SURVIVAL AND GROWTH OF WHITE SPRUCE WILDLINGS AND COASTAL NURSERY SEEDLINGS IN THE INTERIOR OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

Survival and development of outplanted 2-0 and 2-1 white spruce nursery stock, transplanted 3-0 and 4-0 wildlings and 3-0 and 4-0 undisturbed wildlings are compared. Mortality was negligible in all groups. Planting check caused a 47% reduction in height increment during the first year and 15% during the second year after planting. The height increment was best related to the height growth during the previous year and total height of the planting stock. Insignificant differences were found between plants on undisturbed soil surface and those on exposed mineral soil.