Assessing the adaptability of different cultivars of open-crowned poplar in Mazandaran Province, Iran

Document Type : Research article

Authors

1 Corresponding author, Associate Professor, Research Division of Natural Resources, Mazandaran Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Sari, Iran.

2 Senior Expert, Research Division of Natural Resources, Mazandaran Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Sari, Iran

3 Researcher, Mazandaran Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Sari, Iran

Abstract

 
Background and objectives: Adaptability testing and evaluation of vegetative characteristics in various cultivars of poplar (Populus L.) are essential for identifying the most suitable clones under different ecological conditions. Due to the high number of species, cultivars, varieties, and clans within this genus—and their ease of hybridization—new cultivars can be developed and propagated under compatible conditions. P. deltoides W. Bartram ex Marshall, P. × euramericana (Dode) Guinier, and P. × interamericana Brockh. are among the most important Open-Crowned Poplar Clones (OCPC), showing strong adaptability with Iran’s climate, particularly in the northern regions. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the adaptability of different OCPC cultivars in Mazandaran Province, Iran.
Methodology: Adaptability tests were conducted at the Chamestan Forest and Pasture Research Station. Fifteen OCPC cultivars, including P. deltoides, P. × euramericana, and P. × interamericana, were planted at a spacing of 4×4 meters in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. After 10 years, several traits were evaluated, including diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, number of main stems, sensitivity to pests and diseases, annual wood production, and trunk quality.
Results: ANOVA results indicated significant differences in survival and DBH at the 99% confidence level, and in tree height and annual wood production at the 95% confidence level among OCPC cultivars. However, no significant differences were found in pest/disease susceptibility, number of main stems, or trunk quality. Mean comparison revealed that clone P. d. 63/10 had the highest survival rate (92%) and annual wood production (23.23 m³/ha), while clone P. d. 67/51 had the greatest DBH (22.16 cm) and height (22.3 m). In contrast, clone P. × 561/41 had the lowest survival rate (48%), height (10.5 m), and annual volume growth (1.9 m³/ha), while P. × 87m.119 had the smallest DBH (10.5 cm). Clones P. d. 63/10, P. d. 73/51, and P. d. 67/51 were grouped as top performers, while P. × 87m.119 and P. × 561/41 were placed in the lowest-performing group. In terms of pest resistance, P. × interamericana (23.3% infection), P. × triplo (37.61%), and P. × canadensis Pacher (25%) were the most resistant. The most pest- and disease-sensitive clones were P. d. 73/51 and P. d. 69/55, with infection rates of 50% and 48.3%, respectively.
Conclusion: Overall, the findings indicated that P. deltoides clones had higher average DBH, height, and volume among the OCPC cultivars studied in the Mazandaran plains. It is recommended to use high-performing clones such as P. d. 63/10 for wood farming development. Further research comparing OCPC cultivars at various altitudes above sea level is also suggested.
 
 

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