Adaptability of new open crown poplar clonesin Lasht-e Nasha area, Gilan province

Urbanization and population growth increased the demand for wood, which can be partially supplied via wood culture. Poplar plantation with fast growing clones of poplar is thus required to investigate their compatibility and wood production potential. This study was carried out with 12 treatments (11 new clones and one control clone) and three replications in a Randomized Complete Block designto determine the compatibility and wood production in Lasht-e Nesha agriculture research station in Gilan province. In each experimental plot, 12 one-year-old seedlings were planted at a 4×4 m distance. Then the diameter growth, height, volume and survival percentage of trees were calculated, followed by a statistical analysis. The results showed good compatibility of all clones, yet with different growth quantities. The P. x. Intreramericana, P. d. Marquette, P. d. 92.258, and P. e. Ita199 with diameter of 12.8, 12.35, 10.58 and 9.42 cm and height of 11.08, 12.58, 12.22, and 10.76 m were superior compared to the control clone (diameter = 9.65 cm, height=10.62 m and volume =5.83 m³/ha). In addition, the volume production of the studied as well as the control clones were 9.35, 9.76, 6.84 and 5.11 m³ha-1 year-1 in a five year period, respectively. The survival percentage of the clones were different, with the lowest survival rate =66.6 % for P. e. Blanc de Poitou and the highest rate of 97.2 % for P. e. 45.51, P. e. 92.160, P. d. Marquette and P. e. 87m119. The clones surveyed here can therefore be introduced as competent and successful clones in the comprehensive program of agri-wood development across the study site.