Study of adaptability and growth of different Poplar and Paulownia clones in the mountainous region of northern Iran (Rostam-Abad, Guilan province)

Abstract

In order to rehabilitate the degraded mountainous forests (in particular those located in the vicinity of villages), the appropriate fast-growing tree species can be used. We selected an experimental site in mountainous part of eastern Guilan (Rostam-Abad County) in northern Iran. A number of 75 seedlings from 12 different clones of Poplar and Paulownia species were planted in 5×5 groups in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) featuring 3 replications. After a 5-years period, the results showed that Populus euramericana triplo, P. euramericana costanzo, P. nigra 62/127 and P. nigra 62/154 were amongst the most promising species in terms of establishment, growth and survival. Therefore, these can be suggested for rehabilitation and wood production across this and similar sites. The study also showed the lack of success for Paulownia clones, especially in the areas featuring higher altitudes. However, this implies further research to enable a more comprehensive conclusion.

Keywords

• Paulownia
• wood framing
• poplar
• Guilan
• mountainous region of northern Iran