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LEPL Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture reveals promising forms of fast-growing woody plants

In order to identify fast-growing woody plants adapted to the soil-climatic conditions of Georgia, the Agricultural Research Center implemented a 3-year project ,,Study of Fast Growing Wood Plants and Perspectives of Use in Georgia". The project identified key characteristics for the selection of promising poplar forms, dedrometric growth and development during the vegetation period, accounting for morphometric indicators and determining the percentage of rejoicing, analysis of field materials and identification of prospective forms, determination of biomass, energy and carbon potential of selected prospective clones.

The studies were conducted on experimental areas in Mtskheta, Gori and Khashuri on 21 fast-growing clones of introduced new hybrid poplars. The prospective clones were selected based on the following criteria: growth rate, ability to rejoice, frost resistance, drought resistance and relative resistance to pests and diseases.

As part of the project, specialists visited a private research company for fast-growing trees in Italy, ,,Biopoplar’’, where they learned about biomass productivity methods and, with the help of a local consultant, developed an experimental plantation scheme.

The advantages of poplar plantations are the possibility of obtaining fuel-energy raw materials in a short period of time, efficient inclusion of low-productive lands in agricultural production, release of traditional wood-based fuel-energy raw materials and its replacement by relatively cheap self-renewable biofuels.

The project "Study of Fast Growing Wood Plants and Perspectives of Use in Georgia" was implemented by the Agricultural Crop Research Service of the Agricultural Research Center with the financial support of the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation.