Theses and Dissertations

Bryce D. May

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Rousseau, Randall J.

Committee Member

Hatten, Jeff A.

Committee Member

Roberts, Scott D.

Date of Degree

12-15-2012

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Forestry

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Forestry

Abstract

The objective of this research is to evaluate the performance of Populus species and hybrid poplars in short rotation biomass production systems. Eastern cottonwood and hybrid clones were evaluated at both an alluvial and upland test site in 2010 and 2011. Age-one and age-two measurements included tree survival, total height, and overall health. Age-two measurements also included breast height diameter and volume. Generally, eastern cottonwoods exhibited greater growth than hybrid clones on the alluvial site while the reverse was true for the upland site. Faster tree growth occurred on the alluvial site, but foliage diseases were more prevalent. Hybrids showed higher survival at both sites, however, disease susceptibility and lack of adaptability to flooding on the alluvial site confirms the need for further hybrid clone development. Clones exhibiting exceptional early growth and site adaptability are identified for possible biomass deployment and for inclusion into future breeding efforts.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/18910

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