Survival and growth of white poplar rooted cuttings regarding term of planting

Abstract

White poplar nursery production is mainly based on vegetative propagation hardwood cuttings. In this study the reaction of three clones of white poplar (Populus alba L.) on term of cuttings' preparation and planting according to parameters of survival and growth of rooted cuttings in three nurseries in Northern part of Serbia. There were two terms of cuttings' preparation and planting examined: a) mid-March and d) the beginning of April (standard term). Obtained results suggest considerable differences between nurseries and between examined terms. Differences between clones were not significant, but there were found significant effects of interactions of factor Clone with other two main sources of variation. The best results were obtained by cuttings that were prepared and planted in mid-March, due to faster growth and survival of rooted cuttings. The positive effect of the earlier term is evident particularly in clones L-12 and L-80 and enable feasible production of rooted cuttings of these clones, especially in nurseries that obtained better conditions. Results obtained in this study suggest that influence of terms of cuttings' production and planting is important issue concerning introduction of clones with relatively poor rooting capacity, optimization of nursery technology of experimental white poplar clones, and improvement of white poplar nursery production in general.