Study of growth and morphological characteristics of Euphrates poplar (Populus euphratica) provenances at experimental nursery of Khuzestan Province

Native fast growing species of Euphrates poplar (Populus euphratica) is broadly distributed in Iran and is considered important due to its tolerance to saline soils and warm and dry climate conditions. In this study, twenty Euphrates poplar provenances and a cell-cultured clone from all over country were studied in Kushkak research station in Khuzestan province, one of the main Euphrates poplar habitats in Iran. Thirty cuttings from each provenance were planted under a RCBD in February 2010. Growth characteristics including collar diameter (CD), height (H), Germination percentage (GP) of cuttings, special leaf area, and dry matter percentage of leaves were studied. In addition, a number of leaf morphological traits including leaf length (LL), maximum width (MLW), LL to MLW ratio, petiole length (PL), PL to LL ratio, thickness and leaf area, branch-to-stem angle (BSA) and number of branches > 0.5 m (NB) were also recorded during one year after planting. ANOVA results showed that all investigated traits significantly differed in all parameters except NB and BSA. Moreover, provenances of Ramhormoz and Isfahan showed the highest rates of CD and H growth. Mahneshan provenance was the most unfavorable genotype for establishment in north of the Khuzestan province due to its low GP as well as its incompatible morphology with warm climate of the region. Consequently, PCA results revealed significant differences of that provenances of Mahneshan, Jolfa, Zabol and Kerman to other genotypes.