Objective: To provide basis for utilizing germplasm resources and selecting superior varieties of Phytolacca acinosa. Method: Twenty-three wild germplasm resources of P. acinosa from the main distribution areas of China were collected

and their longitude

latitudeand agronomic traits were studied. Contents of water-soluble extractives and esculentoside A were determined by hot dipping and HPLC-ELSD methods respectively. The data obtained were analyzed with DPS 6.55 and Excel 2003 software by ANOVA and UPGMA methods. Result: There were significant differencesin agronomic traits among different germplasms of P. acinosa (P<0.05). Plants from Fujian and Guangxi showed superior agronomic characters and higher earthnut production. Moreover

there were significant differences in contents of water-soluble extractives and esculentoside A (P<0.05)

and plants from Shaanxi and Zhejiang were higher than others. The contents had a negative correlation with height of plant

diameter of stem

length and width of leaves

length of stipe

vertical and horizontal diameter of earthnut

production of earthnut

a positive correlation with earthnut index

latitude and altitude

and no significant correlation with leaf index and longitude. Conclusion: Plantation of P. acinosain high-latitude and high-altitude areas can enhance the accumulation of water-soluble extractives and esculentoside A. Five germplasms with superior agronomic traits and four germplasms with higher contents of water-soluble extractives and esculentoside A are selected

which could be alternative high-yield and high-quality germplasms of P. acinosa.