Objective The study investigates the differences in nut appearance and kernel yield traits among main chestnut varieties (strains) cultivated in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and provides a comprehensive evaluation of their kernel yield traits of each variety for providing a reference for processing enterprises in selecting targeted selection varieties and valuable breeding resources for directional breeding of improved varieties with outstanding kernel yield traits.

Method Date were collected for 15 appearance traits and 5 kernel yield traits of nuts from 35 main chestnut varieties (strains) in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Correlation analysis, principal component analysis, membership function analysis and cluster analysis were used to comprehensively evaluate the traits.

Result The results showed that quantitative traits related to nut appearance exhibited relatively minor differences among varieties (strains), while appearance quality traits and kernel yield traits varied significantly. The predominant nut colors were brown and purple brown, with most nuts displaying an ellipsoidal shape in side view. Nut strips were generally inconspicuous, and the surface exhibited an oily or glossy sheen. Both pubescence density and nut base size were small. The average nut shape index and relative base size were 0.80 and 0.29, respectively, meeting consumer and processing industry standards for desirable appearance quality. Cluster analysis based on comprehensive kernel yield trait evaluation classified the 35 chestnut varieties (lines) into four distinct groups.

Conclusion Varieties (strains) such as ‘Yanshanduanzhi’ ‘Yanshanzaofeng’ ‘Za 35’‘Yankui’ ‘Qianxishuhong’ ‘Zunhuaduanci’ ‘Bailuxiang’ ‘Chengde jianli’ ‘Xingfengshou 1’ ‘Dabanhong’ demonstrated superior kernel yield characteristics, with large kernels, thin shells, and high kernel percentages. This study provides a basis for processing enterprises in selecting suitable raw material varieties, and provides valuable insights for breeding materials in the genetic improvement of new processing varieties.