Morphological traits genetically correlated with wood production have been targeted as an alternative to the indirect selection of Poplar trees for high biomass production. So in this study two Populus species (P. nigra and P. alba) growing in Kermanshah, Zanjan and Esfahan provinces were selected to investigate the relationship between various leaf morphological traits and growth characteristics. In order to assimilate environmental conditions, cuttings were planted under randomized complete blocks design with 3 replications. 16 leaf morphological traits and 8 growth characteristics were measured in middle and end of growth seasons. Path analysis was applied to estimate the direct and indirect impacts of traits on height. Also the relationships between morphological traits and growing characteristics were determined. Results showed that leaf area was highly correlated with height in P.nigra and had high positive direct and indirect impact on height. Although there was no correlation between leaf area and height in P.alba but leaf area was correlated with 3 another growth characteristics. In general, results showed that the leaf morphological traits can be used in order to select Poplar trees with high growth rate indirectly.

Keywords: Morphological traits, Growth parameters, Populus nigra L., Populus alba L. Leaf area

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