Progress and strategies in cross breeding of poplars in China

The advance in intrasection and intersection cross breeding of poplars in China over the past 50 years is reviewed. Great progress has been made in Sections Leuce and Aigeiros, and satisfactory results of intersection hybridization have been achieved in the crossing between Sections Tacamahaca and Aigeiros. The modes of hybridization include single cross, double cross, triple cross, backcross, etc. It is known that using hybrids as parents to cross with other species or hybrids is an effective and easy way to obtain heterosis. Fast growth, cold and drought tolerance, pest and disease resistance, narrow crowns and rootage, etc. are breeding goals. The conventional artificial crossing is still a major breeding method, and a combination of the conventional artificial crossing with physical radiation and chemical induction can create new triploid individuals that possess higher yield potential. The super clones cultivated have already displayed enormous socioeconomic and ecological benefits in practice. Finally, the problems that investigators have to face at present are discussed as well as some strategies in poplar cross breeding in China.