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:
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...