Ten-year growth comparison between rooted cuttings and seedlings of loblolly pine

Rooted cuttings and seedlings of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) were established in a central Alabama field trial. Five, full-sib families, with an average number of six clones per family, were evaluated. Mean cutting/seedling height ratios revealed that despite initial differences in size, relative growth rates of both propagule types stabilized and were equal by age 7 years. Through age 10 years, results show virtually no difference in height, diameter at breast height, volume, or stem taper between the rooted cuttings and seedlings.