Some hybrids can grow nearly 100 feet tall in 6 to 8 years, whereas regular poplars might take two or three times as long to reach that height. Scientists planted poplar cuttings about 6 inches long outdoors at the U.S. Salinity Laboratory in Riverside. When the study ended 5 months later, the trees averaged 6 feet. Surprisingly, they appeared to use different salt-coping strategies. Another hybrid, number 50194, took up the most selenium and was moderately salt-tolerant.
Hybrid poplar is made into everything from toothpicks to high-quality veneers and papers.
That's why you need a halophyte. Our study shows some of the genetically controlled variability in the hybrids' capacities to tolerate salt or to take up or exclude boron or selenium. And it provides clues for future breeding to exploit these traits. Click here to see this issue's table of contents.