Plant quality assessment: an industrial perspective

Abstract

The regions of the world using operational seedling testing to any significant extent are Canada, Britain, Sweden, and the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Testing has been used operationally for batch culling (to ensure quality), as well as for research into improved nursery cultural practices. Savings from testing for seedling survival are substantial. However, growth gains from operational testing are more tenuous. Reduced rotation lengths and lower weeding costs are more likely to be associated with planting larger stock, rather than planting stock with higher physiological quality.

Large opportunities for savings exist for regions and organizations that produce poor quality stock, have high planting costs, or both. New tests have been developed and some are becoming operational. New tests might be more effective than existing tests. However, in the regions most involved in seedling testing, plantation survival has increased over the last ten years. Subsequently, additional investments in operational testing will likely achieve diminishing returns.