Fast and cheap identification of elite aspen clones in the North-West of Russia using ISSR markers

In 2001–2006, several experimental aspen plantations were established in the North-West of Russia (Leningrad region). Three in vitro propagated elite aspen (Populus tremula L.) clones from the Kostroma Forest Research Station were used as the planting stock for plantations. The planting plans of some experimental plantations were lost, which made it impossible to identify the genetic lineages. 13-years old unknown aspen clones demonstrated prominent growth rates, and reliably overtook natural aspen coppice. ISSR markers were used for fast and cheap restoring of the missing planting plan of the experimental aspen plantation under study; as a result, progenies of three elite aspen clones were recognized. The best fast-growing and stem rot resistant aspen clones was identified and called “Kostroma”