Since the early 20th century, silviculturists have recognized the importance of planting seedlings with desirable attributes, and that these attributes are associated with successful seedling survival and growth after outplanting. Over the ensuing century, concepts on what is meant by a quality seedling have evolved to the point that these assessments now provide value to both the nursery practitioner growing seedlings and the forester planting seedlings. Various seedling quality assessment procedures that measure numerous morphological and physiological plant attributes have been designed and applied. This paper examines the historical development of the discipline of seedling quality, as well as where it is today. It also examines how seedling quality is employed in forest restoration programs and the attributes that are measured to define quality. The intent is to provide readers with an overall perspective on the field of seedling quality and the people who developed this discipline from an idea into an operational reality.

Seedling field performance is affected by both their quality and reforestation site conditions. Seedlings enter the establishment phase when they start to develop root systems into the surrounding soil and are coupled to the restoration site. Once seedlings are established, their inherent growth potential is related to morphological and physiological attributes and their ecophysiological response to site environmental conditions, which ultimately determines field performance. This establishment phase is a time when seedlings developed with certain nursery cultural practices begin to respond to site conditions. This phase is also a period when silvicultural practices have created microsites intended to benefit established seedlings field performance. Seedlings can be exposed to a wide range of environmental conditions during the establishment phase, some of which may be extreme enough to exceed their ability to physiologically tolerate environmental stress. When this occurs, seedling growth on the restoration site is reduced. On the other hand, this phase can provide planted seedlings with ideal environmental conditions that allow for an optimum physiological response and maximization of their growth potential. An understanding of the ecophysiological capability of planted seedlings can ensure they have the best chance at rapid stand establishment.