Chemical properties of wood are under stronger genetic control than growth traits in Populus tomentosa Carr.

Overview & Synopsis

Contexthe genetic development of some wood quality characteristics in early stage is particularly attractive since these properties are generally inherited. A clear understanding of the genetic control of chemical properties of wood (extractives, holocellulose, and lignin content) and growth traits (tree height, diameter at breast height, and stem volume) of corewood is a prerequisite for breeding for higher wood quality in triploid hybrid clones of Populus tomentosa.• Aims The experiments aimed at unraveling genetic effect and clone × site interactions on chemical properties of wood and growth traits of corewood derived from triploid hybrid clones of P. tomentosa.• Methods Four 5-year-old clonal trials established in northern China were used to determine the clonal variations and clone × site interactions of chemical properties of wood and growth traits. Two hundred sixteen trees from nine clones were sampled in the four sites.• Results Site had a highly significant (P