Abstract
Early above- and belowground biomass fractionation, root diameter composition and allocation of cumulated fine root length per total leaf area of Populus clones have been measured for a pre-assessment of the risk for plantation establishment during spring drought conditions. Four clones of Populus × euramericana, and one P. nigra × P. maximowiczii clone (cv. Max 3), were planted in sandy mix substrate and were exposed to one normal and one deficit watering regime over 65-day greenhouse experiments conducted during early summer. The P. × euramericana hybrids showed plasticity of their root biomass fractions. Although clone Max 3 was among the productive clones, even under deficit watering, it was not able to respond plastically to deficit watering. It showed no increase in the root biomass fraction and no increase in the ratio of cumulated fine root length per total leaf area. Therefore, the clone Max 3 should not be planted under high risk for spring drought. Planting the investigated P. × euramericana clones under water deficit likely involves a lower risk, but clone differences within this group must be considered. It can be concluded that the water deficit response of biomass allocation to roots and of the ratio of fine root length per unit leaf area is suitable traits to improve drought risk assessments that are based on yield response of poplar clones to drought. Percent plant loss data and the yield at the end of the first SRC rotation will be suitable to verify the present greenhouse assessment.
Highlights
The taxonomic sections of the black poplars
Max 3 and Vesten developed less shoots, and their nshoots was lower under deficit watering treatment (DW)
AF16 and AF18 developed more shoots, and their nshoots was lower under normal watering treatment (NW)
Summary
The taxonomic sections of the black poplars (Populus spp., sect. Aigeiros) and of the balsam poplars For the establishment of largescale short rotation coppice (SRC) operations, the adaptation response of commercial clones in the early stage after planting should be known to avoid high plant losses and costly re-planting [8]. Marginal farmland with non-optimal water conditions on sandy soils constitutes a high risk of environmental stress and operational losses during SRC establishment. This process begins with planting rods into the rather dry, sandy soil and ends up with the successful development of a welldimensioned root system and aboveground plant parts. The early root-to-shoot ratio and the capability to develop roots from poplar cuttings are under
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