Investigation of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of interspecific hybrids between two poplar species (P.alba and P.euphratica) in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province

Hybridization is one of the most important methods in tree improvement. This method can helps plant breeders to increase yield of tree species. Adaptability investigation of interspecific hybrids for planting in different regions is necessary because of different climate conditions in the regions. Populus species were planted in Iran for wood production from many years ago. In this research clones of P.alba× P.euphratica and P.euphratica × P.alba were selected and saplings were supplied from them. Saplings from P.alba× P.euphratica and P.euphratica×P.alba with P.alba and P.nigra as a native species were planted in Boldaji station in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province based on a Randomized Complete Block Design. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics such as total height, trunk height, diameter (DBH), disease and cold tolerance were recorded. Results showed that plant height, trunk height and DBH growth of P.alba×P. euphratica were significantly more than other treatments (p