In 2017, the new poplar grower’s manual, authored by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yancho Naydenov and M. Eng. Nikolay Stoyanov, is expected to be published.
The continuous increase in global timber consumption raises the issue of its rapid regeneration.
One of the solutions to this issue may be the establishment of intensive forest plantations of poplars which, under temperate climate conditions such as those in Bulgaria, are the fastest-growing tree species. Poplars are easily propagated vegetatively, which facilitates their dissemination.
Therefore, the publication of the new poplar grower’s manual is also a positive step towards alternative methods for obtaining fast-growing timber under the specific climatic conditions of the country.
The Manual examines the importance of poplars and willows for timber production, as well as the fundamentals of their taxonomy. It provides a description of the poplar clones used in afforestation practice. The methods and technologies for propagation of these tree species, as well as the production of seedlings, are described. The classification of poplar sites, the selection of suitable clones and technologies for the establishment, tending and management of poplar stands is presented. A nature-conforming ecological model for the management of the “dyke–bank” zone has been developed. The taxonomy of diseases and pests affecting poplars, as well as the methods for their control, are examined in detail.
