Growth Variability of Populus deltoids Marsh Clones in Arid Climate of North Western India

The present paper deals with growth of 1-year old saplings, and 2-year and 5-year old trees of 27 clones of Populus deltoids grown at Hisar 1290 10’N, 750 46’ E, 215 m alt.) in an arid climate of north-western India. Significant (P 0.01) differences were observed in survival percentage and growth of plants among different clones. The height and diameter (DBH) varied from 2.6 to 5.2 m and 1.10 cm to 2.95 cm, respectively at sapling stage while it ranged from 10.5 to 20.2 m and 12.4 to 23.9 cm, respectively, after 5 years of transplanting. The CP-82 group of clones showed much better establishment and growth than the G-3 and G-48 clones. At five years age CP-82-4-1 and CP-86-6-2 were outstanding clones for girth increment. The results are useful for increasing genetic base and production of poplars in the region.