Propagation Process

The cuttings from our mother plants are the result of a lengthy process using sophisticated genetic technology. Radiata pine embryos are collected from control-pollinated orchards and propagated in laboratories using Somatic Embryogenesis technology. Embryos are stored in liquid nitrogen (cryo-preservation) in a juvenile state for later propagation. Once field trial rankings are known, selected varieties are then grown into motherplants, from which cuttings are eventually harvested, and subsequently planted out. Field-tests provide the “proof” that the varieties out-perform other seed orchard seedling and cutting options, based on financially important parameters for the forest grower, including; growth rate, wood density, log quality, timber stiffness and disease resistance.