Evaluating the performance of clones to be used in short rotation intensive
culture (SRIC) plantations for biomass production is critical for identify
ing superior clones and matching them with sites on which they will perform
best. This will lead to increased production and a strengthening of the co
mmercial prospects of these plantations. The primary objective of this stud
y was to use a multivariate approach to evaluate the relative clonal perfor
mance of 38 willow and hybrid poplar clones, deployed in a genetic selectio
n trial based on a coppice rotation system established in central New York
State (NY) in 1997. Cluster analysis was conducted using survival, several
individual plant growth attributes, and insect defoliation, all measured du
ring or at the end of 1998. Two linear functions developed using discrimina
nt analysis, comprising primarily of attributes related to tree vigor and s
ite adaptability; tree volume index and length of growing period, explained
most of the variation (98.5%) among the clusters. Eight of the 38 clones e
valuated are expected to be high biomass producers, and are recommended for
more extensive clone-site trials and commercial scale plantations across c
entral NY and the northeastern United States (US). The results of this stud
y indicate a possible approach to more effective juvenile selection in tree
improvement programs, and insights for a refinement of the current SRIC tr
ee ideotype. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.