Poplar testing and breeding in the Central Chernozem region of Russia

Abstract

Poplar – Populus L. is a widely-distributed major forestry species in the north hemisphere. Here we investigated poplars selected in the local forests, introduced from different regions, and hybrids during the last 60 years. More than 300 clones and varieties were introduced from 30 locations of the former USSR and more than 4,000 new poplar hybrids were bred in the Voronezh region and maintained in the field collections and field tests of the Central Chernozem region. Based on the variety testing, we selected the most promising clones and varieties as well as developed the assortment for different target forest plantations. Also, the tested varieties were patented by the Federal Registration including the black and white poplars: ‘Steppe Lada’, ‘Breeze’, ‘Surprise’, ‘Bolide’, ‘Veduga’. We developed a new series of hybrids with P. tremula by collaborating with the Germany Ministry of Food and Agriculture. In these series the factorial crossings included the hybrids between the heart rot stable and fast-growing parental forms with unstable to decay parents. Our study will build the way of developing the heart rot stable genotypes of aspen based on the genetic architecture. Our varieties will strengthen the local timber supply and the reclamation of the disturbed lands as well as to replenish the assortments for landscaping in the region and other territories.