Differences in Cell-Wall Chemical Composition Among Eighteen Three-Year-Old Populus Hybrid Clones

Wood from the third annual ring of 18, nursery-grown, Populus clones was analyzed for lignin and wood sugars following extraction. The percentage of chemical constituents ranged widely among the clones; lignin from 18.1 to 25.0 of the weight of ovendry wood; glucose 42.3 to 51.6%; and xylose 16.7 to 21.5%. Analysis of variance indicated significant clonal differences in percentage of lignin, glucose, mannose, xylose, and arabinose, but not in galactose. Orthogonal comparisons indicated certain clones were responsible for much of the variation in some comparisons, whereas parental lines, i.e., P. nigra, P. euramericana or P. deltoides crosses, were responsible in others. Certain hybrids, (5331) a P. nigra hybrid, (5339) a P. grandidentata x P. alba hybrid, and (5351) a fast growing clone of unknown parentage, combined rapid growth rates with low lignin, low extractives, and high glucose concentrations. Such combinations would be highly desirable in clonal selection. Considering the wide differences found in the various chemical constituents of Populus wood, it would seem feasible that clones could be selected at an early age for a particular wood chemical composition in addition to rapid growth rates.

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Author(s): Richard E. Dickson, P. R. Larson, J. G. Isebrands

Publication: Tree Improvement and Genetics - Central States Forest Tree Improvement Conference - 1974