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Preface
Species of the genus Populus (poplars and aspens) are
interspersed primarily in temperate and cold-region forests of the northern hemisphere. They are relatively shortlived, fast-growing trees that can grow on marginal soils
and are widely adaptable. Populus systems are rapidly being developed for application in fiber, fuel, and environmental plantings. In addition, contributions of in vitro and
molecular biological studies of Populus are apparent in
virtually every area of forest biology and ecology. The future of Populus research appears bright and promises significant biotechnological advances toward our
understanding of processes and interactions in forest ecosystems.
The concepts for this book were generated from a survey that identified the need to synthesize diverse, yet related, information from the rapidly developing studies on
Populus molecular biology and in vitro culture. The topics
included were designed to complement the recently published book, Biology of Populus and its implications for management and conseroation (Stettler, R.F.; Bradshaw, H. D., Jr.;
Heilman, P.E.; Hinckley, T.M., eds. 1996. Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada: NRC Research Press. 539 p.). Although we attempted to direct chapters toward a "more general" audience, not all topics were amenable. Lead authors were
invited and encouraged to collaborate with co-authors
working in similar areas, and we were especially supportive of collaboration among diverse, international laboratories. We thank all authors for their stellar efforts and
valuable contributions. We also appreciate the constructive advice from peer reviewers, who are listed in the appendix, on all chapters.
1his book was designed to foster information exchange
and to encourage research cooperation. U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) funding was obtained to distribute this
publication at a minimal cost and to broaden information
access. Unfortunately, hampered by USDA Forest Service
budget cuts and downsizing, associated publication delays
ensued. These delays were minimized by the efforts and
iv
perseverance of the Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station publication staff. We appreciate their patience during the extended publication process.
Administrative support is essential for the success of all
projects, especially those of substantial proportion. USDA
Forest Service administrative support for this significant
endeavor was provided by Dr. Barbara C. Weber (Associate Deputy Chief for Research, USDA Forest Service), Dr.
Calvin F. Bey (Director, Forest Management Research,
USDA Forest Service, retired), Dr. J. Robert Bridges (Staff
Research Entomologist, Forest Insect and Disease Research), Dr. Denver P. Burns (Director, Rocky Mountain
Forest and Range Experiment Station [RMFRES]), Dr. Brian
M. Kent (Assistant Director for Research, RMFRES), Dr.
Michele M. Schoeneberger (Project Leader, RM-4551,
RMFRES), and Mr. Lane G. Eskew (Supervisory Technical
Publications Editor, RMFRES). We appreciate the administrative support from these people that helped this project
proceed during difficult times.
The diligent perseverance of several people provided
the driving force behind this publication and was instrumental in improving overall quality. The proficient efforts
of Richard C. Carman were especially outstanding. Richard maintained general organization in the multi-step process, conducted correspondence, performed preliminary
technical editing, prepared the index, and sustained the
voluminous records. Special recognition is extended to
Madelyn C. Dillon, who conducted the primary technical
editing and ensured continued progress with her devoted
vigilance and persistence. Karen Mora helped to produce
this publication's high-quality visual information and professional layout. Joyce Patterson designed and created the
book's aesthetically pleasing cover art. Rudy M. King provided the biometrics review of all chapters. Loretta J.
Ulibarri with the assistance of Derald L. Dunagan, and
Sharon M. Powers (U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division) completed the indexing process, a task
of monumental proportions. We are grateful to all these
people for their valuable contributions.
We especially thank our friends and colleagues for their
overall assistance, and hope that this publication will serve
as a basis for future research with Populus and other tree
genera.
Ned B. Klopfenstein
Young Woo Chun
Mee-Sook Kim
M. Raj Ahuja
USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. AM·GTA·297. 1997.