Drought Resistance and Afforestation Suitability of Different Tree Species in Bailongjiang Arid Valley

Bailongjiang arid valley is an ecological fragile and sensitive zone in the north of Yangtze River system. In order to scientifically choose suitable afforestation tree species for ecological reconstruction and restoration in this region, more than 2-year-old Zizyphus jujube, Caragana korshinskii, Sophora davidii, Xanthoceras sorbifolium, Vitex negundo and 4-year-old Platycladus orientalis were chosen as experimental materials. After planting for one year, the survival rate of different tree species were measured, and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT) and osmotic regulation substances (soluble sugar, proline and soluble protein) were determined. The results showed that Zizyphus jujube, Sophora davidii, Vitex negundo not only had higher survival rate, but also had higher contents of SOD, POD, CAT, soluble sugar, proline and soluble protein in the leaves, which indicated that Zizyphus jujube, Sophora davidii, Vitex negundo had stronger drought resistance and were more suitable for the afforestation of the Bailongjiang ecological restoration and reconstruction.