Growth Rates of Poplar Cultivars across Central Asia

Research Highlights: Despite a long tradition of using poplars as wood source across Central Asia, recent international breeding developments have not penetrated that region yet. This study therefore explored growth performance 30 local and poplar cultivars. Background Objectives: The Asian countries are forest poor countries, which need to cover the domestic demand through costly imports. Therefore, fast growing trees, such poplars, gaining increasing attention option grow domestically. most common cultivars date back Soviet Union times. As reached region, this aims at investigate number newly developed Materials Methods: investigated were planted cuttings nine sites in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan between 2018 2020. Results: Under warm climate conditions, i.e., low elevations, P. deltoides x nigra hybrids attained highest stem volumes biomass yields, up 16.9 t/ha*a after two years, followed by xmaximoviczii hybrids. One xnigra tree height 10.5 m three years. On higher e.g., Pamirs Naryn, maximoviczi trichocarpa grew faster than former Conclusions: should be included into plantations or agroforestry systems being established, provided land users able thoroughly control weeds ensure nutrient water supply. If sufficient weed control, supply, supply cannot ensured, then opt for (e.g., Mirza Terek) trichocarpa, order avoid failure.