Physical and Mechanical Properties of Different Clones of Populus deltoides - an Assessment

The physical and mechanical properties based on testing of timber of 20 different clones of Populus deltoides obtained from trial plantation have been reported. From the basic data safe working stresses and suitability indices for different properties have also been evaluated and presented. The results indicate considerable variation in the properties of different clones. Clone S7-C3 has been found to have the highest sp. gravity and most ofits strength properties are also higher as compared to other clones. Several clones meet the minimum requirement of strength not only for use as structural timber but also for door shutters, furniture items and packing cases/crates. As the material of different clones was tested from trial plantations it is suggested that more exhaustive testing of the material from other localities will help in drawing firm conclusions.