Micropropagation of Poplars (Populus spp.)

Abstract

The genus Populus belongs to the family Salicaceae and includes 34 species which are interspersed throughout the forests of the temperate and cold regions of the northern hemisphere. Poplars are in general dioecious plants, with male and female flowers on separate individuals. Their chromosome number is 2n = 38. They are fast-growing hardwood trees (Fig. 1), which can be raised either in pure or mixed plantations, or in association with agricultural crops. Because of their rapid rate of growth, selected clones can be economically grown in short rotations, in Italy around 12 years.