Investigate Aspen and Hybrid Fertility Rates

This is a nice to have study to investigate the impact P. alba has on native aspen populations

Potential investigations:

• • What research has been done:

    • See: Morphological analysis of Populus abla, P. grandidentata and their natural hybrids in Southeastern Michigan.

      • • Spies, T. A., and B. V. Barnes. (1981). A morphological analysis of Populus alba, P. grandidentata and their natural hybrids in southeastern Michigan. Silvae Genetica 30: 102–106. 

    • Note that back crossing to native aspen was not observed in the above study...

  • Sample the fertility of open pollinated females from our alba plantations in the Spring.  Grow in nursery to guess male parents.  Also sample near and far native aspen females.  Be sure to sample the following:

    • A502

    • CAG204 (fertile female)

    • CAG177 (fertile male)

    • AGA and GAA type back crosses

    • P. canescens

    • Crandon

    • Other AGs

    • Other albas

  • Maybe a volunteer or grad student can do this...