Maduka, S. M.Chamshama, S. A. O.Msogoya, T. J.2019-08-062019-08-0620172408 – 8137https://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/123456789/2897Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2017; 87(1): 1-9Large-scale planting of Olea welwitschii has been hampered by availability of viable seeds. This study compared the establishment potential of seedlings propagated using stem cuttings and seeds based on their morphological quality characteristics and initial field growth performance. Five seedlings from each propagation method were subjected to destructive sampling for assessment morphological qualities based on shoot height, Root Collar Diameter (RCD), root and shoot fresh and oven-dry weight. Field experiment was laid out with three replications in complete randomized block design with 10 seedlings per replication at spacing of 3 x 3 m line plots for assessment of establishment potential based on height, RCD and survival at planting and after field establishment. Results indicated that RCD (p = 0.001), root fresh weight (p = 0.0036) and root dry weight (p = 0.0279) of seedlings propagated from stem cuttings were significantly higher than those propagated from seeds. Three months after field establishment, seedlings propagated from stem cuttings had significantly (p < 0.0001) higher RCD and higher survival (p < 0.0001) than seedlings propagated using seeds. Preliminary results revealed that seedlings propagated from stem cuttings established and survived better in the field than those propagated from seeds. Thus, large-scale planting of O. welwitschii can be increased by using seedlings propagated from stem cuttings although further studies are required to compare long-term field performance of seedlings propagated from stem cutting and that from seeds.enLarge-scale plantingEstablishment potentialStem cuttingsSeedlings performanceArticle