Abstract: Containing more than 70% oil in seeds,hickory is one of the highest oil-bearing plants in the world.The strategy of selection of hickory (Carya cathayensis Sarg.) was determined by analyzing the genetic diversity.143 new varieties were selected initially by using conventional selection method combined with molecular marker.50 fine varieties were reselected including three kinds of varieties from Lin'an, Anji and Chun'an areas, which have high and stable yield, early maturation and large fruit.Comparative analysis was conducted by measuring the economic indexes of fresh fruit weight, dry fruit weight, full seed yield, full kernel yield, total lipid and total protein.The results showed that hickory: 1) possessed further potentiality of variety selection, the variation coefficient of fresh fruit weight was the highest among six economic indexes, while that of total lipid was the lowest; 2) the economic indexes among three areas were not consistent, but area distribution showed significant differences among full seed yields and full kernel yields.

Key words: Carya cathayensis starg., genetic diversity, molecular marker, selection and breeding