Performance of jack pine (Pinus banksiana) rooted cuttings from proliferated dwarf shoots versus seedlings 8 years after planting

Growth and tree form characteristics of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) rooted cuttings propagated from proliferated dwarf shoots (PDS) were compared with seedlings in two field trials 8 years after establishment. Results indicated that jack pine rooted cuttings from PDS can grow as well as seedlings and maintain acceptable tree form. Rooted cuttings of progeny from the 22 top-ranking open-pollinated families in a seedling seed orchard of jack pine were 4.2% taller and 10% larger in diameter at breast height than commercial seedlings tested on the same sites, which indicates that rooted cuttings have potential in realizing genetic gains in jack pine tree improvement programs. Rooted cuttings increased the proportion of trees with normal branching characteristics and reduced the percentage of trees with excessive heavy branches in the Sault St. Marie trial, which had larger tree sizes. However, longer term monitoring (20 to 25 years) is needed to determine stability of jack pine rooted cuttings planted on sandy soil where wind throw may become a problem as tree size increases.