Investigation on adaptability and wood production of different poplar clones (closed crown) in Karaj City

Abstract

In this investigation 15 superior poplar clones with closed crown were selected from the first stage of nursery selection trial. From each clone 75 one year old seedlings were planted according to the randomized complete blocks design, at Karaj Alborz Research Center in 1989. At the end of each growing season height and diameter (dbh) growth of all trees were measured. After 10 years, the mean values of total, annual and average volume growth for each clone were calculated and statisticaly analyzed, using MSTATC software. The following results were achieved from this study: - Populus nigra var. betulifolia 17/13 and populus nigra 56/33 had the greatest growth in diameter (19.8 cm) and in height (17.7 m.), respectively. - Populus nigra var. betulifolia 17/13 with 30.83 m³ and Populus simonii with 7.79 m³ had the maximum and minimum average volume growth per hectare per year. There were significant differences between these clones in volume growth. The maximum volume growth of the clones was developed in 1997 and 1998 when the percentage of volume growth in these two years, varied between 30.41 and 42.88 m3in the different clones, in comparison to the 10 year growth period. - Populus ciliata and Populus simonii were the most sensetive clones and Populus alba 44/9 and Populus alba 58/57 were the most resistant clones to pest attack, respectively.

Keywords

• poplar
• Clone
• adaptability
• wood production
• Clones comparison