Natural Provenance Variation in Populus alba Linn. from Western Himalaya

Natural variation studies were conducted in Populus alba Linn. to determine the range of variation in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir States. The characters studied were height, diameter, and general shape at the base of the leaf blade, clear bole, taper and number of stomata. Analysis of co-variance showed significant differences for different provenances of P. alba Linn. for height, d.b.h., taper, clear bole, leaf area and number of stomata. Strong correlation was obtained between height and d.b.h. The species showed more genetic variation among the natural stands and needs genetic improvement.