Comprehensive Evaluation of Germplasm Resources in Various Goji Cultivars Based on Leaf Anatomical Traits

The leaf is a critical organ for assimilation in plants, and the anatomical structure of the leaf can reflect the adaptability of plants to their environment to a certain extent. The research objects in this investigation were 36 different cultivars (lines) of goji germplasm resources. The structure and stoma condition of healthy leaves were the subject of a comparative investigation. Significant variations in leaf structural indices and stoma were identified among various goji cultivars (lines). The leaves of goji were the thickest and possessed the lowest stoma density. The resilience of goji germplasm resources was assessed using the main component analysis approach and the membership function. The results showed that LR (L. ruthenicum Murr.) and LCy (L. cylindricum Kuang) exhibited the strongest resistance. Goji resistance is significantly influenced by thickness of the upper cuticle (TUC) and thickness of the lower cuticle (TLC), according to the analytical results for several leaf anatomical indicators and stress resistance. By analyzing the wax content of 13 different goji cultivars (lines) and field infection results, it was found that Tianjing 3 had the highest wax content, the smallest average number of galls, and the smallest infection area. This suggests that Tianjing 3 has the strongest resistance to Aceria pallida, and that its insect resistance is correlated with its wax content. This study offers a thorough assessment of 36 goji germplasm resources’ resilience, providing a point of reference for the selection and propagation of resistant cultivars within these resources.