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The Ecology and Management of
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Herbivory by white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, is an impediment to afforestation and reforestation projects in general and to projects involving Atlantic white cedar (AWC) in particular. This study evaluated herbivory intensity at Cavalier Wildlife Management Area , in Chesapeake, VA, as related to planting type, tissue nitrogen content, and three morphometric parameters as indicators of growth. In the summer of 2010, seedlings from two nursery stock sources (rooted cuttings and propagated seedlings, 180 of each type) were planted in 10 plots and tissue samples were obtained in summer 2011. To deter herbivory Capsaicin and VaporGuard DI-I-P menthene were aerially applied in April of 2010 and 2011. Morphometric indicators of growth, and herbivory intensity were assessed in Fall 2011. Planted seedlings were more heavily browsed than rooted cuttings (p < 0.001). However total nitrogen content did not differ among planting types (p > 0.05). Rooted cutting exhibited greater height, canopy diameter, and stem diameter than planted seedlings (p < 0.001for each). However when predated trees were removed from calculations, rooted cutting and propagated seedlings had similar height, canopy diameter, and stem diameter (p > 0.05). The relationship between herbivory score and distance from the forest edge might also play a factor in herbivory patterns i.e., Herbivory was greater near forests (Rē=0.47). Type of planting stock, size of planting stock type, or other tissue nutrients might influence herbivory and should be considered in restoration plans.
Herbivory, Tissue Nutrients, Morphometrics