Yield evaluation of new interspecific poplar hybrids introduced to Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province for poplar plantation

In order to introduce new poplar hybrid clones (“Mofid” and P. × albaeuphratica) for commercial wood production in different parts of Iran, ecological range of productivity of the hybrids have to be determined. Therefore, adaptability of the hybrid clones, "Mofid" and its reciprocal cross hybrid (P. × albaeuphratica), along with Populus alba L. and P. nigra, as local clones, were investigated. The experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Three hundred individual cuttings of the clones were planted in 100 square m experimental plots by spacing of 2 × 2 m. Analyses of variance was performed on quantitative and qualitative characters recorded during four years. Results indicated that there were highly significant differences between the clones at 0.01 level of probability. P. × albaeuphratica hybrid showed higher diameter at breast height (4.98 cm), trunk height (2.08 m) and total height (5.24 m) than others two clones. Low level of breast height diameter and total height were observed for P. nigra L. clone as a local poplar clone. Mofidwas sensitive to winter and spring cold conditions (below -30°C), While P. × albaeuphratica showed a high level of cold tolerance to the mentioned temperature.