Epsilon Open Archive

Abstract

Regeneration of European aspen (Populus tremula L.) by root cuttings has been studied. Regeneration of European aspen by seeds on forest land or farmland is not efficient as the seeds are small and therefore sensitive for dryness and competition in the early stage of development. Stem and root cuttings are commonly used both as seedlings with leaves and cuttings which are planted in the field. In short rotation forestry both methods are practiced for among others: Salix and Populus (poplar and hybrid aspen). In March-April roots from 5-30-year-old aspens were sampled from four localities (Lat. 60° 16’ N. Long. 15° 59’ E.; Lat. 58° 27’ N. Long. 13° 40’ E.; Lat. 57° 55’ N. Long. 12° 21’ E. and Lat. 56° 43’ N. Long. 13° 07’ E.). The roots were cut in 10 cm long cuttings. Roots were sampled from 12 stands with 4-8 aspens in the stand totally 64 aspens. In May the root cuttings were planted on abandoned farmland in southern Sweden (Lat. 57° 55’ N. Long. 12° 21’ E.). The trial was fenced avoiding damages by wild habitat (moose, roe deer and deer). The trial was examined every autumn during seven years. The plantation was seriously damaged by wild habitat and voles in the end of year 7. Then the trial was laid down. Root cuttings from all stands still produced living sprouts after seven years. The mean diameter for all suckers at 0.1 m above ground was 13.8 (12-17) mm. The mean height for all suckers was 121.2 (106-137) cm.