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An Evaluation of Polypropylene Mesh Tubing as a Deer Browse Deterrent for Souther Hardwood Seedlings

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Cumulative monthly browsing by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on unprotected apical leaders of oak (Quercus spp.) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) seedlings in plantations in Southwest Alabama exceed 100% per year. Growth of unprotected seedlings of all species was significantly less (P<.01) than mean growth attained in seedlings subjected to 6 protective treatments with polypropylene mesh tubing. Mortality in unprotectd sweetgum seedlings was greater than in protected seedlings (P<.05). Mortality of oak was unaffected by protection. All treatments protected seedlings from browsing deer but some interfered with normal growth due to shading or physical restriction. Sweetgum seedlings attained the greatest growth when protected by ultrviolet green polypropylene mesh tubing 7.3 dia. Oaks grew best when protected by 12.7 cm dia. black polypropylene tubes. Total cost 3x3 m plantations for protecting sweetgum seedlings with ultraviolet green tubes was $202 per ha, whereas the black polypropylene tubes installed on oaks costs $741 per ha.

Keywords

hardwood

Citation

Lasher, Douglas N.; Hill, Edward P. 1978. An Evaluation of Polypropylene Mesh Tubing as a Deer Browse Deterrent for Souther Hardwood Seedlings. In: Proceedings Annual Conference SE Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies 31:239-245.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/42430