Abstract:

To advance the high-quality development of the paulownia industry in warm temperate and northern subtropical regions, the breeding objectives are focused on fast-growing, high-stem-quality, superior-timber, and disease-resistant varieties. Paulownia fortunei ‘Zhongtong No.1’ (S-SV-PF-001-2024), a deciduous tree, is a natural hybrid derived from P. fortunei. It has an oval crown with a relatively open canopy (sparse branching and foliage) and obliquely spreading lateral branches at angles of 66.7°. The inflorescence rachis is shorter than the pedicels, bearing light purple flowers. The tree produces medium to short fruiting branches with abundant ovate fruits. In field trials across sites such as Henan and Hubei provinces, ‘Zhongtong No.1’ demonstrated significant growth advantages over the widely promoted P. fortunei ‘9501’: diameter at breast height increased 3.31%?20.49%, stem height increased 13.89%?36.01%, and individual tree volume increased 6.54%?68.09%. Characterized by rapid growth, excellent stem form, low incidence of witches' broom disease, and superior wood quality, ‘Zhongtong No.1’ is an elite cultivar suitable for large-scale cultivation and promotion.

Key words: Paulownia, Paulownia fortunei ‘Zhongtong No.1’, fast-growing, tall trunk, resistance to witches’ broom, improved variety