Abstract
To evaluate the possibility of year-round planting of containerized cuttings, we compared the survival rate and current-year growth of containerized sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) cuttings planted in different seasons (December, February, May, August and October). In addition, bare-root cuttings were planted in February, and we compared the current-year growth between containerized cuttings and bare-root cuttings. The survival rate of containerized cuttings was at least 94% in all of the planting seasons, and was comparable to that of the bare-root cuttings planted in February. In addition, growth of both cuttings types was also equivalent. Although the growth of containerized cuttings planted during the growing season (May, August and October) was dependent upon the remaining length of the growing season, diameter growth tended to be smaller in cuttings planted in May. It is possible that containerized cuttings could start growing immediately after the arrival of the following spring because they had high survival rates and had already started growing if they were planted in the growing season of the current planting year. However, the planting of containerized seedlings and cuttings is a recent technique and future research assessing the optimal time for planting and supply of seedlings and cuttings needs to be undertaken.
