Preliminary growth of individuals Populus euphratica, gametoclonal and hybrids (P. euphratica with P. alba) at the first 5-years in Dezful botanical garden

Poplar trees are appropriate species for plantation and forest rehabilitation because of fast growing and high wood yield, as well as adaptability to unfavorable climate. Salinization of soil and high temperature are the inhibitory factors in Khuzestan province. Populus euphratica is a tree species that tolerates soil salinity and high temperature. Acclimatization of cut seedling of three Populus genotypes including P. euphratica, gametoclonal of P. euphratica and hybrids of P. euphratica with P. alba were studied in Dezful botanical garden of Khuzestan province in southwest of Iran. Heterosis effect was observed for hybrid trees and they had higher yield than the Khuzestan's endemic P. euphratica during the experiment. Maximum values of height and diameter were measured in the hybrid genotype. Because of morphological properties of the hybrid trees such as straight trunk and high diameter, they could be exploited in wood production among these three genotypes. Moreover, the survival rate of hybrid of P. euphratica with P.alba was higher than other poplar genotypes. Therefore, these hybrids could be introduced as promising genotypes for forest rehabilitation and wood farming projects.