Area
The area of poplars declined to approximately 145 000 hectares of plantations(157 000 reported in 1996), of which 77 000 and 68 000 hectares are of P.x. euramericana and P. deltoides clones and P. nigra clones respectively. There are in addition about 7 000 ha of natural poplar stands, mainly Populus tremula, in different regions of Turkey.
Economic data
Annual poplar wood production was 4.3 million m³, 45% for rural use and the rest to industry. Total national demand for wood is sharply increasing as a result of the growth in population and the expansion in wood processing industries. Most of the wood obtained from black poplars is utilised for constructional purposes, particularly in rural areas, whereas euramerican poplar wood is used to a great extent for industrial purposes.
Total production of poplar planting material is around 7.5 million saplings per year. Approximately, 2.2 million of these saplings are from P.x euramericana and P. deltoides cultivars. Turkey has a great potential for gallery plantations, offering good opportunities to make them more productive for rural people and the national economy. It has been estimated that the potential for gallery plantations is about 100 000 km along river and stream banks.
Technical data
Several investigations bave been carried out in this period and 13 research project were concluded.
Activities on conservation and clone evaluation of Populus nigra have been continued. Several new clones were selected from this evaluation and a clone bank was established. A collaborative research project on poplar breeding as a raw material for the pulp and paper industry has been carried out using applied biotechnological techniques.
Studies have been caried out on poplar intercropping with agricultural crops and on the economic returns from poplar investment under different conditions. Several technical publications produced during the period are listed in the national report.
Policy and legislation
Financial, administrative and legislative measurements have been continued during this report period to extend services to increase poplar wood production, particularly in the private sector. A reforestation fund was developed in this period for the promotion of poplar cultivation and reforestation activities.
General information
The National Poplar Commission holds meetings annually at locations within the poplar growing regions. They remain as one of the more useful devices for discussing local problems and also serve as useful means for encouraging improved poplar culture.
