Abstract
Aim of the study: a) To present the trial-and-error approach followed in the design and patent of a manufactured seed and seedling protector effective against mice and voles, rabbits, wild boar and deer (http://bopiweb.com/elemento/829172/). b) To assess the viability of direct oak seeding with and without protection in the complex acorn predation reality of post fire restoration and underplanting in existing pine afforestations.Study area: Northern Plateau of Spain, in an area of extreme acorn predation.Material and methods: We followed a classical trial-and-error approach for problem solving. Different modifications to a wire mesh screen cylinder were tested in subsequent trials aiming to evaluate the effects on acorn predation and early emerging plant survival and growth. The final protector is based on a thin wire mesh cylinder with three innovations: a truncated cone, a circular crown and a sphere compartment. Further we assessed the viability of direct oak seeding with and without protection in the complex acorn predation reality of post fire restoration and underplanting in existing pine afforestations.Main results: The manufactured seed protector was found to be effective against synergic attacks of mice, rodents, wild boars and herbivores. Survival of protected oak was 77% under canopies and 32% in open light conditions two years after sowing.Research highlights: Our results confirm the viability of direct oak seeding for woodland restoration if seed predation is controlled. Keywords: sowing; underplanting; trial-and-error; seed protector; afforestation; oak.
Highlights
Direct seeding of acorns has been the traditional reforestation method for Mediterranean oaks until the second half of the 20th century
Aim of the study: a) To present the trial-and-error approach followed in the design and patent of a manufactured seed and seedling protector effective against mice and voles, rabbits, wild boar and deer. b) To assess the viability of direct oak seeding with and without protection in the complex acorn predation reality of post fire restoration and underplanting in existing pine afforestations
The objective of this paper is to present a specific seed protector for direct seeding in afforestation and to summarize the inventive process that led to a specific patent
Summary
Direct seeding of acorns has been the traditional reforestation method for Mediterranean oaks until the second half of the 20th century. Interest in direct seeding of Mediterranean oaks decreased in the 20th Century when planting container seedlings became the dominant technique to regenerate most species, including oaks. More recently, the advantages of direct acorn seeding over planting (e.g., lower costs, better taproot development and drought resistance, diseases spread risk through infected nursery stock (i.e. Phythopthora)) have renewed interest in the technique (Sánchez et al, 2005; GonzálezRodríguez et al, 2011; Prévosto et al, 2011a). Substantial rodent and ungulate damage to acorns and seedlings occurs in underplanting (Madsen & Löf, 2005; Dey et al, 2012). Protection of seeds and emerging seedlings against synergic attacks of rodents
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