Different responses of poplar inter-specific hybrids to micropropagation

Populus species have distinct capabilities for which they are clearly differentiated. But the different capabilities made the species to be adapted to divergent climatic conditions. Inter-specific hybrids between the species have inter-mediate capabilities for which they may extend ecologic distribution of the genus. Asexual propagation of three inter-specific hybrid genotypes between two poplar species, Populus alba and P. euphratica were propagated through micropropagation technique, in order to optimize aseptic asexual propagation of the hybrids as well as investigating possible differences between the genotypes in responding to the propagation method. The hybrids showed different responses to three culture media so that one of the hybrids, in contrast to other hybrids, even produced plenty of roots in proliferation phase. The mentioned hybrid was highly superior to others, based on the recorded characteristics such as stem number, stem length, bud number and root score. The hybrids were significantly different based on their responses to rooting culture media. The superior hybrid of proliferation phase, showed superiority in rooting phase as well. In case of selection of the superior hybrid as a commercial cultivar, it should be propagated by cutting, for which easiness of rooting may be its specific and noticeable character. Interaction effects between the two factors, hybrids and culture media, also revealed the superiority of the mentioned hybrid.