Breeding of fast growing forest tree species for biomass production in Greece

The purpose of this review is to provide a critical analysis of the literature regarding the breeding of fast growing forest tree species dedicated to biomass production in Greece and to identify future goals. The main genera employed in pertinent research which show the most promising results for operational plantations belong to Populus spp. and Platanus spp. The best poplar clone (P. x euramericana I-455) produced 16.54 t ha−1 y−1 dry weight averaged over different experimental plantations and rotation periods, while the best clone derived from the Greek breeding program (Populus deltoides var. missouriensis × Populus nigra var. pubescens He-X/3) produced 14.23 t ha−1 y−1 respectively. The best results of Platanus species and hybrids were at the vicinity of 10 t ha−1 y−1. Clones selected under a combination of higher temperature and drier condition regimes reflecting the Mediterranean field conditions will be valuable in future breeding under a changing climate and increased energy needs. The high genetic diversity of the virtually unattached local genetic reserve can provide even from the initial breeding cycles great opportunities for genetic improvement and significant genetic gains.