Abstract: In the present experiment, the sex-related absorption and distribution patterns of the main mineral elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) were investigated between male and female Populus cathayana seedlings. The results showed that the female individuals exhibited significantly higher total content of P and Ca, but lower total content of K than male individuals. For two sexes, the content of N in leaf was significantly higher than that in root and stem, and the distribution pattern of P, K and Mg content showed that root>stem>leaf, leaf>root>stem, and root>leaf>stem, respectively. Meanwhile, the distribution pattern of Ca content showed the tendency of root>stem>leaves in males but the tendency of root>leaf>stem in females. Furthermore, females exhibited significantly higher Ca content in leaf and P content in root, but lower Mg content in root than males. In addition, the ratio patterns of these mineral elements contents were characterized as Ca>N>K>Mg>P in females, but N>Ca>K>Mg>P in males. However, in root, stem and leaf of all individuals, it was characterized as Ca>K>N>Mg>P, Ca>N>K>P>Mg, N>K>Ca>Mg>P, respectively. Our results suggested that there were sexual differences in mineral elements content and its distribution between male and female P.cathayana seedlings although similar ratio patterns of these elements contents were found in root, stem and leaf for two sexes.

Key words: Populus cathayana, dioecious, mineral elements, sexual differences