minimum weight was recorded from Mustang local (1.08 kg/m2) and highest weight of unmarketable size tuber (0.68 kg/m2) was recorded from Myagdi local due to wart susceptible variety (Figure 3) and minimum was recorded from Janakdev (0.14 kg/m2). The CV shows highest variability in marketable yield and lowest in unmarketable yield. 3.7 Yield (t/ha) The effect of different potato varieties on tuber yield (t/ha) was significant (Table 7). The highest tuber yield was recorded from Janakdev (37.93 t/ha) and lowest tuber yield was recorded from Mustang local (12.27 t/ha). Many biotic and abiotic factors such as light intensity, soil type, disease, pest etc. affects the yield of different crops (Thomson, 2001). Besides varieties adaptive responses to experimental sites, quality of planting materials and plant genetics also might be the factors for significant differences in yield (Eaton et al., 2017). Table 7 Average yield (t/ha) of potato varieties at Myagdi, Nepal (2020) Treatments Average no of tubers per hill Yield per hill (g) Marketable yield (kg/m2) Unmarketable yield (kg/m2) Total yield (t/ha) T1 (Desiree) 8.20ab 390.38b 1.81bc 0.14b 19.53bc T2 (Janakdev) 8.50ab 512.73a 3.65a 0.14b 37.93a T3 (Kufri Jyoti) 9.95a 410.27ab 2.27b 0.14b 24.08b T4 (Mustang local) 7.60b 321.91b 1.08c 0.15b 12.27c T5 (Khibang local) 7.00b 418.28ab 2.25b 0.68a 29.28ab LSD(=0.05) 1.73 101.06 1.02 0.02 10.30 SEm(±) 0.28 16.4 0.17 0.004 0.87 CV% 13.60 15.97 30.05 6.01 14.07 F probability 3.92* 4.36* 7.96** 1012.00*** 8.44** Grandmean 8.25 410.73 2.21 0.25 44.7 Note: Mean followed by common letter(s) within columns are non-significantly different based on LSD test P=0.05, *Significant at 0.05Plevel, SEm(±) d; Standard Error of mean difference, CV: Coefficient of Variation

International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 333-342 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 339 Figure 3 Potato wart in Kufri Jyoti (A) and Myagdi local (Seto aalu) (B) 3.8 Grading on the basis of size The effect of different potato varieties on tuber size was found to be significant (Table 8). The maximum number of small sized tubers (<25 mm) per m2 were in Mustang local (8.00) and minimum number were recorded in Desiree (5.75) which was at par with Janakdev, Kufri Jyoti and Myagdi local. Maximum number of medium sized tubers (25-50 mm) per m2 was recorded in Kufri Jyoti (41.25) and minimum numbers were recorded in Myagdi local (28.50) which was at par with Desiree and Mustang local. Maximum number of large sized tubers (>50 mm) perm2 was recorded in Janakdev (42.00) and minimum numbers were recorded in Mustang local (26.00). The CV shows highest variability of large size tubers while lower variability at small size tubers. Table 8 Grading tubers of potato varieties on size basis at Myagdi, Nepal (2022) Treatments Less than 25 mm Between 25 to 50 mm Greater than 50 mm T1 (Desiree) 5.75b 32.50bc 30.75bc T2 (Janakdev) 6.25b 36.00ab 42.00a T3 (Kufri Jyoti) 6.25b 41.25a 30.25bc T4 (Mustang local) 8.00a 29.25bc 26.00c T5 (Khibang local) 6.00b 28.50c 36.25ab LSD(=0.05) 0.99 7.20 8.98 SEm(±) 0.16 1.17 1.46 CV% 9.91 13.95 17.63 F probability 7.78** 5.05* 4.51* Grandmean 6.45 33.5 33.05 Note: Mean followed by common letter(s) within columns are non-significantly different based on LSD test P=0.05, *Significant at 0.05Plevel, SEm(±) d; Standard Error of mean difference, CV: Coefficient of Variation 3.9 Grading on the basis of weight The effect of different potato varieties on tuber weight was found to be significant (Table 9). The maximum Underweight tubers per (<25 g) was recorded in Mustang local (22.92 g) and minimum underweight tubers (<25 g) were recorded in Myagdi local (15.81 g). Maximum medium weight tubers per plant were recorded in Kufri Jyoti (194.03 g) and minimum medium weight tubers per plant were recorded in Mustang local (147.08 g). Maximum large weight tubers per plant were recorded in Janakdev (311.60 g) and minimum large weight tubers per plant were recorded in Mustang local (152.43 g). The CV shows highest variability of large weight tubers while lower variability at underweight tubers.

International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 333-342 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 340 Table 9 Grading tubers of potato varieties on weight basis at Myagdi, Nepal (2022) Treatments Less than 25 g Between 25 g and 50 g Greater than 50 g T1 (Desiree) 16.84bc 170.84 202.70bc T2 (Janakdev) 20.94ab 180.19 311.60a T3 (Kufri Jyoti) 16.76bc 194.03 205.30bc T4 (Mustang local) 22.92a 147.08 152.43c T5 (Khibang local) 15.81c 158.03 246.44ab LSD(=0.05) 4.57 49.58 78.91 SEm(±) 0.74 8.05 12.81 CV% 15.90 18.92 22.90 F probability 4.36* ns 5.38* Grandmean 18.65 170.08 223.69 Note: Mean followed by common letter(s) within columns are non-significantly different based on LSD test P=0.05, *Significant at 0.05Plevel, SEm(±) d; Standard Error of mean difference, CV: Coefficient of Variation 3.10 Disease severity and incidence In evaluating the resistance of potato varieties to wart disease caused by Synchytrium endobioticum, the EPPO diagnostic standard (EPPO, 2004) was employed, and field trials were conducted on five different varieties. The results showed significant differences in disease severity and incidence among the varieties (Table 10). Among them, Janakdev and Desiree demonstrated strong resistance, with a disease severity rating of 1 and no observed disease occurrence (0% incidence). In contrast, the Seto aalu variety from the Myagdi region exhibited extremely high susceptibility, with a disease severity rating of 9 and an incidence rate of 98%, indicating that nearly all tubers were affected. The Rato aalu (Figure 4) and Mustang local varieties showed moderate resistance, with incidence rates of 3% and 20%, respectively. These results indicate that Seto aalu is highly susceptible to wart disease, while Janakdev and Desiree show strong resistance under field conditions. Table 10 Wart formation in potato tubers (Type I-X, Spieckermann Scale) in Synchytrium endobioticum-infested fields, Myagdi, Nepal Treatments Disease rating in the field test (Scale 1-9) Disease incidence T1 (Janakdev) 1 0% T2 (Desiree) 1 0% T3 (Kufri Jyoti) 2 2% T4 (Myagdi local (Seto aalu)) 9 98% T4 (Myagdi local (Rato aalu)) 2 3% T5 (Mustang local) 3 20% Note: Scale as described in EPPO Diagnostic protocol (EPPO, 2004). 1: tubers not affected; 9: very large warts, no normal tubers present (see ‘Materials and Methods’) Figure 4 Potato wart free Myagdi local (Rato aalu)

International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 333-342 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 341 4 Discussion and Progress The differences in plant height might be due to quality of planting materials and plant genetics (Eaton et al., 2017; Banjade et al., 2019). Slower growth in earlier days may be due to lower temperature (Banjade et al., 2019). Number of eyes is one of the factor to determine the number of stems per seed tuber (Struik, 2007). The difference in canopy diameter among the varieties might be due to genetic and environmental factors. Temperature and light intensity may interact to influence the number of leaves that grow. The significant differences in number of leaves that grow per plant is due to plant genetic differences among the varieties. The rate of energy and material between atmosphere and plant canopy is determined by Leaf area index (LAI) of the plants (Vose et al., 1994). The variation was due to varietal characteristics and number of branches and stem per hill. These differences in the numbers of tubers of different grades among varieties could be related to the variety's tolerance to the trial site's climatic circumstances, its genetics, or the quality of the potato seed (Eaton et al., 2017). The numbers of tubers per plant are the most important components of yield (Poudel and Karkee, 2016). Highest ummarketable tuber yield in Myagdi local was due to wart infestation in Myagdi local (white type / seto aalu) but red type (rato aalu) was wart resistant. Also in Mustang local unmarketable tuber was high due to wart susceptibility and small tubers. Besides small size warts were seen in some tubers of Kufri Jyoti too which contradicts with (Sharma and Chakrabarti, 2020; Luthara and Kumar, 2024) but in favour with (Bhaardawj et al., 2020; Sood 2021). Although this study revealed the growth and yield differences of various potato varieties in the Myagdi region there are still some limitations. Weather conditions and soil properties during the experimental period may have influenced the results, but due to limitations in the study design, these factors could not be precisely controlled. The study only assessed the performance of the varieties in one growing season, and the differences between varieties may vary across multiple seasons and years. Therefore, future research should consider conducting multi-location trials across different growing seasons and climate conditions to verify the stability of these varieties in diverse environments. Additionally, modern breeding techniques, such as genomic selection and marker-assisted selection should be integrated to further improve the superior varieties, enhancing their disease resistance and yield stability. The study shows that the Janakdev variety has high yield potential and broad adaptability in Myagdi region making it suitable primary choice for local farmers. However, to achieve large-scale adoption, further verification of its performance under different altitudes and climate conditions is necessary. Moreover, technical training for farmers should be strengthened, along with promotion of appropriate cultivation techniques and pest management measures to fully realize the yield potential of this variety and enhance local productions levels. Authors’ contributions The research idea, planting material collection, layout, data analysis, article writing was done by BD. TNB was major supervisor during research period and aid in manuscript draft too. SA aid in data collection and manuscript draft. DB aid on manuscript draft. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgments The authors sincerely acknowledge Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal and Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project (PMAMP) Nepal for providing opportunity to conduct this research. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Baayen R.P., and Stachewicz H., 2004, Synchytrium endobioticum, EPPO Bulletin, 34(2): 213-218. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2338.2004.00722.x Bhardwaj V., Kaushik S.K., Singh B.P., Sharma S., Lal M., Sood S., Singh R., Patil V., Srivastava A., Kumar V., Bairwa A., Venkatasalam E.P., Challam C., and Chakrabarti S.K., 2020, Kufri Karan-first multiple disease resistant, high yielding potato variety for cultivation in hills and plateaux of India, Potato Journal, 47(2): 1-10.

International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 333-342 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 342 Bajracharya M., and Sapkota M., 2017, Profitability and productivity of potato (Solanum tuberosum) in Baglung district, Nepal, Agriculture & Food Security, 6(1): 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-017-0125-5 Banjade S., Shrestha S.M., Pokharel N., Pandey D., and Rana M., 2019, Evaluation of growth and yield attributes of commonly grown potato (Solanum tuberosum) varieties at Kavre, Nepal, International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 9(11): 134-139. https://doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.9.11.2019.p9516 Eaton T.E., Azad A.K., Kabir H., and Siddiq A.B., 2017, Evaluation of six modern varieties of potatoes for yield, plant growth parameters and resistance to insects and diseases, Agricultural Sciences, 8(11): 1315-1326. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2017.811095 Joshi B.K., Bhatta M.R., Ghimire K.H., Khanal M., Gurung S.B., Dhakal R., and Sthapit B., 2016, Released and promising crop varieties, Nepal Agriculture Research Journal, 1-10. https://cgspace.cgiar.org/rest/bitstreams/119020/retrieve Luthra S.K., and Kumar V., 2024, Potato genetic resources and their utilization in India, Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources, 37(1): 1-19. Poudel K., Karkee A., Shah M.K., and Karki S., 2016, Evaluation of potato cultivars for eastern high hills of Nepal, Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2: 130-134. Sharma S., and Chakrabarti S.K., 2020, Present status of wart disease of potato in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, Potato Journal, 47(1): 1-10. Shrestha S., Manandhar H.K., Shrestha S.M., and Karkee A., 2019, Response of local potato cultivars to late blight disease (Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) De Bary) under field and laboratory conditions at Pakhribas, Dhankuta, Nepal, Advances in Cytology and Pathology, 4(1): 10-13. https://doi.org/10.15406/acp.2019.04.00072 Sood S., 2021, Kufri Karan-first multiple disease resistant, high yielding potato variety for cultivation in hills and plateaux of India, Potato Journal, 47(2): 1-10. Struik P.C., 2007, The canon of potato science: 40. Physiological age of seed tubers, Potato Research, 50(3): 375-377. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11540-008-9069-2 Subedi S., Ghimire Y.N., Gautam S., Poudel H.K., and Shrestha J., 2019, Economics of potato (Solanum tuberosumL.) production in terai region of Nepal, Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science, 4(1): 57-62. https://doi.org/10.26832/24566632.2019.040109 Thomson K.J., 2001, Environmental indicators and agricultural policy, edited by F. Brouwer and B. Crabtree, Wallingford, UK: CABI Publishing (2000), pp. 305, £90.00, ISBN 0-85199-289-7, Experimental Agriculture, 37(1): 125-134. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0014479701211053 Vose J.M., Dougherty P.M., Long J.N., Smith F.W., Gholz H.L., and Curran P.J., 1994, Factors influencing the amount and distribution of leaf area of pine stands, Ecological Bulletins, 43: 102-114. Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note The statements, opinions, and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and do not represent the views of the publishing house and/or its editors. The publisher and/or its editors disclaim all responsibility for any harm or damage to persons or property that may result from the application of ideas, methods, instructions, or products discussed in the content. Publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 343-354 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 343 Review and Progress Open Access The Multipurpose Applications of Xanthoceras sorbifoliumand Its Prospects in Sustainable Agriculture Haiyan Chen1,2 , Dianda Zhang1,WeihuaQi 1, NannanHu1, KeLi 1, KeanLin1, ChaoWang1, Qianyong Sun1, LixinYou1 1 College of Life Sciences, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, 130600, Jilin, China 2 College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, Jilin, China Corresponding author: 100361@cstu.edu.cn International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6 doi: 10.5376/ijh.2024.14.0035 Received: 02 Oct., 2024 Accepted: 10 Nov., 2024 Published: 26 Nov., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Chen et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Chen H.Y, Zhang D.D., Qi W.H., Hu N.N., Li K., Lin K.A., Wang C., Sun Q.Y., and You L.X., 2024, The multipurpose applications of Xanthoceras sorbifoliumand its prospects in sustainable agriculture, International Journal of Horticulture, 14(6): 343-354 (doi: 10.5376/ijh.2024.14.0035) Abstract Xanthoceras sorbifolium is a versatile woody oil-bearing plant widely used in the fields of food, health products, bioenergy, and ecological restoration. Its unique botanical characteristics and high adaptability make it an important economic crop for arid and barren lands, with significant ecological value. X. sorbifolium plays a key role in desertification control and soil improvement, while also demonstrating great potential in sustainable agriculture. This study explores the multifunctional applications of X. sorbifolium, analyzing its economic potential in the food and bioenergy sectors, as well as its value in ecological restoration and sustainable farming. By examining its botanical traits, seed oil composition, ecological functions, and current status in agricultural industries, the study evaluates the importance of X. sorbifoliumas a sustainable resource for agricultural development. The findings indicate that X. sorbifolium holds significant economic and ecological potential across multiple domains, including food, health products, bioenergy, and ecological restoration. Its multifunctional nature offers sustainable raw materials for the food and energy industries while serving as a key crop for ecological rehabilitation and agricultural rotation, contributing to environmental improvement and green agricultural development. This study provides scientific evidence for the promotion and application of X. sorbifoliumin global agriculture. Keywords Xanthoceras sorbifolium; Oil-bearing crop; Ecological restoration; Desertification control; Sustainable agriculture 1 Introduction Xanthoceras sorbifolium, commonly known as yellow horn, is a deciduous tree native to Northern and Central China, including regions such as the Loess Plateau. This species has garnered significant attention due to its remarkable adaptability to harsh environmental conditions, including cold and drought, making it a valuable resource for both ecological and economic purposes (Ruan et al., 2017; Bi et al., 2019; Wang et al., 2023). Historically, X. sorbifoliumhas been utilized in traditional Chinese and Mongolian medicine, and modern research has highlighted its potential in various pharmacological applications (Zang et al., 2021). The seeds of yellowhorn are particularly notable for their high oil content, which is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, making them ideal for biodiesel production and other industrial uses (Liu et al., 2013; Ruan et al., 2017). Xanthoceras sorbifolium is a versatile plant with significant economic potential. The seeds are a rich source of bioactive oils, which are used in food, health products, and biodiesel production (Ruan et al., 2017; Xiao et al., 2023). The oil content of the seeds is high, with selected pure lines averaging up to 34% oil content, which includes valuable fatty acids such as C18:1, C18:2, and C24:11. Additionally, the plant's various parts, including leaves, flowers, and branches, contain numerous chemical compounds with potential medicinal applications, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties (Figure 1) (Zang et al., 2021). The development of high-quality genome assemblies and transcriptome analyses has further facilitated the genetic improvement of yellowhorn, enhancing its oil yield and quality (Liu et al., 2013; Bi et al., 2019; Wang et al., 2023). Ecologically, Xanthoceras sorbifolium plays a crucial role in the restoration of arid and semi-arid habitats. Its ability to thrive in desert and xeric environments makes it an excellent candidate for combating desertification and

International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 343-354 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 344 promoting soil and water conservation (Ruan et al., 2017; Wang et al., 2017; Chen et al., 2021). The plant's robust root system and adaptability to extreme conditions contribute to its effectiveness in ecological restoration projects. Moreover, the species' ornamental value, with its long blooming period and attractive flowers, adds to its utility in urban greening and landscaping (Chen et al., 2021). The integration of X. sorbifoliuminto ecological restoration efforts not only enhances biodiversity but also provides economic benefits through the sustainable production of bioactive oils and other valuable products (Figure 1) (Ruan et al., 2017; Wang et al., 2017; Chen et al., 2021). This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the multipurpose applications of Xanthoceras sorbifolium and its prospects in sustainable agriculture, synthesizing current research findings on its economic and ecological benefits. It focuses on the genetic resources of Xanthoceras, its oil biosynthesis pathways, and its potential in biodiesel production, medicinal use, and ecological restoration. Additionally, the study analyzes the ecological benefits of Xanthoceras and its potential applications across various industries (Figure 1). This study seeks to fully understand the multifunctional role of Xanthoceras sorbifolium and identify future research directions for its sustainable utilization. Figure 1 Uses of Xanthoceras sorbifolium 2 Botanical Characteristics and Adaptability of Xanthoceras sorbifolium 2.1 Morphological structure and adaptability to growing environments Xanthoceras sorbifolium, commonly known as yellowhorn, is a deciduous tree native to Northern and Central China, including the Loess Plateau. It is characterized by its hardy nature, allowing it to thrive in a variety of growing conditions. The tree can be either a tall arbor with a round or spreading crown or a shrub, depending on the site conditions (Chen et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2023). The root system of yellowhorn is particularly noteworthy for its role in environmental adaptation. The species has a well-developed root cap, which is enriched in gene families associated with root cap development, contributing to its ability to withstand abiotic stress (Wang et al., 2023). The adaptability of yellowhorn to different environments is further supported by its genetic makeup. Comparative genomics has revealed that yellowhorn has a high degree of genome continuity, with specific gene families under

International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 343-354 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 345 expansion that are enriched in photosynthesis and root cap development. This genetic foundation enables the tree to tolerate extreme environmental conditions, such as drought and poor soil quality (Liu et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2023). Additionally, the tree's physiological responses to salt and saline-alkali stress have been studied, showing significant changes in various indices, which help it cope with these harsh conditions (Wang et al., 2020). 2.2 Advantages of adaptability in arid and infertile lands One of the most significant advantages of Xanthoceras sorbifoliumis its ability to survive and propagate in arid and infertile lands. This adaptability makes it an ideal candidate for ecological restoration and agricultural production in regions with challenging growing conditions. The tree's drought resistance is particularly notable, allowing it to thrive in desert, semi-arid, and arid environments (Lang et al., 2020; Lian et al., 2022). This characteristic is supported by its genetic traits, such as the presence of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase and ankyrins, which contribute to its defense against abiotic stresses (Liang et al., 2022). Moreover, yellowhorn's ability to grow in barren and saline environments has been demonstrated through the successful cultivation of various cultivars, such as 'Yan Zi' and 'Yan Xia' (Figure 2). These cultivars are highly adaptable, showing tolerance to cold, drought, and saline conditions, making them suitable for widespread planting in Northern China (Chen et al., 2021; Lian et al., 2022). The tree's resilience in such harsh environments not only supports its use in sustainable agriculture but also highlights its potential for contributing to soil and water conservation, carbon sequestration, and urban greening (Chen et al., 2021). This adaptability, combined with its economic and ecological value, underscores the importance of further research and development to fully exploit the potential of Xanthoceras sorbifoliumin sustainable agriculture. Figure 2 Morphological Characteristics of 'Yanxia' (Adapted from Chen et al., 2021) Image caption: A: 'Yanxia' raceme; B: Pinnateless leaves of 'Yanxia' (Adapted from Chen et al., 2021) 3 Economic Potential of Xanthoceras sorbifoliumas an Oil Crop 3.1 Composition analysis and nutritional value of Xanthoceras seedoil Xanthoceras sorbifoliumseed oil is notable for its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, which are essential for human health. The oil predominantly contains monounsaturated fatty acids, with oleic acid being the most abundant, accounting for approximately 30.73-30.98% of the total fatty acid content. Additionally, the oil is a significant source of nervonic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that is crucial for brain health and the development of the nervous system (Zheng et al., 2022). The presence of these fatty acids makes Xanthoceras seed oil a valuable nutritional resource. Moreover, the oil's composition includes a balanced ratio of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which is close to the ideal ratio of 1:1:1, indicating a well-rounded nutritional profile (Wu et al., 2020). This balance is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The oil also contains high levels of tocopherols and sterols, which contribute to its antioxidant properties and further enhance its health benefits (Zheng et al., 2022). These components help in protecting cells from oxidative damage and support overall health.

International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 343-354 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 346 3.2 Applications of seed oil in the food industry The high nutritional value and health benefits of Xanthoceras sorbifoliumseed oil make it a promising candidate for the food industry. Its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic and linoleic acids, makes it suitable for use as a premium edible oil. The oil's balanced fatty acid profile and antioxidant properties can appeal to health-conscious consumers looking for natural and nutritious cooking oils (Zheng et al., 2022). Additionally, the oil's high stability and resistance to oxidation make it a viable option for various culinary applications. Furthermore, the oil's rich composition of essential fatty acids and antioxidants positions it well for the health food market. Products such as dietary supplements, fortified foods, and functional foods can benefit from the inclusion of Xanthoceras seed oil. The presence of bioactive compounds like tocopherols and sterols enhances the oil's appeal as a health-promoting ingredient (Wu et al., 2020). The potential for developing a range of health food products using Xanthoceras seed oil is significant, given the growing consumer demand for natural and functional foods. 3.3Use of Xanthoceras oil in bioenergy Xanthoceras sorbifoliumseed oil also holds promise as a renewable energy source, particularly in the production of biodiesel (Table 1) (Yao et al., 2013). The oil's high content of unsaturated very long-chain fatty acids makes it suitable for biodiesel production, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels (Venegas-Calerón et al., 2017). The use of Xanthoceras oil for biodiesel can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on non-renewable energy sources. The oil's physicochemical properties, such as its high oxidation stability and favorable fatty acid composition, enhance its suitability for biodiesel production (Table 2) (Yao et al., 2013). Studies have shown that the oil can be efficiently converted into biodiesel with good performance characteristics. Additionally, the cultivation of Xanthoceras sorbifolium on marginal lands, which are not suitable for food crops, provides an environmentally friendly approach to bioenergy production without competing with food resources (Venegas-Calerón et al., 2017). This dual-purpose application of Xanthoceras oil in both the food and energy sectors underscores its economic potential and contribution to sustainable agriculture. Table 1 Fatty acid profile of Xanthoceras sorbifoliumoil compared with other vegetable oils (Adapted from Yao et al., 2013) Fatty acid (n:m)a Xanthoceras sorbifolium Palm Sunflower Soybean Jatropha Cottonseed Lauric (12:0) - 0.1 - - - - Myristic (14:0) - 0.7 - - - 1.2 Palmitic (16:0) 5.2 36.7 6.2 11.3 14.1 29 Palmitoleic (16:1) - 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.8 Margaric (17:0) - - - - - 0.2 Stearic (18:0) 2.2 6.6 3.7 3.6 6.8 5.9 Oleic (18:1) 28.6 46.1 25.2 24.9 38.6 9.8 Linoleic (18:2) 43.3 8.6 63.1 53 36 50.2 Linolenic (18:3) 0.5 0.3 0.2 6.1 0.2 - Arachidic (20:0) 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.8 Gadoleic (20:1) 6.8 0.2 0.2 0.3 - 0.4 Heneicosanoic (21:0) 0.4 - - - - - Behenic (22:0) 0.6 0.1 0.7 - - 0.5 Erucic (22:1) 8.7 - 0.1 0.3 - 1.1 Tricosanoic (23:0) - - - - - 0.1 Lignoceric (24:0) 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.1 3.6 0.2 Nervonic (24:1) 3 - - - - 0.1 Note: a n:m=no. of carbon atoms: unsaturated centers

International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 343-354 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 347 Table 2 Physicochemical properties of Xanthoceras sorbifoliumseed oil (Adapted from Yao et al., 2013) Property Unit Value Density at 20 °C kg/L 0.914 Kinematic viscosity at 40 °C mm2/s 38.11 Caloric value MJ/kg 39.7 Peroxide value meqO2/kg 0.16 Acid value mgKOH/g 0.601 Free fatty acid % 0.3 Iodine value g I2/100 g 113 Saponification value mgKOH/g 176 4 Applications of Xanthoceras sorbifolium in Ecological Restoration and Desertification Control 4.1 Ecological role of Xanthoceras in windbreaks and sand fixation Xanthoceras sorbifolium, a small deciduous tree, plays a vital ecological role in mitigating the effects of desertification and providing windbreaks in arid and semi-arid regions. Its deep root system helps anchor soil, reducing erosion caused by strong winds and maintaining soil stability. This makes it an effective species for restoring degraded lands, particularly in northern China, where desertification has severely impacted the environment. Studies have shown that the extensive planting of Xanthoceras in desert regions has significantly reduced wind erosion and helped reclaim areas that would otherwise be unsuitable for vegetation growth (Liu, 2012). Furthermore, Xanthoceras serves as a reliable species for ecological restoration due to its high adaptability to poor soil conditions. In areas prone to sand movement and degradation, this species has demonstrated its ability to create stable microenvironments that allow other plant species to establish themselves, thus promoting ecosystem recovery. The use of Xanthoceras in windbreaks and sand-fixing belts has proven to be highly beneficial for combating desertification in the Horqin Sandy Lands and other desertified regions (Ruan et al., 2017). 4.2 Role in soil improvement Beyond its ability to control sand and wind erosion, Xanthoceras sorbifoliumcontributes to soil improvement by enriching infertile soils. This species is known for its ability to fix nitrogen, which helps increase the nutrient content of poor soils, making it more conducive for agriculture and other vegetation. The tree's deep roots improve soil structure by enhancing aeration and promoting water infiltration, which is critical in dry, compacted soils (Table 3). Research has shown that areas planted with Xanthoceras experience better water retention and improved organic matter content, which boosts soil fertility over time (Li and Fan, 2010). Table 3 (113 ° 46 ′ 14.37 ″ E, 32 ° 22 ′ 6.06 ″ N, altitude 120 m) Changes in soil bulk density and porosity under different planting methods Solum (cm) Handle Unit weight (g/cm3) Total porosity (%) Capillary porosity (%) Ventilation porosity (%) Soil moisture content (%) 0~20 Convention planting 1.36±0.01a 48.74±0.21b 31.61± 1.08a 19.68±0.88b 21.39±0.60a Ridge culture 1.27±0.02b 52.12±0.89a 33.01±0.84a 29.08± 1. 18a 18.16±0.30b 20~40 Convention planting 1.48±0.03a 44.03± 1.28b 27.34±0.54b 10.92±2.68b 22.31±0.45a Ridge culture 1.41±0.02b 46.67±0.63a 29.07±0.93a 19.71± 1.92a 19.07±0.82b Note: Different lowercase letters in the same soil layer and column indicate significant differences in different planting methods (P<0.05)

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