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
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