Hybrid poplars attracting attention

Hybrid poplars, genetically bred to grow to maturity in 12-15 years, may become a top-priority project of the Emo Research Station.
“It looks like there’s going to be further research on that,” noted station manager Kim-Jo Calder.
The trees, which currently number about 640, have been a recent undertaking by the research station to study alternative sources of wood for the local mills.
Next year about eight acres, or more than 2,000 additional trees, may be planted as the research station (operated by the University of Guelph) and several other partners make the tree study a priority.
For now, the three-man crew at the research station has had to carefully nurture the young poplars through up-and-down weather, as well as animal and army worm attacks, before they can be left alone.
“No, we’re not even close. We need to find the variety that will work here,” noted Calder. “They seem to be losing their leaders.
“We’re learning, we’re not tree people and that’s the thing.”
Earlier this month, a group interested in pursuing the future of hybrid poplars met in Thunder Bay, including Percy Champagne, mill manager at Voyageur Panel in Barwick, and Bud McQuaker, the mill yard manager there.
“I think it’s a part of the future of the industry. How big of a part I’m not really sure of,” said McQuaker.
The difficulty in planting the poplars in large volumes, McQuaker noted, is that the cost of doing so is not worthwhile compared to market prices.
But by the time the trees mature in 12-15 years, the market and amount of wild poplar may have changed, he added.
“I do think they will have a place in years to come,” he said. “The downside is the costs of production but when you’re talking a crop that takes 12-15 years to produce, it may not be ahead of its time.”
Voyageur Panel has been working closely with the Emo Research Station and likely will take part with test crops of its own next year.
“We’re looking at planting some hybrid poplars on our site, almost for sure next year,” said McQuaker.
“It’s got to be treated as an agricultural crop,” he added. “You have to nurture them, you have to look after them. The first five years is very intense agriculture until they get a canopy.”
“This isn’t forestry, it’s agriculture,” agreed Calder. “You don’t just plant them and walk away.”