The Potential of Poplars in the Boreal Regions I. Survival and Growth

Khalil, M.A.K. (1984) The Potential of Poplars in the Boreal Regions I. Survival and Growth. Silvae Genetica , 33 (1). pp. 1-8. ISSN 0037-5349

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Abstract

The paper presents the results of a two-stage trial of 32 clones of poplar species and their hybrids in a nursery from 1972 to 1974 and four replicated field experiments during 1978-81 in the boreal region of Canada in New­ foundland. Analysis of variance, S-N-K test among clones and single degree of freedom contrasts among classes, formed on the basis of one common parent, were conduc­ ted for survival and height in the nursery. Survival was 70-86%, 54-70% and 38-54% respectively in the high, medium and low survival clones. The good, medium and poor growing clones achieved heights of 174.4-216.0 cm, 170.1-174.0 cm and 136.7-166.8 cm respectively after the root system had been established. The classes were hete­ rogeneous but the clones were fairly homogeneous. Hetero­ sis in growth was noticed in several cases. Good as well as poor rooting ability of the parent species was found in the hybrids. The four sites for field experiments were selected in the productivity class I and II areas after detailed chemical and physical soil analysis. One-year old rooted cuttings were planted in six-replicated randomized complete block design experiments. Analyses of variance by locations we­ re conducted on the survival and growth data at four-year age. This was followed by Bonferroni t-tests among clones ang single degrees of freedom contrasts among classes. Use of rooted cuttings, combined with scarification, weed eradication and liming of the field planting sites is essen­ tial for success as well as achieving uniformity of growth within clones. The best time for field planting appears to be the last week of June to the first week of July. Sites vary considerably in survival as well as growth and the good, medium and poor performers in all characters are different at different sites, details of which have been provided. The results provide guidelines for selection of clones best suited for the boreal environments represented by the four sites studied.

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