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Canadian Research Needs for Poplar and Aspen

Background

During the 2001 annual meeting of the Poplar Council of Canada in Regina, Saskatchewan, a series of presentations was made describing the current status of poplar science and technology activities across the country. This was followed by an in-depth discussion of the gaps and weaknesses in research as identified by these presentations, and led to the development of the present list of research needs for poplar and aspen. The list was reviewed subsequently by members of the Board of Directors of the Council and has been endorsed as a document for use in discussions with agencies and organizations responsible for poplar-related research in Canada.

Research Needs

The present list of research needs focuses primarily on issues relating to the breeding, establishment and management of poplar and aspen in plantations. This is perceived to be the area for development and growth for the poplar sector in Canada in the next 10 years. It is also recognized that there may be other research needs in the area of natural stand management as well as in relation to poplar utilization - pulp and paper, composite panelboards, and lumber.

1. Genetics

There are three areas in which research related to tree genetics is required. Two of these - clonal selection and breeding, and sharing of material - are concerned with poplar and aspen in plantation forestry. The third - gene conservation - is a concern for native genetic resources, but is also indirectly important for long-term breeding strategies.

a. Clonal selection/breeding for poplar and aspen

There is a distinct need to increase the capacity to provide new material for breeding, especially in preparation for a potentially new, large plantation program.
More hybrids need to be produced for testing.
New sources of germplasm should continue to be explored. Russia and China are potential sources of new species material.
The use of DNA markers could speed up selection and breeding programs.
There is a need for a long-term breeding strategy.

b. Sharing of material

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) currently has new regulations in place which restrict the importation of exotic material, but policies are under review and this process could be assisted by research information.

c. Gene conservation

The native gene pool of indigenous species must be maintained, and research is needed to support this effort.

2. Silviculture

The most immediately pressing silvicultural issues are concerned with the production of growing stock and successful establishment of plantations. In the longer term, more information is needed on how the plantations will develop and grow, what products and other benefits might be expected, and how to deal with pests that might attack them.

a. Nursery production

Research is needed on stock types – rooted cuttings, unrooted cuttings, material grown in containers. The issue may be one of preference for a particular stock type or the development of best nursery practices for each stock type and clone on different sites.
Stock quality also needs to be considered, including height and caliper.
The link between nursery practices and field performance should be investigated.

b. Weed control

Developing efficient, economic and environmentally sustainable methods of weed control is a major priority for poplar plantation establishment

c. Integrated pest management

This becomes much more important as individual plantations become established and grow, and it will become even more significant as a research need as the number of plantations increases.

d. Growth and yield

A network of plots is need to provide growth and yield information.
Examples are needed of large-scale operational trials to demonstrate best cultural and management practices and provide proof of the plantation concept.
The relationship between stand density and end product should be explored, including the connection to clonal selection and tree form.
Optimal fertilization and nutritional requirements need to be determined.

3. Other

Several other broad issues relating to implementing the concept of greatly increased poplar plantation establishment in Canada also require study. These include finding potential plantation sites, assessing the impact on the environment, and socio-economic considerations that could influence a plantation establishment program.

a. Land classification

While it is critical to have an effective land classification system, this is primarily a provincial issue.

b. Ecology of forest and agricultural ecosystems and the impacts of hybrid poplar

The potential environmental impacts of hybrid poplar plantations with respect to biodiversity and conservation must be evaluated.
A range of management intensities from extensive to intensive should be examined and their relationship to environmental impacts, economics, and other values should be studied.

c. Socio-economics

Research is needed on the incentive to plantation programs that could be provided by carbon credits.
Tax issues need to be explored.

Last edit: 2004-10-27