Abstract: Methods are provided for using stress wave velocity measurements taken of a specimen at an early age to determine potential characteristics at a later age. The data may be used to, for example, evaluate specimens and/or families and/or clones at early ages to cut costs and/or to increase a rate of genetic gains. The specimens may be, for example, seedlings and/or explants of forestry and/or agricultural and/or horticultural species. The stress wave measurements may be obtained using conventional devices and/or systems and/or methods.