The influence of deer browsing on the reproductive biology of Canada yew (Taxus canadensis marsh.): I. Direct effect on pollen, ovule, and seed production
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Authors: T. D. Allison
Date: 1990
Journal: Oecologia
Volume: 83
Number:
Pages: 523-529
Summary of Methods: This study described the effects of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) browsing on the reproductive efforts of Canada yew (Taxus canadensis marsh.), on four islands off the shores of Wisconsin. Browsed populations showed a decrease in the production of ovules, seeds and male strobili, compared to the unbrowsed plots. In the exclosure experiments, there was no significant difference in strobilus production between fenced and unfenced yews at Cedar Creek, when averaged over the five years of the experiment (P=0.51 for male strobili; P=0.24 for female strobili). Seed production at Basswood and Cedar Creek was low in protected and unprotected yews in all years measured and, therefore, treatment effects could not be assessed reliably. Reduction in male strobilus production was linearly related to clipping intensity in three years of observation. Only at the 100% level of removal, female strobilus production was significantly reduced. Deer browsing reduces male and female strobilus production and seed production in Canada yew, although intermediate levels of browsing may result in compensation of ovule production, and therefore, seed production.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: herbivory, white-tailed deer, odocoileus virginianus, canada yew, taxus canadensis marsh., sexual reproduction, woody plant
Annotation: None
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