Characterisation of poplar and willow clones and cultivars

The Genetic Improvement Activity of Task VIII, in the period of 1992–1994, had nine participants. It focused on assembling and characterising clones of poplars and willows in operational and semi-operational use in participating countries. The lists assembled contain 35 poplar clones and 45 willow clones. Clonal characterisation guidelines and forms (sheets) listing the traits for each clone were developed. The molecular characterisation by RAPD markers was completed for poplars. The morphological, silvicultural, and biomass characterisation remained incomplete, especially for willows. Forms (clonal sheets) specifying known traits for listed clones were produced. These were assembled into a catalogue (for the poplar clones) and distributed to the participants at the completion of the Activity.