Author ORCID Identifier
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Canadian Journal of Forest Research
Abstract
Coating seeds in taste-averting chemical defenses (e.g., capsaicin from Capsicum spp.) can reduce rodent seed predation, and thus might promote plant establishment and forest regeneration. However, the efficacy of such seed coatings remains unknown for many woody plant species, and seed coatings have not been evaluated across different habitats where forest managers might seek to promote forest regeneration. We used two complementary seed-removal experiments in closed-canopy forests (Michigan) and an old field undergoing reforestation (New York) to examine whether coating seeds of four native tree species (Acer rubrum, Fagus grandifolia, Pinus banksiana, and Pinus resinosa) with chili powder reduces seed removal by rodents. In all species and habitats, control seeds were removed more than seeds treated with capsaicin (94% more in the closed-canopy forest, 17% more in the old field). Seed coatings containing capsaicin may provide a generally effective tool to support native tree recruitment and promote restoration success.
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DOI
https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfr-2023-0109
Volume
e-First
Publication Date
10-5-2023
Disciplines
Biology
ISSN
1208-6037
Recommended Citation
Francesca Lanni, Brian M. Connolly, John L. Orrock, and Peter W. Guiden. Seed coatings containing capsaicin reduce seed removal in temperate woody species. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. e-First https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfr-2023-0109
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