Study on phonology and growth characteristics of new poplars clones in Safrabasteh, Gilan province

Characterization of biological attributes of poplars is of essential values for planning afforestation and wood farming projects. Therefore, this study focused on the assessment of their phenology and vegetative potential in Safrabasteh region of Gilan province. The studied trees were planted at 4×4 m intervals in each experimental plot. Each plot was assigned to one poplar clone. Recording the phenology began in the second half of March and ended in December each year. Measuring the growth factors of diameter and height was performed following the annual growth period. The earliest bud opening was observed in P. euramericana 45.51 and P. e. Pacher clones, whereas the latest was observed in P. e. Blanc clone. The seeds distribution of the studied clones started within the first 10 days of June. The biological periods of the clones were different and ranged from the minimum 203 days in P. e. 87m119 clone to a maximum of 240 days in P. e. Pacher clone. Significant differences were observed amongst the growth factors. The highest diameter, height and volume growths with average production of 22.4 and 21 m3 ha-1 y-1 were observed in two clones of P. deltoides Marquette and P. interamericana, respectively, While wood production in the control clone (P. d. 69.55) was 15.5 m3 ha-1 y-1. The results of this research could be used to guide the future planning on the phenology and growth of poplar clones in Iran.