Preliminary field tests of capsaicinoids to reduce lettuce damage by rabbits
2001
Bosland, W.K. | Bosland, P.W.
Capsaicinoids are alkaloids responsible for pungency, the ability to produce an organoleptic sensation of heat, and are present only in Capsicum species. Products containing capsaicinoids are marketed as a plant antifeedant. This study investigated the influence of capsaicinoids on the suppression of feeding by rabbits in southern New Mexico, USA. A two-choice study, treated and untreated lettuce plants, determined the effects of capsaicinoids on free-ranging rabbits. The capsaicinoids were effective, but only when an untreated choice was present. When untreated plants had been consumed, rabbits consumed the capsaicinoid-treated lettuce plants. The use of capsaicinoids to protect plants may have limited use when rabbits have little choice in food sources.
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