Early Evaluation of Populus deltodies Clones in Jammu-tawi

Early growth and biomass of three Populus deltoides clones, G-3, G-48 and D-12, were evaluated in a field trial in the subtropical climate of Jammu (latitude 32° 30' N longitude 74°55' E; altitude 280 m above msl). Height and breast height diameter growth at 12-and 24-month's age were maximum in G-3 but the number and total length of all first order lateral ischolar_mains were minimum in G-3. On the other hand, height and breast height diameter growth were minimum in D-121 but the number and total length of all first order lateral ischolar_mains were maximum in D-121. The ischolar_main: shoot ratio was maximum in G-s but minimum in D-121. Height breast height diameter growth as well as the number and total length of all first order lateral ischolar_mains and the ischolar_main:shoot ratio were intermediate in G-48. However, the dry weight of shoot, ischolar_main and whole plant were maximum in G-48 both at 12- and 24-months age.