Using Populus feedstocks for biofuels, bioenergy, and bioproducts is becoming economically feasible as global fossil fuel prices increase. Maximizing Populus biomass production across regional landscapes largely depends on understanding genotype × environment interactions, given broad genetic variation at strategic (genomic group) and operational (clone) levels. A regional network of Populus field tests was established in the Midwest USA in 1995 to assess relative productivity of 187 clones grown at Westport, Minnesota (45.7°N, 95.2°W); Waseca, Minnesota (only 2000; 44.1°N, 93.5°W); Arlington, Wisconsin (43.3°N, 89.4°W); andAmes, Iowa (42.0°N, 93.6°W). We evaluated biomass potential throughout plantation development and identified clones with yield substantially greater than commercial controls (Eugenei, NM6). For each site, biomass ranges (Mg ha −1 year −1 ) of the best six clones were:
We present results from a Populus Regional Testing Program that has been conducted in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan over the past six years. Our objectives have been to: 1) identify highly productive, disease resistant intra-and inter-specific clonal selections and 2) understand patterns of genotype x environment interactions within the region that would, logically, govern commercial deployment of new clones. Clones were developed by breeding and selection programs at the University of Illinois, Iowa State University, University of Minnesota, and the USDA Forest Service for experiments established in 1995. We report results of analyses of variance and principal component analyses of tree diameters and estimated above-ground biomass that demonstrate significant genotype main effects and significant genotype x environment interactions. Maximum mean annual above-ground biomass increments have surpassed 16 Mg ha-' y-', exceeding previously reported yields of poplars grown under similar conditions in the north-central U.S. We also discuss the breeding and selection of poplars in general with specific attention to regional research needs.
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