Abstract:

There are abundant genetic resources of poplars in southwest China, which is believed as a centre of Sect. Tacamahaca natural distribution and evolution. The resources have played an important role in the poplar researches and application. However the resources are not well known by the rest of the world, and their value has not drawn enough attention of most poplar researchers. There are 28 species, 22 varieties, and about 10 natural hybrids of genus Populus in the region. Among them, 25 species are endemic in China, and 18 species are indigenous in southwest China. Although there have been many studies on the classification of Populus, some contradictions still exist. The genetic diversity of P. cathayana and P. yunnanensis was determined by molecular markers, while the other species have not been involved in this kind of study. The native poplars are grown extensively to provide timber, fuel and forage, and to protect the agricultural fields, grazing lands, cities, villages and houses along roads and channels, but the lack of improved variety and cultivation technique has limited the development of poplar plantation. On genetic improvement, only a few works such as selection of superior trees was sporadically carried out, and no breeding achievement was reported in the past. At present, there is no effectivemeasure to conserve the native poplar, and the genetic resource has been facing severe damage from extensively economic construction, especially hydropower exploitation. Therefore, more attention and support are needed from the local government for the conservation, application and research on the poplar resources.

Key words: poplar, genetic resource, conservation, application, southwest China