Study on potential of wood production of various Poplar species and clones in northern forest areas (Case study: Siahkal region in Guilan province)

First phase of research project for establishment and adaptation of different poplar species and clones in northern Iran was started on 1992 and lasts for 15 years. The studied species include Populus deltoides 77/51, P.d.69/55, Populus euramericana I-214, P.e.45/51, P. simonii, P. trichocarpa and the native maple (Acer velutinum) as control species. seedlings were prepared in the Safrabasteh research station and then planted with three replications in 2 ha research area at Siahkal in Guilan province. Each plot contained 25 trees with 4 m × 4 m spacing. Results showed that P.e.45/51 and P. trichocarpa had the least mortality rate and the maximum diameter, height and volume, whereas the native maple (control species) showed the minimum diameter, height and volume. The mean annual volume increment of P.e.45/51 was calculated to 5.7 m3/ha/y in contrast to Acer velutinum with 0.53 m3/ha/y. Among the poplars, P. simonii was the weakest species and produced 0.65 m3 wood in hectare and year.