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Terpene production and growth of three Pacific Northwest conifers in response to simulated browse and nutrient availability

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Abstract

Natural variation in ungulate browsing behavior interferes with the understanding of plant morphological and biochemical responses to herbivory. To investigate mechanisms for recovery from herbivory, we examined growth patterns and biosynthesis of terpenoids under simulated browse (three clipping intensities) and supplemental mineral nutrition (four levels of controlled-release fertilization) for Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco], western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla Raf. Sarg.), and western red-cedar (Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don) seedlings on a reforestation site in Northwestern Oregon, USA, that was fenced to exclude ungulates. Higher clipping intensities increased relative height growth (at cost of diameter growth) for all the species. Only western red-cedar showed a decline in monoterpene concentrations with increasing clipping severity, suggesting prioritization in biosynthesis of terpenoids for this species. Douglas-fir and western hemlock responded to fertilization mostly through increased growth. Western red-cedar growth responses to fertilization were less pronounced, but monoterpene concentrations were 2–3 times higher compared to non-fertilized trees. Douglas-fir and western hemlock browse recovery and responses to fertilization consisted primarily of increased growth, while western red-cedar balanced growth promotion with production of chemical defense compounds. Our data suggests the evolution of species-dependent resource allocation strategies in response to both browse and soil nutrient availability.

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Acknowledgments

Funding support for this research was provided by the Oregon Department of Forestry. J. Travers, J. Brandt, and D. Robin with the Oregon Department of Forestry provided additional logistical support. A. Davis, M. Aghai, J. Sloan, P. Woolery, and South Fork crew members assisted in the installation and/or measurements of field sites. GC/MS service and consultation was provided by K. Wood with the Purdue University Campus-Wide Mass Spectrometry Center. The authors extend a special acknowledgment to K. Powell for the initial inspiration in developing this project. The communicating Editor and two anonymous reviewers provided helpful comments that improved the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907-2061, USA

    Owen T. Burney & Douglass F. Jacobs

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  1. Owen T. Burney
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  2. Douglass F. Jacobs
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Correspondence to Douglass F. Jacobs.

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Communicated by J. E. Carlson.

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Burney, O.T., Jacobs, D.F. Terpene production and growth of three Pacific Northwest conifers in response to simulated browse and nutrient availability. Trees 26, 1331–1342 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-012-0709-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-012-0709-4

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