Leaf-shedding and Emergence Pattern in Five Clones of <I>Populus deltoides</I> Marsh under Central Indian Conditions

Abstract

Newly introduced five clones of Poplar (Populus deltoides Marsh) from Northern India to Central India, were studied for their leaf shedding and emerg.::mce behaviour during winter and spring seasons. The clones namely G-3, G-48, D-121 and S7-Cl remained in complete leafless condition for 2, 5, 7 and 6 weeks respectively. The leaf emergence in these clones started in first week of March and rapid leaf formation was recorded in subsequent weeks during March and April. The clone 65/ 27 has maintained its evergreen status under Central Indian conditions with minimum no. ofleaves during the months of January and February. These observations suggest the existence of a very short deciduous period in all the clones under Central Indian conditions. It has been further suggested that the deciduous condition has definite role in deciding the suitability of the clone under tropical conditions of Central India.