Large herbivore browsing on conifer seedlings related to seedling morphology

Large herbivore browsing on conifer seedlings was tested in a field experim ent based on the presentation of different seedling types at feeding statio ns. Altogether 150 feeding stations, each with six different seedling types , were established in ordinary clear-cuts in east-central Sweden. The seedl ing types used were three each of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norw ay spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), 1-year-old and 2-year-old containerize d seedlings, and 2-year-old bare-rooted seedlings. The planting took place in autumn. After one winter, browsing of the various seedling types was rec orded. Number of browsed seedlings, leader browsing, and bite diameter diff ered between seedling types. Results showed that pine was more browsed than spruce, 2-year-old seedlings more browsed than 1-year-old seedlings, and c ontainerized seedlings more browsed than bare-rooted seedlings. Morphologic al characteristics varied between the six seedling types. Few significant c orrelations between morphology and browsing were found, although the number of browsed seedlings and mean bite diameter were positively correlated wit h apical stem diameter.