[Objective] This study aimed to conduct correspondence cluster analysis of the trace elements in Chinese wolfberry from Qinghai and Ningxia regions, and to investigate the relationship among the quality of the wolfberry samples, the composition of trace elements and the sample sources. [Method] The determined contents of trace elements and ratios of zinc to copper (Zn/Cu) of wolfberry from 11 different producing areas of Qinghai and Ningxia regions were adopted to construct the raw measurement data matrix, to analyze the distribution characteristics of the trace ele- ments in wolfberry from Qinghai and Ningxia by using the corresponding cluster analysis method. [Result] The quality of wolfberry samples in 7hongning County, Zhongwei City, Pingluo County, Shizuishan City, Heicheng Town of Ningxia Hui Au-tonomous Region and Hehuang Valley, Golmud City of Qinghai Province is mainly related to the contents of Zn and Mn; Zn/Cu greatly affects the quality of Chinese wolfberry in Dulan County of Qinghai Province; Fe has great effect on the quality of Chinese wolfberry in Yinchuan City of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region; Cu greatly affects the quality of Chinese wolfberry in Nuomuhong Village of Qinghai Province and a wolfberry research institute in Ningxia. [Conclusion] The relationship between the quality of wolfberry from different producing areas and the trace elements was investigated, which provides theoretical and practical basis for the cultivation, har- vesting, processing, and further development and utilization of Chinese wolfberry resources from different producing areas.
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