Poplar breeding for the purpose of biomass production in short rotation periods in Germany: Problems and first findings

Investigations so far on the suitability of poplars for biomass production in short rotation periods in Germany were conducted almost exclusively with clones conceived for conventional cultivation. To introduce improved plant material, a special breeding program was implemented in Hann. Münden. It takes into consideration the most important criteria of suitability for the new form of land utilization. A report is given on findings so far from the realization of this program. Comprehensive basic plant material is available for European, North American and East Asian species from the sections Aigeiros, Leuce and Tacamahaca. Interspecific crossings are being carried out mainly in order to make the best possible use of combination and heterosis effects. A period of at least 20 years is necessary to develop new cultivars with high yield performance and yield stability. First results are presented on hybrids of species which are site-tolerant, resistant and particularly fast-growing at the juvenile phase. Plans to produce multiclonal varieties, each with 5 to 10 suitable clones with the same growing rhythm are in place. Special cultivation recommendations advocate clonal mixtures for each of the most important site units and for different rotation periods of from 2 to 5, 6 to 10 and more than 10 years. Key words: poplar, breeding, biomass, short rotation