International transfer of Alnus, Populus, and Salix germplasm: Early test results

The interin results of a genetic testing program established within the International Energy Agency (IEA) Forestry Energy Agreement are reported. The ‘Joint Evaluation Activity’ was initiated to evaluate Alnus, Populus and Salix germplasm collected by IEA projects and national programs. The project was designed to compare the growth rates of selected genetic materials under a variety of growing environments, and identify germplasm with potential for biomass cultivation. The project was also designed to examine the limitations of long-distance international transfer of alder, poplar, and willow clones/provenances/species among national biomass programs. Four field tests were established, each containing selected clones and provenances of alder poplar and willow. Three-year growth data are reported here that identify genetic materials with superior growth potential in one or more of the test environments. They also identify the maximum climatic tolerance of several previously untested species/provenances. The results can be used to guide the selection of materials for future exchanges among the national programs participating in the study.