Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of seedlings of 10 top Poplar clones at the nursery in Guilan province

Appropriate growth characteristics and resistance of poplar seedlings to pests and diseases are important criteria for selection of poplar clones in the nurseries. For this purpose, nine different exotic poplar clones (P. deltoides and P. euramericana) and one native species (P. caspica) were compared in Astaneh Ashrafieh station in Guilan province. 3600 cuttings, each 20 cm long and containing 3 buds, were planted in randomized complete block design and in three replications. At the end of growing season, the seedlings survival, diameter and height growth and resistance against poplar clearwing moth were studied. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results showed that P.d.69.55, P.d.77.51 and P.e.triplo illustrated the highest diameter and highest growth, but P.d.77.51 showed more resistance against clearwing moth. P.caspica, the native poplar species, showed the lowest growth rate, but is one of the resistant species to pests and diseases and scored the second rank after P.d.73.51.