Annika Müller, Peter Hajek, Dr. Viviana Horna, Dr. Dietrich Hertel, Prof. Dr. Christoph Leuschner


Characterization of Populus ssp. with different origin and microbial interaction

Many selection programmes have been developed in order to screen for the most promising poplar genotypes. However intra- and interspecific competition between Populus ssp. as well as interactions with microbes due to ecophysiological and morphological traits is less investigated until now. Especially the functional significance of root-mycorrhizal associations in Populus is an area that desperately needs further investigation. In this context the objectives of our project is to analyse how different steps of diversity and the impact of microbial communities in Populus plantations, might influence the productivity. With the help of morphological and ecophysiological traits, 8 origins of Populus tremula and P. tremuloides in combination with 8 specifically bred genotypes should be characterized.

In a second phase of the project, we aim at monitoring above- and belowground interactions between the different poplar progenies, such as crown volume occupation and soil exploration. One major focus is on the application of the non-destructive method of 3d laser scanning for studying crown interactions between trees. Another task is to characterize differences in root ecomorphological traits between the poplar progenies.