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Location
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Start Date
18-10-1987 12:00 AM
Description
Pine voles (Microtus pinetorum LeConte) were maintained as known populations (0, 269, 538 and 1075/ha) in wire mesh-enclosed blocks of 'McIntosh'/M26 apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.) for 2 years. There was little measurable effect of the voles on growth and production the 1st year, but during the 2nd year the highest population was associated with the death of one tree; severe reductions in growth, yield, and fruit size; a 78% reduction in crown bark weight, 56% loss of fibrous roots, and a dramatic reduction in the value of the crop. Although the low and the medium populations showed little effect on yield, there was a reduction in vegetative growth in the medium population plot that was associated with extensive root girdling, fibrous root reduction and substantial bark loss by the end of the 2nd year.
Recommended Citation
Richmond, M. E., Forshey, C. G., Mahaffy, L. A., & Miller, P. N. (1987). Effects of differential pine vole populations on growth and yield of "McIntosh" apple trees. In Holler, N. R. (Ed.), The Third Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (pp. 296-304). Gulf Shores, AL: Auburn University.
Included in
Effects of Differential Pine Vole Populations on Growth and Yield of "McIntosh" Apple Trees
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Pine voles (Microtus pinetorum LeConte) were maintained as known populations (0, 269, 538 and 1075/ha) in wire mesh-enclosed blocks of 'McIntosh'/M26 apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.) for 2 years. There was little measurable effect of the voles on growth and production the 1st year, but during the 2nd year the highest population was associated with the death of one tree; severe reductions in growth, yield, and fruit size; a 78% reduction in crown bark weight, 56% loss of fibrous roots, and a dramatic reduction in the value of the crop. Although the low and the medium populations showed little effect on yield, there was a reduction in vegetative growth in the medium population plot that was associated with extensive root girdling, fibrous root reduction and substantial bark loss by the end of the 2nd year.