Performance of 14 hybrid poplar clones grown in Beijing, China

Evaluating the performance of poplar clones to be used in short-rotation intensive culture (SRIC) and selecting superior clones are critical to increase wood production and ecological effects. This study described the growth and aboveground biomass production of 14 hybrid poplar clones after three growing seasons, evaluated the clones with cluster analysis on multiple basis. At the end of each growing season, total tree height, basal diameter and biomass were measured. Highest production was found for clone NE-353 and DN-70 with mean annual biomass production 22 Mg ha−1 year−1. Lowest performance was observed for clone 311-93 and 309-74 with biomass production 0.29 and 0.75 Mg ha−1 year−1. Cluster analysis was conducted with survival and tree volume index, all measured at the end of the third growing season. The clones were grouped into four classes. Clone R-247, DN-70 and Simplot had higher survival and highest tree volume index, appeared to well adapted to the region; clone 52-225, 58-280, NE-353, DN-34, PC-01 and OP-367 exhibited moderate survival and Growth; clone DN-14273, R-419 showed moderate survival and low growth; clone 195-529, 311-93 and 309-74 performed poorest with lowest survival and tree volume index and these clones may not suitable for biomass producers in this region.