BS 3936-4:2007

BRITISH STANDARD

Nursery stock
Part 4: Specification for forest trees,
poplars and willows
ICS 65.020.20

NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

BS 3936-4:2007

Publishing and copyright information

The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.

© BSI 2007

ISBN 978 0 580 50853 0

The following BSI references relate to the work on this standard:

Committee reference AW/1
Draft for comment 02/704738 DC

Publication history
First published April 1966
First revision August 1984
Second revision June 2007

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. no. Date Text affected

 BS 3936-4:2007

Contents
Foreword iii
1 Scope 1
2 Normative reference 1
3 Terms and definitions 1
4 Plant description 5
5 Plant condition 10
6 Supply to planters 13
Annexes
Annex A (informative) Species lists 15
Annex B (informative) Brief notes on the forest reproductive material
and plant health legislation 22
Bibliography 24
List of tables
Table 1 – Plant age and type or condition of typical forest nursery
stock 6
Table 2 – Height classes and ranges for forestry seedlings and
transplants other than poplars and willows 6
Table 3 – Species sturdiness for bare-rooted forest nursery stock,
based on minimum root collar diameter (rcd) and height 7
Table 4 – Species sturdiness for cell-grown forest nursery stock, based
on minimum root collar diameter (rcd) and height 8
Table 5 – Heights and diameters for rooted and unrooted poplar and
willow sets other than cricket-bat willow 10
Table 6 – Heights and diameters for unrooted cricket-bat willow
sets 11
Table 7 – Heights and diameters for rooted plants of cricket-bat willow:
two-year-old plants (C/2+0) 11
Table 8 – Root membrane permeability (rmp) for well-rooted forestry
planting stock 12
Table A.1 – Species list: conifers 16
Table A.2 – Species list: broadleaves other than poplars and
willows 17
Table A.3 – List of poplar species 19
Table A.4 – List of willow species 20

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover,
pages i to iv, pages 1 to 25 and a back cover.

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ii • © BSI 2007 This page deliberately left blank

 BS 3936-4:2007

Foreword
Publishing information
This part of BS 3936 is published by BSI and came into effect
on 29 June 2007. It was prepared by Technical Committee AW/1,
Nursery stock. A list of organizations represented on this committee
can be obtained on request to its secretary.

Supersession
This part of BS 3936 supersedes BS 3936-4:1984 and BS 3936-5:1985,
which are withdrawn.

Information about this document

BS 3936 is published in eight parts:
• Part 1: Specification for trees and shrubs;
• Part 2: Specification for roses;
• Part 3: Specification for fruit plants;
• Part 4: Specification for forest trees, poplars and willows;
• Part 7: Specification for bedding plants;
• Part 9: Specification for bulbs, corms and tubers;
• Part 10: Specification for ground cover plants;
• Part 11: Specification for container-grown culinary herbs.
BS 3936-4 was originally published at the request of the Horticultural
Trades Association and the National Farmers Union. This revision has
been prepared following a periodic review.
The market for wood from fast-grown poplars available when
BS 3936-5 was first prepared has largely disappeared. Poplar and
willow varieties are currently planted for amenity and biomass. Poplars
are also included in the provisions of the Forest Reproductive Material
Regulations [1]. As the former parts 4 and 5 had increasingly much in
common, they are now combined.
The species listed in the tables in Annex A include all those named in
recent publications describing forestry and woodland planting schemes.
Details of sources are given in Annex A.
Attention is drawn to the Forest Reproductive Material
Regulations 2002 [1] and the Plant Health (Great Britain)
Order 1993 [2]. See Annex B.
This document conforms closely to standards set by the National Plant
Specification published by the Horticultural Trades Association [3] and
guidance from the Joint Council for Landscape Industries [4] and is
consistent with best contemporary forestry nursery practice.
Plants marketed and supplied to this specification as forest nursery
stock meet the requirements for Forestry Commission-funded grant
schemes and, if suited to the site, meet the requirements of the UK
Forestry Standard [5]1).

1) Advice on current regulations and woodland grant schemes can be obtained

from the Forestry Commission, 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 7AT.
www forestry.gov.uk

© BSI 2007 • iii

BS 3936-4:2007

It is a characteristic of crop husbandry that periodically, pests or

diseases unexpectedly become more virulent than previously, and
invalidate earlier recommendations based on many years of experience
and practice. Regrettably, varieties of willow and poplar grown widely
for biomass have recently suffered seriously from attacks of rusts and
other fungal diseases. As a consequence, all lists of willow and poplar
cultivars recommended as forest nursery stock are being revised. As it
is uncertain when definitive lists will finally be available, recommended
willow and poplar cultivar lists are not included in this edition of this
British Standard.
Many of the tree species and varieties listed in Annex A are also grown
onto larger sizes for amenity planting. BS 3936-1 specifies
requirements for such stock.

Presentational conventions
The provisions of this standard are presented in roman (i.e. upright)
type. Its requirements are expressed in sentences in which the principal
auxiliary verb is “shall”.
Commentary, explanation and general informative material is
presented in smaller italic type, and does not constitute a
normative element.

Contractual and legal considerations

This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions
of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity
from legal obligations.

iv • © BSI 2007
 BS 3936-4:2007

1 Scope
This part of BS 3936 specifies requirements for forest nursery stock of
a size suitable for planting or replanting of woodlands, woodland
landscapes and land required for other purposes involving trees such as
production of Christmas trees and production of biomass.
It also specifies requirements for planting stock of poplars and willows.
BS 3936-4 is relevant to the supply of the young trees and shrubs for
planting in woodland that falls within the scope of the Forest
Reproductive Material (FRM) Regulations [1]. It is not limited to such
uses and can be applied to similar plants supplied for any woodland or
landscape project.
It includes specifications for plant description, plant dimensions, health
and condition, labelling, and packaging and storage, both for
field-grown and for cell-grown plants.
Requirements specified for plants being grown for sale or for transfer
through market processes include: naming their origin and provenance
or variety and/or cultivar; age and the cultural system under which they
are raised; dimensions, including height or length, diameter at a
specified point or in relation to a given height; condition (health); and
care when supplying stock to the planter.

2 Normative reference
The following normative document contains provisions which, through
reference in this text, constitute provisions of this British Standard.
ALDHOUS, J.R. and MASON, W.L., eds., Forest Nursery Practice,
Bulletin 111. Edinburgh: Forestry Commission, 1994.

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this British Standard, the following terms and
definitions apply.

3.1 forest nursery stock

plants of tree and shrub species and varieties, marketed as suitable for
any planting that results in the creation, improvement, renewal or other
development of woodland, forest or wooded amenity landscape or
conservation area

3.2 naming plants

3.2.1 commercial name
current botanical genus, species and where necessary, sub-species,
variety or cultivar names of plants
NOTE These names are used in current statutory regulations and in
commerce. They are shortened forms of the full botanical name. See
Table A.1, Table A.2, Table A.3 and Table A.4 for names in current
commerce.

© BSI 2007 • 1
BS 3936-4:2007

3.2.2 botanical name

name consisting of genus and species, sub-species, variety, cultivar,
clone or hybrid name where appropriate, and the authority who
assigned the name

3.2.3 common name

name used in plants lists and current literature as a non-definitive aid to
plant identity

3.2.4 cultivar
internationally agreed name for a cultivated variety
NOTE 1 The complete name of a cultivar consists of the botanical name
of its taxonomic group (genus and possibly species), followed by the
cultivar “epithet”, e.g. Populus nigra “Italica”.
NOTE 2 The cultivar is the basic taxon for cultivated plants [6].
NOTE 3 Many cultivar names are registered. The International Poplar
Commission, for example, acts as international registration authority for
all Populus L. cultivars [7]. See www.fao.org/forestry

3.2.5 clone
genetically identical group of plants originating from a single plant by
vegetative propagation
NOTE Clones can be given cultivar names.

3.2.6 hybrid
plant that results from the cross-fertilization of two different species,
sub-species or varieties

3.2.7 origin of seed

location of indigenous stand from which seed was collected, or to which
a previous generation of seed collection and plantation can be traced
NOTE A stand of trees is indigenous if it can reasonably be considered to
have descended from trees which occurred naturally in the same locality.

3.2.8 origin of cuttings

for forestry species propagated vegetatively and not assigned a cultivar
or varietal name, the location from which indigenous propagation
material was first taken or to which a previous generation of cuttings
can be traced
NOTE See B.3.3.

3.2.9 provenance of seed

geographical location where seed was collected

3.3 form and treatment of nursery plants

3.3.1 seedling
plant grown from seed in open ground or cells, and not transplanted
since sowing or pricking out
NOTE See Table 1.

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3.3.2 transplant
plant which has been transplanted one or more times into open ground
NOTE 1 This term usually applies to bare-rooted stock transplanted
at the end of the first or second growing season but might include
four-year-old transplants (see Table 1).
NOTE 2 Cell-grown trees may also occasionally be transplanted into
open ground.

3.3.3 undercut
<verb> sever roots of seedlings at a regulated depth with a sharp
horizontal blade drawn through the seedbed

3.3.4 cutting
<noun> short length of stem or root selected from a plant for its
potential to develop new shoots and roots when inserted into soil or
other rooting medium

3.3.5 rooted cutting

plant grown from a cutting and bearing one or more years’ roots and
shoots

3.3.6 root collar

location where the base of the aerial part of a plant meets the top of the
root system

3.3.7 set
unrooted stem or branch, usually more than 1 m long and used for field
planting
NOTE This definition applies only to poplars and willows.

3.3.8 stool
rootstock maintained to produce cuttings and/or sets
NOTE This definition applies to poplars and willows and other coppicing
species.

3.3.9 stump
<verb> cut back the stem of a plant or stool to a point slightly above
the root collar
NOTE This definition applies mostly to poplars and willows.

3.4 cultural system

3.4.1 field-grown
grown in open nursery ground, as seedlings, undercut plants or
transplants
NOTE Field-grown is also known as open grown.

3.4.2 cell
structure filled with growing medium into which seeds are placed
individually or individual unrooted cuttings inserted
NOTE The seeds may be dormant, or partly or fully pre-germinated,
including pricked out newly germinated seedlings; cell walls may have
vertical ridges or grooves to guide root growth, or may be biodegradable;
cells may be arranged in multi-cell trays or other modular structures.

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BS 3936-4:2007

3.4.3 cell-grown plant

plant grown in a cell under partially or fully controlled temperature and
moisture regimes
NOTE Roots may be air-pruned.

3.4.4 container
structure filled with growing medium into which an established rooted
plant is transplanted
NOTE The plant may be bare-rooted or have been raised in a smaller
container or cell.

3.4.5 container-grown plant

plant grown in a container under partially or fully controlled moisture
and temperature regimes until of marketable size or moved to a larger
container
NOTE Such plants are normally considered too large and expensive for
use as forestry planting stock.

3.5 plant dimensions

3.5.1 height of rooted plants
distance from the root collar to the tip of the bud of the leading shoot
NOTE 1 Heights are recorded in centimetres.
NOTE 2 Where plants are sold in bulk and not individually, the height of
the bulk supply is expressed as a range defining the maximum and
minimum height of the lot of plants under consideration. See Table 2.

3.5.2 height of unrooted sets

distance from the base of the set to its tip

3.5.3 stem diameter

<general> point of measurement depending on the plant material
being measured
NOTE Stem diameters are measured in millimetres.

3.5.4 stem diameter

<rooted poplars and willows> diameter of the main stem measured at
0.5 m or 1.0 m above the root collar

3.5.5 stem diameter

<unrooted poplar and willow cuttings> diameter at the top of the
cutting

3.5.6 stem diameter

<poplar and willow sets> diameter of set at mid length

3.5.7 root collar diameter (rcd)

diameter of the main stem at the root collar

3.5.8 sturdiness
<general> relationship between root collar diameter, measured in
millimetres, and stem height, measured in centimetres

3.5.9 sturdiness
<bare-root plants> minimum root collar diameter for a given height
range

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3.5.10 sturdiness
<cell-grown plants> minimum root collar diameter for a maximum
height

3.6 Age and treatment of plants

3.6.1 plant age and type
statement of a plant’s history in the nursery, commonly abbreviated
using symbols and digits
NOTE See Table 1 and 4.2.

3.7 cultural terms

3.7.1 pruning wound
area on stem exposed by removing a branch

3.7.2 root membrane permeability

rate of leakage of ions across root cell membranes into distilled water
under standard test conditions
NOTE See 5.3.3.

4 Plant description
4.1 Naming of plants

4.1.1 General
Conifers, broadleaves, poplars and willows shall be named using the
commercial names listed in Annex A, Table A.1, Table A.2, Table A.3
and Table A.4.

4.1.2 Origin and provenance

Available details of the origin of seed and provenance of seed shall be
given on request to any interested parties whenever stock raised from
seed is marketed.
Available details of origin shall be given on request when marketing
species, whether conifer or broadleaved, that have been propagated
vegetatively and have not been assigned a variety or cultivar name.

4.1.3 Variety or cultivar

If not already part of the plant name, details of variety or cultivar shall
be given on request to any interested parties whenever such stock is
marketed.

4.2 Age and type of plants

4.2.1 General
For each lot of plants marketed, the age and type of plants at the time
of expected supply shall be stated.
NOTE 1 See also 3.6.1.
NOTE 2 Table 1 gives examples of current usage.

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BS 3936-4:2007

Table 1 Plant age and type or condition of typical forest nursery stock
Abbreviated description Full description
1+0 or 1/0 One-year-old seedling that has neither been undercut nor otherwise disturbed in the
seedbed
1+0= or 1/0= or ½u½ One-year-old seedling that has been undercut in the first year
1u1 Two-year-old seedling that has been undercut but not transplanted from the seedbed
1+1 or 1/1 Two-year-old plant that has spent one year as a seedling and one year as a transplant
2+0 or 2/0 Two-year-old seedling that has not been undercut or otherwise disturbed in the seedbed
2+1 or 2/1 Three-year-old plant that has spent two years as a seedling and one year as a transplant
1+1+1 or 1/1/1 Three-year-old plant that has spent one year as a seedling and has been twice
transplanted
0/1+0 or 0/1 One-year-old plant raised from a cutting
0/2+0 or 0/2 Two-year-old plant raised from a cutting and not disturbed in the cutting bed
0/1+1 or 0/1/1 Two-year-old plant having spent one year in a cutting bed and one year as a transplant
CG1 or C1+0 or C/0 Cell-grown plants in their first growing season and not transplanted
CG2 or C2+0 or C/2 Cell-grown plants in their second growing season and not transplanted
C0/1+0 Cell-grown one-year-old plant raised from a cutting
S+0 For poplars, a one year rooted cutting stumped back and transplanted
S+1 A stumped cutting with a one year shoot
NOTE 1 Symbols “+” or “/” signify transplanting in open ground; “u” or “=” signify undercutting;“0/” signifies
plants raised from cuttings; “C” signifies plants raised in cells; digits give the number of growing seasons since
sowing, transplanting or undercutting as appropriate.
NOTE 2 The term plant age and condition has the same meaning as plant age and type.

4.2.2 Age of rooted cuttings and sets

The age of rooted plants shall be determined by the age of the root, and
the age of sets by the age of wood at the base.

4.3 Plant dimensions

4.3.1 Plant height

For any lot, the height range of plants offered for sale shall be given in
centimetres.
Height ranges shall be expressed in 5 cm, 10 cm or 20 cm steps
according to the size of plants on offer (see Table 2).

Table 2 Height classes and ranges for forestry seedlings and transplants
other than poplars and willows
Height class interval Commonly used ranges Application of ranges
cm cm
5 10–15; 15–20; 20–25; 25–30 Seedlings, undercut seedlings
10 10–20; 20–30; 30–40 Seedlings, transplants, cuttings and cell-grown plants
20 20–40; 40–60; 60–80; 80–100 Seedlings, transplants, cuttings and cell-grown plants
NOTE 1 The height ranges of the more commonly available sizes of planting stock of most forestry species are
listed in the HTA NPS [3].
NOTE 2 Specifications of larger size plants can be found in BS 3936-1.
NOTE 3 For unrooted cuttings and sets, the term “length” may be substituted for “height” where appropriate.

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4.3.2 Sturdiness of plants

Planting stock shall conform to Table 3 and Table 4.

Table 3 Species sturdiness for bare-rooted forest nursery stock, based on

minimum root collar diameter (rcd) and height A), B)
Species Commercial name Plant height range
sturdiness cm
group C)
15–30 20–40 30–45 40–60 60–90
Plant minimum root collar diameter
mm
1i Betula pendula 3 3 4 5 7
Betula pubescens
Prunus spinosa
Tsuga heterophylla
1 ii Salix caprea No data for these spp
Salix cinerea
2i Larix decidua 3 4 5 6 —
Larix marschlinsii
(L × eurolepis)
Larix kaempferi
Picea abies
Picea sitchensis
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Picea omorika No data for this spp
2 ii Acer campestre No data for this spp
Acer platanoides 3 4 5 6 9
Acer pseudoplatanus
Alnus cordata
Alnus glutinosa
Alnus incana
Carpinus betulus
Crataegus monogyna
Fagus sylvatica
Prunus avium
Prunus padus
Sorbus aucuparia
Sorbus torminalis
3i Pinus nigra 4 5 6.5 8 —
Pinus nigra laricio
Pinus sylvestris
A) For poplars and willows, see Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7.
B) Bare-rooted stock is specified by minimum root collar diameter for plants of a specified height range.
C) Species are grouped by increasing inherent sturdiness of young plants. Groups are divided for convenience into
conifers and broadleaves, and according to whether figures are available for bare-rooted stock. Gaps in this table are
due to lack of data for particular heights and species tabulated. In the absence of other guidance, species values may
be estimated from other species in the same sturdiness group.

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BS 3936-4:2007

Table 3 Species sturdiness for bare-rooted forest nursery stock, based on

minimum root collar diameter (rcd) and height A), B) (continued)
Species Commercial name Plant height range
sturdiness cm
group C)
15–30 20–40 30–45 40–60 60–90
Plant minimum root collar diameter
mm
3 ii Castanea sativa 4 5 6.5 8 11
Corylus avellana
Fraxinus excelsior
Quercus petraea
Quercus robur
Tilia cordata
Tilia platyphllos
4i Abies grandis 4 6 8 10 13
Abies procera
Abies nordmanniana No data for this spp
4 ii Aesculus hippocastanum 4 6 8 10 13
Ilex aquifolium
A) For poplars and willows, see Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7.
B) Bare-rooted stock is specified by minimum root collar diameter for plants of a specified height range.
C) Species are grouped by increasing inherent sturdiness of young plants. Groups are divided for convenience into
conifers and broadleaves, and according to whether figures are available for bare-rooted stock. Gaps in this table are
due to lack of data for particular heights and species tabulated. In the absence of other guidance, species values may
be estimated from other species in the same sturdiness group.

Table 4 Species sturdiness for cell-grown forest nursery stock, based on

minimum root collar diameter (rcd) and height A), B)
Species Commercial name Plant height range
sturdiness cm
group C)
15–30 20–40 30–50 40–60 60–90 Over 90

Plant minimum root collar diameter

mm
1i Betula pendula 3 4 — 4 6 —
Betula pubescens
Prunus spinosa
Tsuga heterophylla
1 ii Salix caprea 3 4 5 5 6 —
Salix cinerea
A) For poplars and willows, see Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7.
B) Cell-grown stock is specified by species of a specified height range.
C) Species are grouped by increasing inherent sturdiness of young plants. Groups are divided for convenience into
conifers and broadleaves.

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Table 4 Species sturdiness for cell-grown forest nursery stock, based on

minimum root collar diameter (rcd) and height A), B) (continued)
Species Commercial name Plant height range
sturdiness cm
group C)
15–30 20–40 30–50 40–60 60–90 Over 90

Plant minimum root collar diameter

mm
2i Larix decidua 4 4 5 5 6 —
Larix marschlinsii
(L × eurolepis)
Larix kaempferi
Picea abies
Picea sitchensis
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Picea omorika
2 ii Acer campestre 4 4 — 5 7 —
Acer platanoides
Acer pseudoplatanus
Alnus cordata
Alnus glutinosa
Alnus incana
Carpinus betulus
Crataegus monogyna
Fagus sylvatica
Prunus avium
Prunus padus
Sorbus aucuparia
Sorbus torminalis
3i Pinus nigra 3 4 — 6 8 —
Pinus nigra laricio
Pinus sylvestris
3 ii Castanea sativa — 5 — 6 8 10
Corylus avellana
Fraxinus excelsior
Quercus petraea
Quercus robur
Tilia cordata
Tilia platyphllos
4i Abies grandis 5 7 — 9 — —
Abies procera
Abies nordmanniana
4 ii Aesculus hippocastanum 5 7 — 9 — —
Ilex aquifolium
A) For poplars and willows, see Table 5, Table 6 and Table 7.
B) Cell-grown stock is specified by species of a specified height range.
C) Species are grouped by increasing inherent sturdiness of young plants. Groups are divided for convenience into
conifers and broadleaves.

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BS 3936-4:2007

Table 5 Heights and diameters for rooted and unrooted poplar and
willow sets other than cricket-bat willow
Unrooted plants Rooted plants

Height or Minimum stem Height range Minimum root

length range diameter at collar diameter
mid-point
m mm m mm
<1.25 10 0.3–0.5 5
1.25–1.5 12 0.4–0.6 6
1.5–1.75 12 0.6–0.9 9
1.75–2.0 17 0.9–1.2 12
2.0–2.25 19 1.2–1.5 15
2.25–2.5 22 1.5–2.0 18

4.4 Changes to plant description

4.4.1 General
If the quantity of plants agreed has to be changed, or additional species
listed, or any other change made to plant specification or description,
the other party shall be advised in writing in good time, seeking
agreement for the change and ensuring that amending documents and
relevant changed information affecting specification are exchanged
expeditiously.

4.4.2 Substitution
Alternatives shall not be supplied without the prior agreement of the
purchaser.

5 Plant condition
5.1 Marketable quality
Plants offered for sale shall not exhibit any of the following defects:
• necroses or damage by harmful organisms;
• signs of desiccation, overheating, mould or decay;
• injuries to stem or branches, other than pruning wounds;
• multiple stems where a species or variety normally develops a
single dominant leader;
• excessive stem curvature as described in Forestry Commission
(FC) Bulletin 111, Forest Nursery Practice, Section 6.7.1,
(see also FC Bulletin 121, Forest tree seedlings. Best practice in
supply, treatment and planting, Plates 4–16 [8]);
• symptoms of mineral deficiency as described in FC Bulletin 111,
Forest Nursery Practice, Section 4.3; or
• damage by atmospheric pollutants or by severe cold.

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5.2 Shoots

5.2.1 General
Plants shall only be offered for sale if they have a vigorous leading
shoot, furnished with lateral shoots appropriate to species, age, plant
type and height.
Plants shall only be offered for sale if they have a well-developed
terminal bud appropriate for the species.
Deciduous species, apart from oak and beech transplants, supplied as
dormant plants shall only be offered for sale if they are leafless.
NOTE Oak and beech transplants often retain dead leaves in winter.

5.2.2 Cricket-bat willow

Rooted shoots and sets of cricket-bat willow shall be pruned so as to
conform to height or length norms as described in Table 6 and Table 7.

Table 6 Heights and diameters for unrooted cricket-bat willow sets

Two-year-old plants Three-year-old plants

Height range Minimum Stem diameter Height range Minimum Stem diameter
length of clear range at 1 m length of clear range at 1 m
stem from base stem from base
m m mm m m mm
3.25–4.0 3.0 25–30 3.5–4.0 3.25 25–35
3.5–4.0 3.25 30–35 3.75–4.5 3.5 30–37
— — — 4.0–5.0 3.75 35–40

Table 7 Heights and diameters for rooted plants of cricket-bat willow:

two-year-old plants (C/2+0)
Height range Minimum length of Stem diameter range
clear stem at 1 m from base
m m mm
2.75–3.0 2.25 12–25
3.0–3.5 2.5 15–27
3.5–4.0 3.0 >20

5.3 Roots

5.3.1 General
Root systems of plants offered for sale shall have fibrous roots,
according to species and shall be proportional to the age, size and type
of plant.
NOTE The success of plants when subsequently planted out is strongly
influenced by the structure and amount of fibrous root retrieved at the
time of lifting. This depends on the skill of the grower in his choice, timing
and execution of cultural operations. See FC Bulletin 121 [8].

© BSI 2007 • 11
BS 3936-4:2007

5.3.2 Root health

Measures shall be taken at all times to prevent damage to plant roots
from insects, fungi and other living organisms, and from
waterlogging, disturbance and other physical agencies as described
in FC Bulletin 111, Forest Nursery Practice, Chapter 13.

5.3.3 Root membrane permeability

When a root membrane permeability assessment is required, the figures
in Table 8 shall apply.
NOTE 1 The physiological condition of lifted plants can be determined by
measuring root membrane permeability. Figures so derived enable
suppliers to assess the probability of forestry stock surviving planting out.
Favourable figures can provide reassurance to suppliers that their stock
was in good condition at the time of the test.
NOTE 2 Relevant root membrane permeability (rmp) figures are given
in Table 8.
NOTE 3 Root membrane permeability (rmp) was formerly known as
electrolyte leakage.

Table 8 Root membrane permeability (rmp) for well-rooted forestry

planting stock
Species Norms for healthy, Maximum acceptable rmp
fully dormant plan
Bare-rooted stock Cell-grown stock
Pinus nigra 10–15 25 30
P. nigra laricio
P. sylvestris
Picea abies
P. sitchensis QSS and VPSS (QSS means from seed
of Queen Charlotte Isles origin, VPSS means
propagated vegetatively)
Picea sitchensis RSS and WSS (RSS means from 15–20 30 35
seed of Oregon origin, WSS means from seed of
Washington origin)
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Larix decidua 10–15 30 35
L. × marschlinsii
(= L. eurolepis)
L. kaempferi
Abies grandis 15–20 30 35
A. procera
Fraxinus excelsior 5–10 25 30
Fagus sylvatica 10–20 30 35
Quercus robur
Q. petrea
Sorbus aucuparia
Tilia cordata
T. platyphyllos
Acer platanoides 20–30 35 40
Acer pseudoplatanus
Betula pendula
B. pubescens
Prunus avium
P. padus
NOTE rmp increases might be caused by loss of dormancy, desiccation, rough handling, or other damage. The
maxima given indicate the highest value that plants can tolerate before survival rates fall. Properly handled, 90%
of spruce plants and 80% of all other species, with rmp not exceeding the values in the table, should survive planting.

12 • © BSI 2007
 BS 3936-4:2007

5.3.4 Root shape and condition

Transplants with severely unbalanced or J-shaped root systems shall be
discarded.
Cell-grown plants shall only be offered for sale if they have a coherent
plug without spiralling roots.
When a root membrane assessment is required, the figures in Table 7
shall apply.

5.4 Plant dormancy

Plants shall be supplied fully dormant unless there is prior agreement
otherwise.
NOTE See also 6.1.2.

6 Supply to planters
6.1 General

6.1.1 Maintenance of plant condition

During supply operations, plants shall at all times be kept such that:
a) their initial moisture content is maintained (i.e. plants do not dry
out);
b) they remain cool at all times (i.e. they do not overheat or break
bud prematurely);
c) foliage is not waterlogged (to avoid death of tissues and
colonization by fungi);
d) plants are handled gently (to maintain cell condition and avoid
increased root membrane permeability, see Table 7);
e) insects and other pests cannot multiply.
NOTE 1 See FC Bulletin 121 [8].
NOTE 2 Supply commences when plants are first removed from their
growing area for supply, until they are received by the planter. During
this period, plants may be subject to lifting, grading, storage, pesticide
treatment, packing and conveyance by vehicle.
NOTE 3 No more grading of plants should be done than is essential to cull
out small or defective plants and to divide plants into lots best matching
market demand; excessive handling raises plants’ rmp values.

6.1.2 Cold storage

Plants shall be kept in cold storage whenever it appears that their
physiological condition and dormancy will be best maintained under
those conditions.
NOTE See FC Bulletin 121, Chapters 6 to 8 and Figures 6.1 to 6.4 [8].

© BSI 2007 • 13
BS 3936-4:2007

6.2 Wrapping and packing

6.2.1 Packing materials

Unless otherwise agreed between supplier and recipient, the moisture
content of forest nursery stock shall be maintained in transit by
wrapping or packing plants in polythene film or bags or equivalent
materials.
NOTE See FC Bulletin 121 [8].

6.2.2 Packing and bundling

Plants shall be individually separated, packed with their shoots all in the
same direction and handled so as to minimize the amount of soil lodging
on foliage.
NOTE Whether or not plants are bundled depends on subsequent storage
arrangements.

6.2.3 External packaging

Additional external packing material shall be used to protect bags or
boxes of plants, as required by the circumstances of despatch.
NOTE See FC Bulletin 121 [8].

6.2.4 Contents of labelling on packages

Each individual package or bag shall be labelled with the following
information:
• the species name;
• the number of plants unless this is totally standard throughout the
consignment;
• an identity number to enable the bag to be identified within the
order/consignment of which it is part;
• a relevant warning, if the contents have recently been treated with
pesticide.

6.2.5 Labelling on external wrappings packages

Each species and each provenance or origin in any consignment shall
be provided with two or more labels, depending on the size of the
consignment, containing the following information:
• name of supplier;
• supplier’s order or consignment identity number;
• customer name, customer’s order number and delivery address;
• any health and safety warnings related to use of pesticides on
contents;
• details of each lot of plants in the consignment – number, size, and
age and type;
• commercial botanical name;
• National Register Identity number;
• an EC plant passport number, if required.

14 • © BSI 2007
 BS 3936-4:2007

Annex A (informative) Species lists

A.1 Introduction
Table A.1, Table A.2, Table A.3 and Table A.4 list all tree and shrub
species named in recent publications which describe or give
recommendations for planting to create or restore forests, woodlands
and wooded landscapes, including plantations for biomass. The
annotations to the list of names in the first column of each table indicate
the source publications. Explanations of these and other annotations
are set out in the note following these tables.

A.2 Names
The names in column 1 of each of the tables are those most widely used
in commerce. They are based on current botanical (Latin) names, given
in column 2. The names given in column 3 are believed to be the most
widely used common names. Several species are known by more than
one common name.

A.3 Plant health

Column 4 of Table A.1, Table A.2, and Table A.3 identify those species
for which a plant passport is required. For details of the passport
requirement see Plant health guide to plant passporting and
marketing requirements [9], [10]. These guides do not list any
passport requirement for willows.

A.4 National Register Identities

Column 6 of Table A.1 and Table A.2 list recently introduced
abbreviations for species names; the Forestry Commission will use
these abbreviations in all future National Register Identities [11], [12].

A.5 Willow reference collections

The National Willow Collection [13] and associated lists were formerly
maintained by Long Ashton Research Station (LARS). Willows were
given LARS reference numbers. The collection was transferred to
Rothamsted Research in 2002 and new reference numbers allocated.
Relevant old and new reference numbers are listed in columns 6 to 8 of
Table A.4.

© BSI 2007 • 15
BS 3936-4:2007

Table A.1 Species list: conifers

Commercial name as in HTA Full botanical Common name Passport Short name
National Plant Specification name A) needs B) (FRMR C) or FC)
and/or FRM Regulations
and/or FC source
Abies alba D), E) Abies alba MILL. European silver fir Pg ZPb aal
Abies balsamea E) Abies balsamea Balsam fir Pg ZPb aba F)
(L.) MILL.
Abies concolor E) Abies concolor Colorado white fir Pg ZPb aco F)
(GORD.) LINDL. EX HILDEBR.
Abies fraseri E) Abies fraseri Fraser fir Pg ZPb afr F)
(PURSH) POIR.
Abies grandis Abies grandis Grand fir Pg ZPb agr
(DOUGLAS EX D.DON) LINDL.
Abies nordmanniana E), G) Abies nordmanniana Caucasian fir Pg ZPb ano F)
(STEVEN) SPACH
Abies procera syn. A. nobilis E) Abies procera Noble fir Pg ZPb apr F)
REHDER
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana G) Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Lawson’s cypress cla F)
(A.MURRAY BIS) PARL.
Juniperus communis E), I), J) Juniperus communis L. Juniper K) jco F)
Larix decidua D), E), G) Larix decidua MILL. European larch Pg ZPb lde
Larix × eurolepis D), E) Larix × marschlinsii COAZ Hybrid larch Pg ZPb leu
syn. Larix × marschlinsii G) syn. Larix × eurolepis HENRY
Larix kaempferi D), E), G) Larix kaempferi Japanese larch Pg ZPb lka
(LAMB.) CARRIÈRE
Picea abies D), E), G) Picea abies (L.) Norway spruce Pg ZPb pab
H.KARST.
Picea omorika E) Picea omorika Omorika spruce Pg ZPb pom F)
(PANÿIĆ) PURK.
Picea pungens E) Picea pungens Blue spruce Pg ZPb ppu
ENGELM.
Picea sitchensis D), E), G) Picea sitchensis (BONG.) Sitka spruce Pg ZPb psi
CARRIÈRE
Pinus contorta D), E) Pinus contorta Lodgepole pine Pg ZPb pco
DOUGLAS EX LOUDON
Pinus mugo pumilio G) Pinus mugo ssp. mugo Mountain pine Pg ZPb pmu F)
TURRA
Pinus muricata E) Pinus muricata Bishop pine Pg ZPb pmr F)
D.DON
Pinus nigra D), E), G) Pinus nigra ssp. nigra Austrian pine Pg ZPb pni
J.F.ARNOLD
Pinus nigra laricio D), E), G) Pinus nigra ssp. laricio Corsican pine Pg ZPb pni
(POIR.) MAIRE
syn. P. nigra maritima P nigra var. maritima
AUCT. NON (AITON) MELVILLE

Pinus peuce E) Pinus peuce Macedonian pine Pg ZPb ppe F)

GRISEB.
Pinus pinaster D), E), G) Pinus pinaster Maritime pine Pg ZPb ppa
AITON
Pinus radiata D), E), G) Pinus radiata Monterey pine Pg ZPb pra
D.DON
NOTE Details of the footnotes A to G to this table are included at the end of this annex.

16 • © BSI 2007
 BS 3936-4:2007

Table A.1 Species list: conifers (continued)

Commercial name as in HTA Full botanical Common name Passport Short name
National Plant Specification name A) needs B) (FRMR C) or FC)
and/or FRM Regulations
and/or FC source
Pinus sylvestris D), E), G) Pinus sylvestris L. Scots pine Pg ZPb psy
P. sylvestris scotica ssp. scotica Caledonian pine
(P.K.SCHOTT) E.F.WARB.
Pseudotsuga menziesii D), E), G) Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas-fir Pg pme
(MIRB.) FRANCO
Sequoia sempervirens G) Sequoia sempervirens Coast redwood sse F)
(D.DON) ENDL.
Sequoiadendron giganteum G) Sequoiadendron giganteum Wellingtonia sgi F)
(LINDL.) BUCHHOLZ
Taxus baccata E), G) Taxus baccata L. Yew tba F)
Thuja plicata E), G) Thuja plicata Western red-cedar tpt F)
DONN EX D.DON
Tsuga heterophylla E), G) Tsuga heterophylla Western hemlock Pg the F)
(RAF.) SARG.
NOTE Details of the footnotes A to G to this table are included at the end of this annex.

Table A.2 Species list: broadleaves other than poplars and

willows
Commercial name as in HTA Full botanical name A) Common name Passport Short name
National Plant Specification needs B) (FRMR C) or FC)
and/or FRM Regulations
and/or FC source
Acer campestre E), L) Acer campestre L. Field maple aca F)
Acer platanoides D), L) Acer platanoides L. Norway maple apl
Acer pseudoplatanus D), L) Acer pseudoplatanus L. Sycamore aps
Aesculus hippocastanum L) Aesculus hippocastanum L. Horse-chestnut ahi F)
Alnus cordata L) Alnus cordata Italian alder aco F)
(LOISEL.) DUBY
Alnus glutinosa D), E), L) Alnus glutinosa (L.) Black alder, agl
GAERTN. Common alder
Alnus incana D), L) Alnus incana (L.) Grey alder ain
MOENCH
Alnus rubra E) Alnus rubra BONG. Red alder aru F)
Alnus viridis Alnus viridis Green alder avi F)
(CHAIX) DC.
Betula pendula D), E), L) Betula pendula ROTH Silver birch bpe
Betula pubescens D), E), L) Betula pubescens EHRH. Downy birch bpu
Buxus sempervirens E), H) Buxus sempervirens L. Box bse F)
Carpinus betulus D), E), L) Carpinus betulus L. Hornbeam K) cbe
Castanea sativa D), E), L) Castanea sativa MILL. Sweet chestnut Pg csa
Cornus sanguinea E), H) Cornus sanguinea L. Dogwood csg F)
Corylus avellana E), H) Corylus avellana L. Hazel cav F)
NOTE Details of the footnotes A to L to this table are included at the end of this annex.

© BSI 2007 • 17
BS 3936-4:2007

Table A.2 Species list: broadleaves other than poplars and

willows (continued)
Commercial name as in HTA Full botanical name A) Common name Passport Short name
National Plant Specification needs B) (FRMR C) or FC)
and/or FRM Regulations
and/or FC source
Crataegus laevigata E), I) Crataegus laevigata Midland hawthorn Pw clv F)
(POIR.) DC.
Crataegus monogyna E), L) Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Pw cmo F)
JACQ.
Cytisus scoparius E), H) Cytisus scoparius (L.) Broom csc F)
LINK
Daphne laureola E), I) Daphne laureola L. Spurge-laurel dla F)
Euonymus europaeus E), H) Euonymus europaeus L. Spindle eeu F)
Fagus sylvatica D), E), L) Fagus sylvatica L. Beech K) fsy
Frangula alnus E), I) Frangula alnus MILL. Alder buckthorn fal F)
(syn. Rhamnus frangula) H) (syn. Rhamnus frangula L.)
Fraxinus excelsior D), E), L) Fraxinus excelsior L. Ash K) fex
Hippophäe rhamnoides E), H) Hippophäe rhamnoides L. Sea-buckthorn hrh F)
Ilex aquifolium E), H) Ilex aquifolium L. Holly iaq F)
Ligustrum vulgare E), H) Ligustrum vulgare L. Wild privet lvu F)
Malus sylvestris E), L) Malus sylvestris (L.) Crab apple Pw ZPa msy F)
MILL
Nothofagus nervosa Nothofagus alpina Rauli nne
syn. N. procera (POEPP. & ENDL.) OERST.
synonyms N. nervosa
(PHIL.) KRASSER;
N. procera OERST.
Nothofagus obliqua E) Nothofagus obliqua Roble, Southern nob F)
(MIRB.) BLUME beech
Populus spp, hybrids and Populus spp, hybrids and Poplar varieties Pg ZPc pop
clones clones see Table A.3 see Table A.3
see Table A.3 D), E), L) see Table A.3
Prunus avium D), E), I) Prunus avium (L.) L. Wild cherry, gean Pw pav
Prunus padus E), L) Prunus padus L. Bird cherry Pw ppd F)
Prunus spinosa E), H) Prunus spinosa L. Blackthorn, sloe Pw psp F)
Quercus cerris L) Quercus cerris L. Turkey oak Pg +oak qce
Quercus ilex L) Quercus ilex L. Holm oak Pg +oak qil
Quercus petraea D), E), L) Quercus petraea Sessile oak Pg +oak qpe
(MATT.) LIEBL.
Quercus robur D), E), L) Quercus robur L. Pedunculate oak, Pg +oak qro
English oak
Quercus rubra D), L) Quercus rubra L. Red oak Pg +oak qru
Rhamnus cathartica E), H) Rhamnus cathartica L. Buckthorn rca F)
Rosa arvensis E), H) Rosa arvensis HUDS. Field rose rar F)
Rosa canina E), H) Rosa canina L. Dog rose rcn F)
Ruscus aculeatus E), H) Ruscus aculeatus L. Butcher’s-broom rac F)
Salix spp, hybrids and clones Salix spp, hybrids and clones Willow varieties sal F)
see Table A.4 see Table A.4 see Table A.4
Sambucus nigra E), H) Sambucus nigra L. Elder sni F)
NOTE Details of the footnotes A to L to this table are included at the end of this annex.

18 • © BSI 2007
 BS 3936-4:2007

Table A.2 Species list: broadleaves other than poplars and

willows (continued)
Commercial name as in HTA Full botanical name A) Common name Passport Short name
National Plant Specification needs B) (FRMR C) or FC)
and/or FRM Regulations
and/or FC source
Sorbus aria E), L) Sorbus aria (L.) CRANTZ Common whitebeam Pw Zpa sar F)
Sorbus aucuparia E), L) Sorbus aucuparia L. Mountain ash, Pw Zpa sacF)
rowan
Sorbus intermedia E), L) Sorbus intermedia Swedish whitebeam sinF)
(EHRH.) PERS.
Sorbus torminalis E), L) Sorbus torminalis (L.) Wild service-tree Pw Zpa stoF)
CRANTZ
Tilia cordata D), E), L) Tilia cordata MILL. Small-leaved lime tco
Tilia platyphyllos D), E), L) Tilia platyphyllos SCOP. Large-leaved lime tpl
Ulex europaeus E), H) Ulex europaeus L. Gorse ueuF)
Ulmus glabra E), L) Ulmus glabra HUDS. Wych elm uglF)
Viburnum lantana E), H) Viburnum lantana L. Wayfaring-tree vlaF)
Viburnum opulus E), H) Viburnum opulus L. Guelder-rose vopF)
NOTE Details of the footnotes A to L to this table are included at the end of this annex.

Table A.3 List of poplar species

Commercial name as in HTA Full botanical name A) Common name Passport Native status
National Plant Specification needs B)
and/or FRM Regulations
and/or FC source
Populus alba L) Populus alba L. White poplar, Abele Pg ZPc
Populus balsamifera P. balsamifera L. Eastern Pg ZPc
syn. P. tacamahacca MILL. balsam-poplar
Populus candicans L) P. × jackii SARG. Balm-of-Gilead Pg ZPc
Populus canescens E), L), M) P. × canescens (AIT.) SMITH Grey poplar UK native
syn. P. alba × P. tremula
Populus deltoids P. deltoides MARSH. Eastern cottonwood Pg ZPc
Populus × euramericana P. × canadensis MOENCH Hybrid black-poplar
Populus × interamericana P. generosa A. HENRY Generous poplar
Populus nigra P. nigra L. Black poplar Pg ZPc
Populus nigra betulifolia E), I) P. nigra ssp. Betulifolia Native black poplar Pg ZPc UK native
(PURSH) DIPPEL Manchester poplar
Populus tremula E), L) P. tremula L. Aspen Pg ZPc
Populus tremuloides P. tremuloides American aspen, Pg ZPc
MICHX. quaking aspen
Populus trichocarpa P. trichocarpa Black cottonwood, Pg ZPc
HOOK. western
balsam-poplar
NOTE Details of the footnotes A to N to this table are included at the end of this annex.

© BSI 2007 • 19
 Table A.4 List of willow species
Commercial name as in Species and/or hybrid botanical Common name as in Native status Short LARS No. for Rothamsted Rothamsted
HTA National Plant name as listed for the UK the UK National name clones in Research Research No.
Specification and/or National Willow CollectionN) Willow Collection collection consecutive for clones in
FRM Regulations list No. collection
and/or FC source

20 • © BSI 2007
BS 3936-4:2007

Salix acutifolia S. daphnoides Vill. var. acutifolia Violet w 054/01 - 04 437 - 440 054/001 - 004
syn. S. acutifolia Willd.
Salix alba E), L) S. alba L. White w UK native sab 004/10 - 70 127 - 209 017/001 - 083
005/04 - 46
Salix aurita E), I) S. aurita L. Eared w UK native sau 023/01 - 04 453 - 456 061/001 - 004
Salix caprea E), H) S. caprea L. Goat w; Great Sallow UK native sca 037/03 - 13 458 - 465 063/001 - 008
Salix cinerea E), H) S. cinerea L. Grey w UK native sci 045/02 - 08 469 - 473 064/001 - 005

Salix daphnoides L) S. daphnoides Vill. Violet w 053/01 - 19 419 - 436 053/001 - 018
Salix elaeagnos H) S. elaeagnos Scop. Olive w 069/01 1037 197/001
syn. S. rosmarinifolia L.
Salix exigua H) S exigua Nutt Coyote w 056/2 - 3 1090 - 1091 207/001 - 002
Salix fragilis S. fragilis L. Crack w UK native sfr 057/01 - 14 383 - 396 042/001 - 014
Salix irrorata S. irrorata Andeross. Blue-stemmed w 074/01 948 165/001
Salix lanata S. lanata L. Woolly w UK native not listed Not listed not listed
Salix myrsinifolia S. nigricans Sm. Dark-leaved w UK native 091/01 - 14 997 - 1008 185/001 - 012
syn. S. myrsinifolia Salisb.
Salix pentandra S. pentandoa L. Bay w UK native spe 093/01 - 05 12 - 16 008/001 - 005
Salix phylicifolia S. phylicifolia L. Tea-leaved w UK native 095/01 - 05 1013 - 1017 188/001 - 005
Salix purpurea S. purpurea L. Purple w UK native spu 097/01 - 53 838 - 884 143/001 - 047
Salix smithiana S. viminalis L. × cinerea L. Silky-leaved osier UK native not listed 530 077/01
= S. × smithiana Willd.
Salix triandra S. triandra L. Almond-leaved w UK native str 112/01 - 78 24 - 101 013/001 - 078
Salix viminalis E), H) S. viminalis L. Common osier UK native svi 115/01 - 109 642 - 726 109/001 - 085
 BS 3936-4:2007

NOTE The following footnotes apply to Table A.1, Table A.2, Table A.3
and Table A.4.
A) Conifer names as listed in World checklist and bibliography of conifers [14];
native species as in ‘New flora of the British Isles [15]; willows as in the
UK National Willow Collection [13]; poplar cultivars as in Poplars for wood
production and amenity [7].
B) UK Plant Passport requirements as at 1 April 2004 [9], [10].
The letters “Pw” apply to the Plant health guide to plant passporting and
marketing requirements [9], [10], Appendix A species, that is those for
which a passport is required when sold or moved to commercial producers for
growing on and to retail outlets.
The letters “Pg” apply to the Plant health guide [9], [10], Appendix B species,
that is those for which a passport is required when sold or moved to
commercial growers for growing on.
For plants with “+oak” in their row growers need to be aware of current
requirements to prevent transfer of “sudden death of oak” disease on carrier
species.
Protected zone requirements apply to the species indicated:
• ZPa See the Plant health guide [9], [10] for “fireblight” Erwinia
amylovora;
• ZPb UK (N. Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey), Ireland for “Pissodes” weevils;
• ZPc UK (N. Ireland), Ireland for “poplar canker” Hypoxylon mammatum.
C) Abbreviated names used in National Register Identities [11], [12].
D) Name listed in FRM Regulations [11], [12].
E) Name listed in Forestry Commission Practice Note 7 and/or 8, FC
Information Note 17 and/or 21, and/or the Forestry Commission Seed
catalogue for 2006/07 [16], [17], [18], [19].
F) Not listed in EC Regulation No. 1597/2002 but based on the same rules for
selecting shortened forms.
G) Name listed in the HTA NPS [3], section 5.3: conifers.
H) Name listed in the HTA NPS [3], section 2.3: shrubs.
I) Name listed in the HTA NPS [3], section 9.2, species of native origin in the UK.
J) The HTA NPS [3] only lists cultivars of this species.
K) Name may be prefixed by “common” to avoid confusion with other species of
the same genus.
L) Name listed in the HTA NPS [3]) section 1.3: trees.
M) Reference identity of tested commercial poplar clones approved for planting
schemes that fall within the scope of FRM Regulations [12].
N) The National Willow Collection, formerly maintained at Long Ashton Research
Station, Bristol, is now in the care of Rothamsted Research, Harpenden,
Herts AL5 2JQ [13].

© BSI 2007 • 21
BS 3936-4:2007

Annex B (informative) Brief notes on the forest reproductive

material and plant health legislation
B.1 Introduction
Attention is drawn to the following legislation on the day-to-control of
seed and plant material.
Forest Reproductive Material (Great Britain) Regulations [1]
Plant Health (Great Britain) Order [2]
These notes identify objectives and usage of terms that might otherwise
cause confusion.

B.2 Objectives

B.2.1 General
The objectives of the legislation in B.1 are to promote the best use of
tree seed, to support tree improvement programmes in the EU and to
minimize risks of loss of trees through spread of fungal and insect
pests on plants moving in trade. An outline of the essentials entailed is
given in Recent changes to the control of forest reproductive
material [11].
The system in use over the last 30 years to identify individual lots of
seed has been replaced by a system combining the year of collection
with National Register Identities recorded in the National Register.
It applies equally to any seed passing through the Forestry
Commission’s records, whether or not the species is covered by the
FRM Regulations [1].
From the time the FRM Regulations came into force, new batches of
seed have been given an identity number incorporating the National
Register Reference for that seed source.
Examples of the new identity numbers incorporating national seed
register numbers are given in [11].

B.2.2 Voluntary extension of systems

The species listed in legislation form only a proportion of the species
and varieties used as forestry plant stock in commerce. The Forestry
Commission encourage voluntary application of standards to species
not listed in legislation. Private groups and trade associations have also
set up broadly based standards for commercial practice, e.g. the
voluntary Nursery Certification Scheme promoted by the Horticultural
Trades Association [3].

22 • © BSI 2007
 BS 3936-4:2007

B.3 Records and traceability

B.3.1 General
Under the FRM Regulations [1], provisions are made to ensure the
traceability of stock. Relevant material has to be traceable back to a
seed source or cutting source. Under the Plant Health Order [2] also,
relevant material has to be traceable from the grower through the
marketing process, the detailed provisions depending on the species
and type of material being marketed.

B.3.2 Supplier’s documents

B.3.2.1 General
Both sets of regulations call for supplier’s documents. These differ to
some degree in their requirements and content.

B.3.2.2 Forest reproductive material

The Forestry Commission have available on their website
(www.forestry.gov.uk), templates for the supplier’s document which,
when completed, accompanies each lot of forest productive material
which is marketed. These seek to ensure that the planter receives the
best available information on the origin, provenance and genetic quality
of the planting stock supplied. See also Guidance on the
implementation of the FRM Regulations [12].

B.3.2.3 Plant health

Details of plant passports and supplier document for material are given
in Plant health guide to plant passporting and marketing
requirements [9], [10]. When issued, the plant health supplier
document provides documentary evidence that the plant material being
marketed is, to the best of the supplier’s knowledge substantially free
from quality-affecting pests and diseases. See also comments on
country of origin in B.3.3.

B.3.3 Country of origin

The FRM regulations place great significance on proper identification of
seed origin, particularly in relation to native species. This interest
derives from the influence seed origin can have on responses of healthy
trees to the site into which they have been planted.
The Plant Health Order places emphasis on country of origin as the
beginning of the marketing chain, in relation to risk of disease
introduction. However, the definitions of origin under the two sets of
regulations do not coincide. It is essential that growers remain aware of
the different interests.

B.4 Type
The FRM Regulations refer to six types of basic material: seed
sources, stands, seed orchards, parents of families, clones and clonal
mixtures [12]. This usage should be noted in the context of 3.6.1 and
Table 1.

© BSI 2007 • 23
BS 3936-4:2007

Bibliography
[1] GREAT BRITAIN. The Forest Reproductive Material (Great
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24 • © BSI 2007
 BS 3936-4:2007

[18] TABBUSH, P., PARFITT, R and TUBBY, I. Poplar and willow

varieties for short rotation coppice. Information Note 17.
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Information Note 21. Edinburgh: Forestry Commission, 1999.

© BSI 2007 • 25
BS 3936-4:2007

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