Early performance of promising white poplar (Populus alba) clones in sandy ridges between the rivers Danube and Tisza in Hungary

Abstract

White poplar ( Populus alba L.) is a native stand-forming tree species in Hungary, covering 2.7 per cent of the forested area. More than 70 per cent of the white poplar stands can be found on calcareous sandy sites in the Danube-Tisza region, so they play a significant role in the poplar management of this part of the country. The most important task ahead of Hungarian poplar growers is to improve the quality of poplar stands and plantations based on selecting new clones and cultivars. The juvenile growth and yield of four promising white poplar clones was evaluated on a marginal site in central Hungary. The clones ‘H 758’ (P. alba Mosonmagyaróvár 124) and ‘H 425–4’ ( P. alba × P. alba ) seem to be suitable for wood production, while the ‘H 427–3’ ( P. alba × P. alba cv. Bolleana) and ‘H 422–9’ ( P. alba × Populus grandidentata ) clones (with decorative stem form) could be better used for tree lines and ornamental plantations.