The results obtained in 1997 confirmed the interest of the association of Douglas fir with Laccaria bicolor S238N, 2 years after planting at Sully (Burgundy). Moreover, at Peyrat-le-Château, a late planting date was shown to be detrimental on 1st year growth and survival, but irrespective of stock mycorrhizal status. In Norway spruce, nursery inoculation with Laccaria bicolor S238N was neutral on cumulative growth 5 and 6 years after planting, on 2 planting sites. That outcome could be linked to the regression of the symbiont, due to its lack of field competitiveness. The same result was obtained in a temporary field planting at Nogent-sur-Vernisson, but not at Peyrat-le-Château where a slight but significant positive effect was noticed on growth. Other nursery practices, such as soil fumigation, use of fertilisers and irrigation, can also help stocks to survive and grow well after planting. These techniques must (as concerns soil fumigation) or could (for other techniques) be applied to rooted cuttings inoculated with Laccaria bicolor S238N, because of absence of interaction between inoculation and usual cultivation practices on early field performance, within the experiments.