Author ORCID Identifier

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7084-4311

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.

html

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfr-2023-0109

Volume

e-First

Publication Date

10-5-2023

Disciplines

Biology

ISSN

1208-6037

Upload File

wf_yes

Included in

Biology Commons

Share

COinS