REPORT ON POPLAR HYBRIDIZATION II 1937 AND 1938

Abstract

The results of further progress in a poplar hybridization project initiated in 1935 with the aim of producing valuable hardy and disease resistant material of rapid growth for the production of wood of high quality for industrial purposes, and of value for shelterbelts in the Prairies are reported. It has been possible to cross the native aspens of Eastern and Western Canada with several exotic aspens and their hybrids with silver poplar, and to obtain hybrid material of great promise for these purposes. Some western balsam poplars have also been crossed with exotic species and have yielded hybrids of promise for shelterbelts. An attempt to cross an aspen with a cottonwood has so far yielded indifferent results. The cross of a basket willow with a cottonwood was not successful. Hardiness, disease resistance, and good propagability from stem or root cuttings are at present the most important characters used in evaluating the young hybrids.