To reveal the genetic variation in water-use characteristics of Larix olgensis clones and select superior clones with characteristics of drought-tolerance, 25 superior clones of the 37-year-old L. olgensis were used as the research materials. Nine drought tolerance-related twig and needle traits were measured, and their correlations were analyzed. A comprehensive evaluation of the drought tolerance was conducted using the membership function method and cluster analysis. The results indicated that significant differences(P<0.01) occurred in needle traits among clones. Anatomical and morphological traits exhibited lower coefficients of variation(CV) (11.06%-11.83%), whereas physiological traits exhibited higher CV(22.15%-39.24%). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in twig traits among clones. Hydraulic diameter exhibited the smallest CV(6.15%), while the thickness to span ratio exhibited the largest CV(25.26%). Strong correlation among traits was found within organ level. In needles, epidermal thickness was significantly positively correlated with cortical thickness(P<0.05), and both were significantly negatively correlated with water-use efficiency(P<0.01; P<0.05). Stomatal transpiration was significantly negatively correlated with residual transpiration(P<0.01) and significantly positively correlated with specific leaf area(P<0.05). In twigs, hydraulic diameter and potential specific hydraulic conductivity were both significantly negatively correlated with thickness to span ratio(P<0.01). However, there was only a significant negative correlation between needle stomatal transpiration and twig thickness to span ratio across organs(P<0.05). Principal component analysis of the nine twig and needle traits revealed two relatively independent axes. The first axis reflected a trade-off between hydraulic efficiency and hydraulic safety in twig; the second axis, composed of leaf traits, reflected a trade-off from conservative to efficient water-use strategies. Based on the drought-tolerance evaluation, 25 clones were classified into three categories: comprehensive and strong drought-tolerant, moderate drought-tolerant, and drought-sensitive groups. Clones 338, 774, 128, 125, 214, and 565 demonstrated strong drought tolerance. These findings provided a theoretical basis and practical guidance for selecting suitable afforestation materials adapted to different arid regions.
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