Snow depth and woody debris drive variation in small‐mammal winter seed removal

Guiden, Peter W.; Orrock, John L.

doi:10.1111/jvs.13007

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 68 publications

(146 reference statements)

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“…In the presence of heavy winter snowfall, plant physiology and phenology are affected by variations in soil temperature, water, nutrient availability under the snowpack and duration of the snow cover (Carlson et al, 2015; Sanders‐DeMott et al, 2018). Snowfall affects plants by mediating physiological responses, inflicting physical damage (Nykänen et al, 1997) and occasionally altering herbivore–plant interactions (Guiden and Orrock, 2021). Prolonged exposure of plants to heavy snow may lead to local adaptation, resulting in the development of unique plant communities in snowy regions.…”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic consequences of Last Glacial–Holocene changes in snowfall regime in Arnica mallotopus populations: A plant confined to heavy‐snow areas of Japan

Masuda,

Setoguchi,

Nagasawa

et al. 2024

American J of Botany

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PremiseSnow is an important environmental factor affecting plant distribution. Past changes in snowfall regimes may have controlled the demographies of snow‐dependent plants. However, our knowledge of changes in the distribution and demographies of such plants is limited because of the lack of fossil records.MethodsPopulation genetic and landscape genetic analyses were used to investigate the response of population dynamics of Arnica mallotopus (Asteraceae)—a plant confined to heavy‐snow areas of Japan—to changes in snowfall regimes from the Last Glacial Period to the Holocene.ResultsThe population genetic analysis suggested that the four geographic lineages diverged during the Last Glacial Period. The interaction between reduced snowfall and lower temperatures during this period likely triggered population isolation in separate refugia. Subpopulation differentiation in the northern group was lower than in the southern group. Our ecological niche model predicted that the current distribution was patchy in the southern region; that is, the populations were isolated by topologically flat and climatically unsuitable lowlands. The landscape genetic analysis suggested that areas with little snowfall acted as barriers to the Holocene expansion of species distribution and continued limiting gene flow between local populations.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that postglacial population responses vary among regions and are controlled by environmental and geographic factors. Thus, changes in snowfall regime played a major role in shaping the distribution and genetic structure of the snow‐dependent plant.

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Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic consequences of Last Glacial–Holocene changes in snowfall regime in Arnica mallotopus populations: A plant confined to heavy‐snow areas of Japan

Masuda,

Setoguchi,

Nagasawa

et al. 2024

American J of Botany

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Seed coatings containing capsaicin reduce seed removal in temperate woody species

Lanni,

Connolly,

Orrock

et al. 2024

Can. J. For. Res.

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Coating seeds in taste-averting chemical defenses (e.g., capsaicin from Capsicum spp.) can reduce rodent seed predation, and thus might promote plant establishment and forest regeneration. However, the efficacy of such seed coatings remains unknown for many woody plant species, and seed coatings have not been evaluated across different habitats where forest managers might seek to promote forest regeneration. We used two complementary seed-removal experiments in closed-canopy forests (Michigan) and an old field undergoing reforestation (New York) to examine whether coating seeds of four native tree species (Acer rubrum, Fagus grandifolia, Pinus banksiana, Pinus resinosa) with chili powder reduces seed predation by rodents. In all species and habitats, untreated control seeds were removed more than seeds treated with capsaicin (94% more in the closed-canopy forest, 17% more in the old field). Seed coatings containing capsaicin may provide a generally effective tool to support native tree recruitment and promote restoration success.

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Rodent-mediated seed limitation affects woody seedling establishment more than invasive shrubs and downed woody debris

Connolly,

Zirbel,

Orrock

2024

Can. J. For. Res.

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Seedling establishment is crucial for the development of self-regenerating tree populations. Determinants of tree establishment vary widely and may compound in their effects. Using a factorial experiment, we manipulated invasive shrubs, downed woody debris (DWD), and rodent access to evaluate factors limiting the establishment of six woody species (five native trees, one invasive shrub). Our results suggest these factors independently contribute to tree seedling establishment. Exclusion of rodents increased establishment three-fold. Invasive shrub removal (Elaeagnus umbellate; Lonicera maackii) and the presence of DWD promoted establishment of two native trees (Pinus strobus; Sassafras albidum). Notably, the presence of DWD halved L. maackii establishment. In identifying rodents as drivers of seed limitation, our results support findings that seed additions will likely promote woody seedling establishment when rodents are not abundant (e.g., low populations) or when seeds are physically or chemically protected (e.g., via taste deterrents). Management plans vary in DWD retention; results from our experimental cohort indicate retaining or introducing DWD promotes native tree recruitment and limits invasive shrub establishment. Future studies exploring the species-specific effects of invasive shrub removal and DWD amendments across multiple cohorts will help determine which woody species benefit most from these management practices.

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Snow depth and woody debris drive variation in small‐mammal winter seed removal

Cited by 3 publications

References 68 publications

Genetic consequences of Last Glacial–Holocene changes in snowfall regime in Arnica mallotopus populations: A plant confined to heavy‐snow areas of Japan

Genetic consequences of Last Glacial–Holocene changes in snowfall regime in Arnica mallotopus populations: A plant confined to heavy‐snow areas of Japan

Seed coatings containing capsaicin reduce seed removal in temperate woody species

Rodent-mediated seed limitation affects woody seedling establishment more than invasive shrubs and downed woody debris

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