Abstract:In order to select the superior provenances/families of Litsea cubeba at seedling stage, the genetic variations of seedling height (h) and base diameter (bd) of 13 provenances and 55 families were studied. The results showed that the growth period of 1-year-old seedings of L. cubeba could be divided into three stages, including initial growing stage, fast growing stage and full lignification stage. The growth peak of base diameter was earlier than that of seedling height. The increment of seedling height and ground diameter were different significantly among 13 provenances and 55 families (P<0.01). Through comprehensive selection index method, the comprehensive selection formula was established as I=0.007Xh+0.74Xbd. The five families, including Jianyang 2, Fuyang1, Suichuan 8, Suichuan 13 and Anhui 1, were selected as level I with a selection rate of 9.1%. The expected genetic gains of seedling height and ground diameter of Zhejiang Fuyang and Fujian Jitneying provenances were the highest. Meanwhile, those of seven families, including Jianyang 2, Suichuan 8, Fuyang 1, Suichuan 13, Anhui 1, Jianyang 3, Anhui 6 were the highest. Therefore, based on multi-trait comprehensive selection and genetic gain values, the five families (Jianyang 2, Fuyang1, Suichuan 8, Suichuan 13 and Anhui 1) and two provenances (Zhejiang Fuyang and Fujian Jianyang) were evaluated as superior provenances/families.