Cultivation Potential and Uses of Paulownia Wood: A Review

This review aimed to determine the current state of research on the growth conditions and use pertaining to paulownia wood, mainly in European countries where paulownia has been introduced only relatively recently. Several studies carried out on Paulownia hybrids have shown significant differences in the growth dynamics of individual clones in their response to local environmental and climatic conditions. For example, dry biomass production yields in the second year of cultivation range from 1.5 t ha−1 to as much as 14 t ha−1. This diversity has manifested itself not only in growth characteristics but also in the properties of the wood and the possibilities for its use. Despite having clear similarities to the genus Paulownia, the cultivation of species and hybrids under different conditions has produced varying results. The best growing conditions for this wood (that make economic sense) are in the Middle East and Southern Europe. These regions have accumulated the most experience because of the earlier establishment of the crop. Today, paulownia cultivation is dominated by hybrids with selected traits that are propagated mainly in vitro. The most commonly planted hybrids include the clones in vitro 112, Cotevisa 2 and Shan Tong. The growth results and production capacity in central European countries are lower compared to Southern Europe. Experiments on paulownia cultivation are still relatively young, mainly consisting of replicating the cultivation of hybrids developed in Asia or Southern Europe. However, agronomic procedures are being developed and reactions to local climatic conditions are being studied. It is likely that, in the next few years, the profitability of growing paulownia in these regions will become apparent.