Publication
Title
Is the ranking of poplar genotypes for leaf carbon isotope discrimination stable across sites and years in two different full-sib families?
Author
Abstract
Introduction Because of its vigorous growth, poplar can play an important role for sustainable production of woody biomass to cover renewable energy needs. Hence, the selection of suitable genotypes has to be based on relevant traits, among which intrinsic water use efficiency (W i, estimated through leaf carbon isotope discrimination, Δ) may be a key trait. Besides a large genetic variation in Δ among the frequently planted poplar hybrids, the use of Δ in deployment or breeding programmes requires insights in the robustness of the genotype ranking for Δ across environments and years. Methods Two F1 full-sib families of poplar (Populus deltoides × Populus nigra and Populus deltoides × Populus trichocarpa) were grown at two sites in Europe, i.e. northern Italy and central France. For each family, leaf samples from 31 F1 genotypes collected during different field studies were used (1) to assess the effect of genotype, site and year on Δ in leaves, as well as their mutual interactions, and (2) to elucidate the relationships between Δ, leaf morphology and tree dimensions. Results Under the well-watered conditions of our study, a low to moderate genetic variability was observed in the two poplar families. Within-family broad-sense heritability values ranged from 0 to 0.49. The ranking of genotypes for Δ was more stable between years than between sites. Conclusions The study confirmed the occurrence of some degree of genetic variability of Δ in the studied poplar families and the possibility to identify genotypes with low, stable Δ values across years. However, the significant genotype-by-site interactions in our study suggest that selection for larger water use efficiency or lower Δ in these families has to consider specific responses in different environments.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Annals of forest science. - Paris
Publication
Paris : 2011
ISSN
1286-4560
DOI
10.1007/S13595-011-0092-0
Volume/pages
68 :7 (2011) , p. 1265-1275
ISI
000295676700010
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
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UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
ChiRoPing - Developing Versatile and Robust Perception using Sonar Systems that Ingegrate Active Sensing, Morphology and Behaviour.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 23.08.2011
Last edited 15.11.2022
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