Comprehensive evaluation and climate response analysis of Ginkgo biloba Linn. wood properties across different regions

Abstract Ginkgo biloba is a valuable timber tree species, particularly suitable for high-end furniture manufacturing. Understanding the variations in its wood properties and their relationship with environmental factors is crucial for the selection and cultivation of superior timber germplasm. In this study, the analysis of 13 wood property indicators from 289 Ginkgo biloba across 20 regions revealed a relatively high variation coefficient (7.076% to 37.719%). With the exception of hemicellulose content, significant differences in other properties were observed among various regions. Correlation analysis demonstrated relationships among multiple traits, particularly indicating that an increase in tracheid wall thickness and the width-to-lumen ratio, along with a decrease in tracheid lumen diameter, could result in higher wood density. The ginkgo wood properties across multiple regions were assessed using principal component analysis and membership function method. The HC and LA regions were identified as sources of high-quality ginkgo wood, and several exceptional individual trees suitable for high-end furniture manufacturing were selected. Further investigation into the influence of environmental factors on ginkgo wood properties revealed that temperature, precipitation, and their fluctuations significantly affect wood density, tracheid morphology, and chemical composition. Regions with higher temperatures and precipitation, along with smaller fluctuations, exhibit greater wood density and larger tracheid, making them more suitable for furniture manufacturing.