Seed coatings containing capsaicin reduce seed removal on temperate woody species
2023
Lanni, Francesca | Connolly, Brian | Orrock, John L. | Guiden, Peter
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, Pinus resinosa) with chili powder reduces seed predation by rodents. In all species and habitats, untreated 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.
Afficher plus [+] Moins [-]The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author.
Afficher plus [+] Moins [-]Informations bibliographiques
Cette notice bibliographique a été fournie par Canadian Science Publishing
Découvrez la collection de ce fournisseur de données dans AGRIS