Differential susceptibility of poplar hybrids to the aphid Chaitophorus leucomelas (Homoptera: Aphididae)

After its recent introduction to Chile, the aphid Chaitophorus leucomelas Koch is becoming a serious pest affecting commercial poplar, Populus spp., plantations. The pattern of natural infestation of C. leucomelas among poplar hybrids with different pedigrees and the aphid intrinsic rate of increase (r(m)), of C. leucomelas were assessed in the field. In most of the hybrids, aphid abundance peaked in March (late summer). Among 12 types of poplar crosses, [(P. trichocarpa Torr. & Gray x P. deltoides Bartram ex Marshall) x (P. trichocarpa x P. deltoides)] and [(P. trichocarpa x P. maximowiczii Henry) x P. maximowiczii] showed the highest and lowest aphid densities, respectively. A trend to find more aphids in branch bases was apparent. The intrinsic rate of C. leucomelas increase was higher in [(P. trichocarpa x P. deltoides) x P. deltoides] hybrids, and lower in [(P. trichocarpa x P. maximowiczii) x P. trichocarpa] hybrids. Aphid density and performance were higher in hybrids with P. deltoides parentage, whereas hybrids with P. maximowiczii parentage showed lower aphid densities and performance. Hybrids with P. nigra L. parentage, namely, [P. trichocarpa x P. nigra], also had high aphid density, but aphid performance was lower compared with hybrids with P. deltoides parentage. These results suggest that among poplar hybrids studied, susceptibility to C. leucomelas is inherited through P. deltoides, whereas resistance seems to be inherited through P. maximowiczii. Thus, P. maximowiczii hybrids are recommended for commercial or ornamental planting programs in zones where there is a high risk of aphid infestation.     

Microsatellite DNA fingerprinting, differentiation, and genetic relationships of clones, cultivars, and varieties of six poplar species from three sections of the genus Populus.

Accurate identification of Populus clones and cultivars is essential for effective selection, breeding, and genetic resource management programs. The unit of cultivation and breeding in poplars is a clone, and individual cultivars are normally represented by a single clone. Microsatellite DNA markers of 10 simple sequence repeat loci were used for genetic fingerprinting and differentiation of 96 clones/cultivars and varieties belonging to six Populus species (P. deltoides, P. nigra, P. balsamifera, P. trichocarpa, P. grandidentata, and P maximowiczii) from three sections of the genus. All 96 clones/cultivars could be uniquely fingerprinted based on their single- or multilocus microsatellite genotypes. The five P. grandidentata clones could be differentiated based on their single-locus genotypes, while six clones of P. trichocarpa and 11 clones of P. maximowiczii could be identified by their two-locus genotypes. Twenty clones of P. deltoides and 25 clones of P. nigra could be differentiated by their multilocus genotypes employing three loci, and 29 clones of P. balsamifera required the use of multilocus genotypes at five loci for their genetic fingerprinting and differentiation. The loci PTR3, PTR5, and PTR7 were found to be the most informative for genetic fingerprinting and differentiation of the clones. The mean number of alleles per locus ranged from 2.9 in P. trichocarpa or P. grandidentata to 6.0 in P. balsamifera and 11.2 in 96 clones of the six species. The mean number of observed genotypes per locus ranged from 2.4 in P. grandidentata to 7.4 in P. balsamifera and 19.6 in 96 clones of the six species. The mean number of unique genotypes per locus ranged from 1.3 in P. grandidentata to 3.9 in P. deltoides and 8.8 in 96 clones of the six species. The power of discrimination of the microsatellite DNA markers in the 96 clones ranged from 0.726 for PTR4 to 0.939 for PTR7, with a mean of 0.832 over the 10 simple sequence repeat loci. Clones/cultivars from the same species showed higher microsatellite DNA similarities than the clones from the different species. A UPGMA cluster plot constructed from the microsatellite genotypic similarities separated the 96 clones into six major groups corresponding to their species. Populus nigra var. italica clones were genetically differentiated from the P. nigra var. nigra clones. Microsatellite DNA markers could be useful in genetic fingerprinting, identification, classification, certification, and registration of clones, clultivars, and varieties as well as genetic resource management and protection of plant breeders' rights in Populus.     

Molecular genetic analysis of black poplar (Populus nigra L.) along Dutch rivers

The genetic structure of remaining black poplar ( Populus nigra ) trees on the banks of the Dutch Rhine branches was investigated using the AFLP technique. In total, 143 trees, including one P. deltoides and some P. x euramericana , were analysed using six AFLP primer combinations which generated 319 polymorphic bands. The AFLP patterns showed that some of the trees sampled as P. nigra were clearly different. These deviating patterns were also observed for the P. deltoides tree and all trees already identified as hybrid P. x euramericana . Hybrids between the two species are morphologically sometimes difficult to distinguish from the species itself. Two important possible source populations for recolonization of the riverbanks of the river Rhine, consisting of mature flowering P. nigra trees, appeared to consist of only a few genotypes each. In contrast, young black poplar trees growing alone or in small groups downstream of the possible source populations appeared to be predominantly generatively derived because no clones of mature trees were found among them. Therefore vegetative propagation seems a very local strategy whereas colonization of new areas appears to occur through generative propagation. Whether the genetic diversity within these black poplars is sufficient for recolonization of river banks and survival of the metapopulation is a question for further research.     

Screening hybrid poplar clones for susceptibility to Cryptorhynchus lapathi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The poplar-and-willow borer, Cryptorhynchus lapathi (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a wood-boring pest of economic importance in irrigated hybrid poplar (Populus spp.) farms in eastern Washington and Oregon. There is no practical insecticide control tactic against either the larval or adult stage of C. lapathi. To assess variability in C. lapathi toward clone preference, we initiated a no-choice study on 180 caged trees that consisted of five clones in a randomized complete block design. C. lapathi was significantly more successful at establishing a population in two clones with Populus trichocarpa X P. deltoides (TxD) parentage (female x male) than in either of two clones with P. deltoides x P. nigra (DxN) parentage (female x male), or a single clone with P. deltoides x P. maximowiczii (DxM) parentage (female X male). There were no significant differences in the rate of weevil development among infested clones, with the exception of DxM trees. Larvae in DxM clones developed on average to the fourth size grouping and those in the two TxD clones developed on average to the fifth size grouping, and this difference was significant. These results corroborate our general damage surveys conducted in the field. Our findings provide growers with the option to choose less susceptible varieties when replanting.     

Molecular analysis of natural populations of Populus nigra L intermingled with cultivated hybrids

In this study six simple sequence repeats (SSR or microsatellites) were selected for their ability to fingerprint a total of 60 commercial clones of Populus deltoides Marsh. and Populus x canadensis Moench (typically derived from crosses between Populus nigra L and P. deltoides) and to characterize a natural population of P. nigra growing along the Ticino river in the North of Italy. Out of six SSRs used, four microsatellite loci were found to have alleles which were species-specific to P. deltoides and could therefore be used as markers for introgression of P. deltoides into P. nigra. In the studied region hybrid poplars and P. deltoides commercial clones are cultivated as monoclonal stands close to the area where black poplar has its natural habitat. SSR analysis was performed to investigate whether there was evidence of introgression between the natural population and the monoclonal plantations of hybrids and P. deltoides clones cultivated in the surrounding area. Three stages of the natural population were analysed: a group of old trees about a hundred years old, a younger population (aged 2-30 years) and the seedlings of three females of this population. Alleles specific to P. deltoides were detected only in the old cohort of the natural population, while no introgression was observed in the younger individuals and their progenies. These results were also confirmed by isozyme analysis of loci PGI-B, PGM and LAP-A, which were previously identified as diagnostic for P. nigra, P. deltoides and P.xcanadensis.     

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms of a chloroplast photosystem II gene from poplar and their use for species identification.

In a total DNA library from the poplar clone Beaupré (Populus trichocarpa x P. deltoides) one DNA clone was found to identify restriction site polymorphisms in different poplar species. This clone represents a cpDNA gene that shows close homology to a photosystem II gene of pea and spinach coding for the D2 protein and the 44 kDa reaction centre. In Southern blot analysis this probe identified interspecific restriction site variation among the different poplar species; intraspecific variation was not detectable. As the chloroplast genome is maternally inherited in poplars this cpDNA probe was used for identification of P. nigra or P. deltoides as the seed parents of F1 hybrid trees in natural stands of western Germany.     

Effect of epicuticular waxes of poplar hybrids on the aphid Chaitophorus leucomelas (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Abstract:  Insect response to plant surface features is a critical step in host-finding and acceptance of herbivorous insects. The plant surface is usually covered with epicuticular waxes (EWs), which are not only involved in water physiology, but also provide resistance to insects. In the present work the probing behaviour and performance of the aphid Chaitophorus leucomelas Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on dewaxed and waxed leaves of two poplar hybrids, [( Populus trichocarpa Torr. & Gray ×  Populus deltoides Bartram ex Marshall) ×  P. deltoides ] (TD × D) and [( P. trichocarpa  ×  Populus maximowiczii Henry) × ( P. trichocarpa  ×  P. maximowiczii )] (TM × TM), previously reported as susceptible and resistant, respectively, are described. Laboratory experiments showed that in naturally waxed leaves of the resistant hybrids, aphids devoted less time to probing and more time to non-probing behaviour when compared with their behaviour on susceptible hybrids. These differences were not present when leaves of these hybrids were experimentally dewaxed. A field experiment demonstrated that aphid reproductive performance was affected by hybrid genotype (higher in the TD × D) but not by EWs, although a trend of lower performance on dewaxed leaves in both hybrids was apparent. SEM analysis of EWs revealed micromorphological differences between both hybrids. These results support the idea that EWs affect aphid behaviour in poplars, with a rather slight impact on reproductive performance.     

Genetic transformation of Populus deltoides and P.x euramericana clones using Agrobacterium tumefaciens

The susceptibility of different Populus euramericana (Neva, PE68-022 x P. nigra, 71-060 x P. nigra) and P. deltoides (PE68-022 x P. deltoides) clones to wild-type Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains (A281 and 82.139) was evaluated in an inoculation experiment, and differences in the frequency of tumor formation (0-48) were found. Co-cultivation experiments demonstrated high transformation ability of oncogenic binary A. tumefaciens strains as compared to disarmed strains. Using oncogenic binary strains, transgenic calluses were obtained from all tested clones. The presence of acetosyringone did not influence the transformation frequency of the disarmed strains. Co-inoculation experiments were performed using leaf discs and a bacterial suspension containing both wild-type and disarmed strains. No positive effects on transformation efficiency were noticed in these conditions either. The transformation of tumors and kanamycin resistant calluses was confirmed by DNA analysis.     

Mitochondrial DNA variation and genetic relationships of Populus species.

We examined variation in and around the region coding for the cytochrome c oxidase I (coxI) and ATPase 6 (atp6) genes in the mitochondrial genomes of four Populus species (P. nigra, P. deltoides, P. maximowiczii, and P. tremuloides) and the natural hybrid P. x canadensis (P. deltoides x P. nigra). Total cellular DNAs of these poplars were digested with 16 restriction endonucleases and probed with maize mtDNA-specific probes (CoxI and Atp6). The only variant observed for Atp6 was interspecific, with P. maximowiczii separated from the other species as revealed by EcoRI digestions. No intraspecific mtDNA variation was observed among individuals of P. nigra, P. maximowiczii, P. x canadensis, or P. tremuloides for the CoxI probe. However, two varieties of P. deltoides were distinct because of a single site change in the KpnI digestions, demonstrating that P. deltoides var. deltoides (eastern cottonwood) and var. occidentalis (plains cottonwood) have distinct mitochondrial genomes in the region of the coxI gene. Populus x canadensis shared the same restriction fragment patterns as its suspected maternal parent P. deltoides. Nucleotide substitutions per base in and around the coxI and atp6 genes among the Populus species and the hybrid ranged from 0.0017 to 0.0077. The interspecific estimates of nucleotide substitution per base suggested that P. tremuloides was furthest removed from P. deltoides and P. x canadensis and least diverged from P. nigra. Populus maximowiczii was placed between these two clusters.     

Modelling the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on crown development, light interception and photosynthesis of poplar in open top chambers

An open-top chamber experiment was carried out to examine the likely effects of elevated atmospheric [CO₂] on architectural as well as on physiological characteristics of two poplar clones ( Populus trichocarpa × P. deltoides clone Beaupré and P. deltoides × P. nigra clone Robusta). Crown architectural parameters required as input parameters for a three-dimensional (3D) model of poplar structure, such as branching frequency and position, branch angle, internode length and its distribution pattern, leaf size and orientation, were measured following growth in ambient and elevated [CO₂ ] (ambient + 350 μmol mol^–1) treated open-top chambers. Based on this information, the light interception and photosynthesis of poplar canopies in different [CO₂] treatments were simulated using the 3D poplar tree model and a 3D radiative transfer model at various stages of the growing season. The first year experiments and modelling results showed that the [CO₂] enrichment had effects on light intercepting canopy structure as well as on leaf photosynthesis properties. The elevated [CO₂] treatment resulted in an increase of leaf area, canopy photosynthetic rate and above-ground biomass production of the two poplar clones studied. However, the structural components responded less than the process components to the [CO₂] enrichment. Among the structural components, the increase of LAI contributed the most to the canopy light interception and canopy photosynthesis; the change of other structural aspects as a whole caused by the [CO₂] enrichment had little effect on daily canopy light interception and photosynthesis.     

Differential sensitivity to ozone in two poplar clones.

The effect of acute O₃ exposure (5 h at 150 ppb) on photosynthetic electron transport and the thylakoid polypeptide pattern has been studied in 2-month-old cuttings of two poplar clones ( Populus deltoides × maximowiczii clone Eridano and P .× euramericana clone I-214), known for their differential response to O₃ in terms of visible symptoms. The more sensitive Eridano developed severe blackish bifacial necrosis concentrated in the interveinal areas of the basal and intermediate leaves, while in the less sensitive I-214 clone, visible symptoms were slight or entirely absent. A generalized, significant decrease in leaf pigment content was shown by both of the stressed clones, although the decline in β -carotene content was much more marked in Eridano than in I-214. Activation of the xanthophyll cycle was not detected in either clone. In both clones, immunoblot analysis of the thylakoid proteins showed a decrease in the levels of all the PSII polypeptides tested following O₃ exposure, whereas the PsaA/B protein in the PSI core was more severely affected in Eridano than in I-214. No changes in the chloroplast structure could be seen on electron microscopic study in either clone. The only visible difference was a great accumulation of starch grains in Eridano. All of these results suggest that O₃ exposure induces alterations in the photosynthetic apparatus in both poplar clones, Eridano being affected to a greater extent than I-214.     

Molecular linkage maps of the Populus genome.

We report molecular genetic linkage maps for an interspecific hybrid population of Populus, a model system in forest-tree biology. The hybrids were produced by crosses between P. deltoides (mother) and P. euramericana (father), which is a natural hybrid of P. deltoides (grandmother) and P. nigra (grandfather). Linkage analysis from 93 of the 450 backcross progeny grown in the field for 15 years was performed using random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs). Of a total of 839 polymorphic markers identified, 560 (67%) were testcross markers heterozygous in one parent but null in the other (segregating 1:1), 206 (25%) were intercross dominant markers heterozygous in both parents (segregating 3:1), and the remaining 73 (9%) were 19 non-parental RAPD markers (segregating 1:1) and 54 codominant AFLP markers (segregating 1:1:1:1). A mixed set of the testcross markers, non-parental RAPD markers, and codominant AFLP markers was used to construct two linkage maps, one based on the P. deltoides (D) genome and the other based on P. euramericana (E). The two maps showed nearly complete coverage of the genome, spanning 3801 and 3452 cM, respectively. The availability of non-parental RAPD and codominant AFLP markers as orthologous genes allowed for a direct comparison of the rate of meiotic recombination between the two different parental species. Generally, the rate of meiotic recombination was greater for males than females in our interspecific poplar hybrids. The confounded effect of sexes and species causes the mean recombination distance of orthologous markers to be 11% longer for the father (P. euramericana; interspecific hybrid) than for the mother (P. deltoides; pure species). The linkage maps constructed and the interspecific poplar hybrid population in which clonal replicates for individual genotypes are available present a comprehensive foundation for future genomic studies and quantitative trait locus (QTL) identification.     

Matrix attachment regions (MARs) enhance transformation frequency and transgene expression in poplar

We tested the value of a matrix attachment region (MAR) fragment derived from a tobacco gene for increasing the frequency of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. A binary vector that carried a GUS reporter gene containing an intron and an nptII gene was modified to contain flanking MAR elements within the T-DNA borders. Vectors containing or lacking MARs were then used to transform tobacco, a readily transformabl e poplar clone (Populus tremula × P. alba), and a recalcitrant poplar clone (Populus trichocarpa × P. deltoides). MARs increased GUS gene expression approximately 10-fold in the two hybrid poplar clones and twofold in tobacco one month after cocultivation with Agrobacterium; MARs also increased the frequency of kanamycin-resistant poplar shoots recovered     

Hybrid poplar clones with Populus maximowiczii parentage demonstrate postoviposition antibiosis to Cryptorhynchus lapathi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Damage caused by the poplar-and-willow borer, Cryptorhynchus lapathi (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is reported to vary among hybrid poplar clones. We evaluated oviposition preferences and larval success in four hybrid poplars on potted and field-planted trees. Oviposition occurred somewhat less frequently and abundantly on two clones with Populus maximowiczii Henry parentage in field-planted and potted trees, and significantly fewer larvae survived to adulthood on those clones. No adults emerged from field-planted NM 6 (Populus nigra L. x P. maximowiczii) and four emerged from TM 256-28 (Populus trichocarpa Torrey & Gray x P. maximowiczii) on which male-female pairs of C. lapathi had been caged. In contrast, 50 and 140 adults emerged over the same 2-yr period from two susceptible clones (n = 20), TD 52-226 (P. trichocarpa x Populus deltoides Bartram ex Marshall) and TN 302-9 (P. trichocarpa x P. nigra), respectively. Thus, resistance expressed by clones with P. maximowiczii parentage partially involves decreased levels of oviposition, but more significantly, antibiosis in resistant clones prevents the development of larvae, probably in early spring.     

Comparison of growth, biomass and nutrient distribution in five promising clones of Populus deltoides under an agrisilviculture system

Variations in growth, above- and below-ground biomass and nutrient distribution were examined in five clones (G3, G48, 65/27, D121 and S7C1) of Populus deltoides grown under agrisilviculture system in sub-humid tropics of Central India. The monoclonal blocks were planted at 4x5 m in a randomized block design with three replications. Diameter at breast height (dbh) and tree height were consistently higher in clone 65/27 and lowest in clone S7C1. Mean annual increments (MAI) in dbh and height were 1.6 and 1.3 times higher in clone 65/27 compared to clone S7C1. Total biomass varied from 48.5 to 62.2 Mg ha(-1) in six-year-old clones. In rank order, the total biomass of clones was: 65/27>D121>G48>G3>S7C1. Stem wood accounted 60.4-68.9% to total biomass followed by coarse roots (12.2-18.9%), branches (12.3-15%), leaves (3.02-6.9%) and fine roots (1.5-2.7%). Root-shoot ratio ranged from 0.2 to 0.35. It was highest in clone G48 and lowest in clone S7C1. In six-year-old clones, total N ranged from 184.3 to 266.3 kg ha(-1), P from 16.8 to 31.1 kg ha(-1) and K from 81.9 to 128.7 kg ha(-1). Total N and P were highest in clone 65/27, while K in clone G48. Nutrients were lowest in clone S7C1. In general, maximum nutrients (N, P and K) were allocated to above-ground components (leaves>stem>branches) than below-ground components. Available N, P and K in the soil improved significantly after six years of planting. It was higher in 0-20 cm and decreased with soil depth. At 0-20 cm soil depth, N increased from 14.9% to 24.1%, P from 17.2% to 23.3% and K from 3.1% to 5.1% under different clones. The yield of both soybean and wheat reduced under poplar clones. Yield losses in soybean ranged from 10.1% to 33% and wheat from 15% to 30.3% under different clones. The management strategies for reducing tree-crop competition and nutrient export from the site under P. deltoides based agrisilviculture system for achieving sustainable production are discussed.     

Evaluating the tolerance of young hybrid poplar trees to recycled waters high in salinity and boron

The successful adoption of water recycling strategies in many arid regions will require crops able to tolerate poor-quality waters. We evaluated different clones for salt and boron (B) tolerance within each of seven genetically distinct genomic groups (e.g., deltoides, deltoides x nigra, trichocarpa x deltoides, trichocarpa x deltoides x maximowizcii, trichocarpa x deltoides x nigra, trichocarpa x nigra, trichocarpa x maximowizcii). During each evaluation period, different clones within each of the groups were irrigated with high sodium chloride (NaCl) salinity (i.e., 10-30 dS m(-1)) and B (i.e., 10 mg L(-1)) water up to a maximum of 150 days, for a 4-year testing period under micro-field plot conditions. Excessive accumulation (up to 6%) of chloride (Cl) likely caused toxicity symptoms (necrosis of the leaves) observed in the less tolerant clones, while leaf B concentrations rarely exceeded 300 mg kg(-1) DM in any clone. Increased soil salinity likely hindered the uptake of B by the clones. Our results show that a wide range of selected Populus clones, of parentage trichocarpa x nigra, followed by deltoides x nigra show potential salt and B tolerance as young trees to recycled waters high in salinity and B.     

Dense genetic linkage maps of three Populus species (Populus deltoides, P. nigra and P. trichocarpa) based on AFLP and microsatellite markers

Populus deltoides, P. nigra, and P. trichocarpa are the most important species for poplar breeding programs worldwide. In addition, Populus has become a model for fundamental research on trees. Linkage maps were constructed for these three species by analyzing progeny of two controlled crosses sharing the same female parent, Populus deltoides cv. S9-2 x P. nigra cv. Ghoy and P. deltoides cv. S9-2 x P. trichocarpa cv. V24. The two-way pseudotestcross mapping strategy was used to construct the maps. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers that segregated 1:1 were used to form the four parental maps. Microsatellites and sequence-tagged sites were used to align homoeologous groups between the maps and to merge linkage groups within the individual maps. Linkage analysis and alignment of the homoeologous groups resulted in 566 markers distributed over 19 groups for P. deltoides covering 86% of the genome, 339 markers distributed over 19 groups for P. trichocarpa covering 73%, and 369 markers distributed over 28 groups for P. nigra covering 61%. Several tests for randomness showed that the AFLP markers were randomly distributed over the genome.     

Comparative genome mapping among Populus adenopoda, P. alba, P. deltoides, P. euramericana and P. trichocarpa

Among the genus Populus, the sections Populus (white poplar), Aigeiros Duby (black poplar) and Tacamahaca Spach contain many tree species of economical and ecological important properties. Two parental maps for the inter-specific hybrid population of Populus adenopoda × P. alba (two species of Populus section) were constructed based on SSR and SRAP markers by means of a two-way pseudo-test cross mapping strategy. The same set of SSR markers developed from the P. trichocarpa (belonging to Tacamahaca section) genome which were used to construct the maps of P. deltoides and P. euramericana (two species of Aigeiros section) was chosen to analyze the genotype of the experimental population of P. adenopoda × P. alba. Using the mapped SSR markers as allelic bridges, the alignment of the white and black poplar maps to each other and to the P. trichocarpa physical map was conducted. The alignment showed high degree of marker synteny and colinearity and the closer relationship between Aigeiros and Tacamahaca sections than that of Populus and Tacamahaca. Moreover, there was evidence for the chromosomal duplication and inter-chromosomal reorganization involving some poplar linkage groups, suggesting a complicated course of fission or fusion in one of the lineages. A poplar consensus map based on the comparisons could be constructed will be useful in practical applications including marker assisted selection.     

Genetic variation of the bud and leaf phenology of seventeen poplar clones in a short rotation coppice culture

Abstract: Leaf phenology of 17 poplar ( Populus spp.) clones, encompassing spring phenology, length of growth period and end-of-year phenology, was examined over several years of different rotations. The 17 poplar clones differed in their latitude of origin (45°30'N to 51°N) and were studied on a short rotation experimental field plantation, situated in Boom (province of Antwerpen, Belgium; 51°05'N, 04°22'E). A similar, clear pattern of bud burst was observed during the different years of study for all clones. Clones Columbia River, Fritzi Pauley, Trichobel (Populus trichocarpa) and Balsam Spire (Populus trichocarpa × Populus balsamifera) from 45°30'N to 49°N reached bud burst (expressed as day of the year or degree day sums) almost every year earlier than clones Wolterson (Populus nigra), Gaver, Gibecq and Primo (Populus deltoides × Populus nigra) (50°N to 51°N). This observation could not be generalised to end-of-season phenology, for which a yearly returning pattern for all clones was lacking. Late bud burst and early leaf fall of some clones (Beaupré, Boelare, IBW1, IBW2, IBW3) was brought about by increasing rust incidence during the years of observation. For these clones, the variability in leaf phenology was reflected in high coefficients of variation among years. The patterns of genetic variation in leaf phenology have implications for short rotation intensive culture forestry and management of natural populations. Moreover, the variation in phenology reported here is relevant with regard to the genetic mapping of poplar.