Douglas N. Lasher

An Evaluation Of Polypropylene Mesh Tubing As A Deer Browse Deterrent For Southern Hardwood Seedlings

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 exceeded 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 unprotected sweegum seedlings was greated than in protected seedlings (P < .05). Mortality of oak was unaffected by protection. All treatments protected...