Through progressive tree breeding, tree stocks obtained from our NZ nurseries are of a very high quality. Most of these are of the bare root variety, predominantly 1/0 seedlings. In the earlier years, older tree stocks were grown, like the 18 month or 2/0 stock. But as nurseries became more efficient, foresters preferred the 1/0 seedlings. However it is found that these seedling trees have their limitations, especially in drought proned areas, or in areas where severe climatic conditions are experienced from heavy frosts ( freezing the roots) to severe droughts ( desiccating the roots )

It has been found that cuttings have a place in forestry plantations, to fill the void presently experienced by seedling stock. By changing the physiological state of P. radiata, from a seedling, to a cutting several advantages have been found.

The first is a change in the root structure, making cuttings far more stable in the ground. The roots also tend to be woodier, and can withstand desiccation from both frost, and drought. Therefore survival, and initial growth are far more prolific, especially if cuttings are taken from aged plants.

The second concerns the foliage. If cuttings are taken from trees with mature foliage, these become less palatable to animals, therefore less damage from herbivores such as rabbits.

The third, by taking a cutting of a known genetically superior tree, this can capture this genetic gain, and duplicate it uniformly throughout that crop. In other words, designer trees for designer forests.

Fourthly, with the different types of cutting material that now are grown from the different pheno, and geno type trees, specific clones are grown for specific sites. The art of growing successful cuttings in the South Island of NZ is relatively new, and a few important managerial operations have to be adhered to to get survivals greater than 80%. Without doubt there is a place for cuttings in forestry plantation, and where these can be grown successfully, dictates the planting preference of this stock.

                   A                                                                                B                                                                                C

Boron applied at sowing to improve Root System
A-Normal Stock
B- Boron Rich + Topped
C- Boron Rich + Untopped