Seed coatings containing capsaicin reduce seed removal in temperate woody species

Lanni, Francesca; Connolly, Brian M.; Orrock, John L.; Guiden, Peter W.

doi:10.1139/cjfr-2023-0109

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…It has been extensively documented that small mammals avoid consuming chili peppers because they perceive the capsaicin (Pearson et al 2019;Lanni et al 2024); however, some rodents can consume chili peppers with lower capsaicin content (Tewksbury & Nabhan 2001). In this study, we recorded only one individual of the marsupial common opossum consuming the less pungent fruits of C. annuum (compared to C. pubescens) 7 days after exposure to the chilies in the feeding trials.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Spicing up oak forest restoration: a preliminary report of the protective use of chili peppers in direct seeding of acorns

Brewster‐Salmones,

Díaz‐García,

López‐Barrera

2024

Restoration Ecology

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Direct sowing of acorns is a technique for oak forest restoration, however, high seed predation by mammals can occur and cost‐effective alternatives to protect acorns are therefore required. The present study evaluated the protection provided by chili peppers (Capsicum annuum and Capsicum pubescens) to acorns of Quercus germana, an endangered endemic oak tree of the cloud forests. Greenhouse and field experiments were established to evaluate the effect of chili peppers on acorn removal, germination, and seedling emergence. These processes were related to the prevalent microhabitat characteristics where the acorns were introduced, and the fauna that consumed chili peppers and acorns was identified using camera traps. In the greenhouse trial, more seedlings emerged from acorns covered by fruits of C. pubescens (65.71 ± 8.14) and C. annuum (57.14 ± 8.49%) compared to unprotected acorns (31.43 ± 7.96%). Contrary to expectation, acorn removal in the field was greater using C. pubescens than the unprotected acorns, particularly in microsites with lower tree cover and higher grass dominance. Acorn removal was similar to chili pepper treatments. These results are explained by the camera trap records, which showed bird species consuming Capsicum fruits, thus exposing the acorns to subsequent removal and/or consumption by rodents. The studied Capsicum fruits had no negative effect on acorn germination and seedling emergence under greenhouse conditions, and future practices could, therefore, involve the use of different techniques to prevent the discovery of chili peppers by birds; for example, using green chili peppers for camouflage, or hiding them under litter or herbaceous vegetation.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Seed coating with capsaicin is another strategy against seed predation (Tewksbury & Nabhan 2001;Lanni et al 2024). Pearson et al (2019) reported, under laboratory conditions, that deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) consumed fewer pepper-coated small seeds (0.0002-0.0098 g) compared to control treatments.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spicing up oak forest restoration: a preliminary report of the protective use of chili peppers in direct seeding of acorns

Brewster‐Salmones,

Díaz‐García,

López‐Barrera

2024

Restoration Ecology

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Invasive shrubs amplify seasonal granivory, revealing optimal windows for seed survival following invasive shrub removal

Fuka,

Orrock

2024

Ecosphere

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Invasive shrubs dramatically reduce the biodiversity of native plants, making invaded areas important targets of conservation and restoration. Adding seeds of native plant species, in addition to the removal of invasive plants, is a potentially promising means for restoration of native plant communities. However, because seed survival may vary among seasons, it is essential to understand temporal patterns of seed survival. For example, dense habitats created by invasive shrubs exhibit seasonal changes in structure and food resources that could create seasonal variation in seed survival by altering the activity and abundance of native seed‐eating rodents. Despite the potential for invasive shrubs to generate seasonal changes in granivory, we lack experimental studies to evaluate changes in granivory caused by invasive plants over a full year. We mechanically removed the widespread invasive species common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) from half of 14 sites (20 × 20 m) in a deciduous oak‐maple forest to track rodent and arthropod granivory of three native tree species, basswood (Tilia americana), black cherry (Prunus serotina), and sugar maple (Acer saccharum), and the invasive shrub R. cathartica over a year. Our results reveal that the effect of invasive shrubs on granivory changed across seasons. Seeds in invaded habitats experienced, on average, 25.9% higher seed removal than seeds in areas with R. cathartica removed, with the largest difference in removal occurring in winter. Seed removal was almost entirely due to rodent granivores that removed seeds at similar rates among species. These results indicate that, following removal of invasive shrubs, sowing seeds in winter may optimize seedling establishment by minimizing granivory. Our findings further reinforce the importance of removing invasive shrubs as an important restoration tool because invasions may amplify granivory throughout the year. Understanding the mechanisms that could be affecting seasonal granivory within invaded systems, the important role of rodent granivores, and the similarities in seed consumption between native and nonnative seeds is critical for continual conservation and restoration efforts aimed at promoting forest regeneration.

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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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Seed coatings containing capsaicin reduce seed removal in temperate woody species

Cited by 3 publications

References 40 publications

Spicing up oak forest restoration: a preliminary report of the protective use of chili peppers in direct seeding of acorns

Spicing up oak forest restoration: a preliminary report of the protective use of chili peppers in direct seeding of acorns

Invasive shrubs amplify seasonal granivory, revealing optimal windows for seed survival following invasive shrub removal

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

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