NEW METHODS FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF POPLAR CLONES BY MEANS OF MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTORS

We have applied some new numerical techniques based on computer simulation approaches to overcome difficulties due to the probability distribution of different traits. Among others, the procedure known as Random Forest was particularly suitable for clones discrimination. Random Forest, proposed by Leo Breiman (University of California, Berkeley,USA), is based on the building of a large set (Forest) of classification trees, generated at random, which are allowed to evolve generation by generation on the basis of computer simulations. Some internal estimates are produced and they are useful to describe the classification process and the relative importance of single traits. The procedure can include data of different distributive properties (quantitative traits, categorical variables and so on).