Influence of initial light intensity and deer browsing on Taxus baccata saplings: a six years field study

Abstract

European yew (Taxus baccata L.) is a rare species, but is the focus of great interest because of the species recovery attempts and its use in medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum conditions for the development of the young generation of this species. Four-year old yew seedlings were grown under artificial light reduction: 2, 8, and 30%, as well as in full light. The seedlings were then planted in natural conditions in fenced and unfenced areas. The results of six years field studies indicated that the greatest impact on survival was shown by the light conditions from the period before planting under the canopy of trees. Seedlings from the 2 and 8% of light showed the greatest mortality. The reason was the sudden change in light conditions, because at the time of planting (early spring), there was no reduction of light under deciduous trees. Almost all of the unfenced yew seedlings were grazed by deer, but yew sur- vival in the unfenced group was surprisingly high despite the permanent grazing. This was explained by the high resistance of yew to cutting and the protection of seedlings by a dense layer of Rubus. The results indicated that yew trees require protection against animals for normal development, even if animals have not previously had contact with Taxus and that yew seedlings are very sensitive to sudden changes in light. Both conclusions can be applied in the development of natural and artificial regeneration of European yew and other endangered plants.