Study of growth and morphological characteristics of Euphrates poplar (Populus euphratica Oliv.) provenances in Shahid Fozveh experimental nursery

Due to the wide geographical distribution and tolerance range too many environmental variables, the fast growing species of Euphratespoplar (Populus euphratica Oliv) has a great ecological significance. In order to identify the best provenance of Euphratespoplar regarding to establishment characteristics in the region, this study was conducted in Fozveh research station in Isfahan Province on Nineteen Euphrates poplar provenance and acell-cultured clone from all over country. Thirty cuttings from each provenance were planted under a RCBD in February 2010. Growth characteristics including collar diameter ( CD), height (H), survival percentage (SP) of cutting, 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 were also recorded during one year after planting. ANOVA results showed that all investigated traits significantly differed in all parameters. Moreover, provenances of Hamidieh and Ramhormoz showed the highest rates of CD and Tafresh and Hamidieh H growh. Mahneshan provenance was the most unfavorable genotype for establishment in the Isfahan province due to its low SP as well as its leaf incompatible morphology. Consequently, PCA results revaled significant differences of that provenances Ghalakhlar, Sarakhs, Zabol, Kerman, Mahneshan, Sanandaj, Khojir and Manjil to other genotypes.