Forest experiments comparing bare root Sitka spruce plants raised from cuttings with transplants raised from seed show that cuttings have as good survival as transplant stock of the same origin and grow as vigorously after planting. The stem form of cuttings is oftern poorer at planting, but an upright pattern of growth is rapidly assumed and differences do not persist. Root development after planting shows no difference between cuttings and transplant stock. The results indicate that Sitka spruce cuttings of improved genotype should be capable of realising their full potential genetic gains when planted in the forest.
