Forest Genetics Problems In Growing Hardier Trees: Animal Factors

Three possible ways are available in which animal injury can be reduced by tree improvement: (1) reduce palatability, (2) increase early growth rate, and (3) increase tolerance to browsing. ( Palatability as used here refers to the qualities of a plant that affect its selection by grazing or browsing animals.) We know from experience that the palatability of individual trees varies, but we need to know more about how much of the variation is due to the genotype. Porcupine damage in northern hardwood stands often demonstrates this point. Some trees are damaged severely year after year while other nearby trees of the same species, size, age, and condition are untouched. The same apparent variation in palatability is more difficult to see in connection with deer and rabbit damage to young trees. However, a study of browse utilization would probably indicate that certain individual food plants are more highly preferred than others where food supplies are adequate to offer a free choice.

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Author(s): Frank D. Irving, Jr.