Variation of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Poplar Clones

Abstract

The physical and mechanical properties of poplar clones largely determine their suitability for various end-uses, especially for high value-added applications. The main objective of this study was to determine the clonal variation of selected physical and mechanical properties of seven hybrid poplar clones grown at three sites in southern Quebec, Canada. Five trees per clone were randomly sampled from each site for wood properties measurement. Site had a significant effect on all measured properties except radial shrinkage. All properties of hybrid poplar wood showed significant interclonal variation, indicating the possibility of identifying clones with superior wood properties, especially for density, flexural modulus of rupture, and ultimate crushing strength. High heritability values for the studied properties indicated that these properties are under moderate to high genetic control. The genetic gain for these wood properties ranged from 2.0% to 13.5%.