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Effects of snow accumulation on survival of beech (Fagus crenata) seed

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Abstract

The escape of beech seeds from seed predators and winter desiccation due to snow accumulation was studied by comparing two sites in Japan: one site that experiences much snow and another site that experiences less snow cover. At the site with greater snow cover, about 70% of the beech seeds escaped seed predation by rodents during winter and about 70% of surviving seeds germinated successfully in spring. At the site with less snow cover, however, all of the beech seeds were eaten by rodents, and all seeds that were protected from feeding were killed by winter desiccation. We confirmed that snow prevents beech seeds from predation by rodents because it conceals their sight and scent. These effects are one of the main reasons why beeches in snowy areas regenerate constantly and those in less snowy areas do not.

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Author notes

  1. Koji Shimano

    Present address: Department of Vegetation Ecotechnology, Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, Yokohama National University, 79–7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama city, 240, Japan)

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Forest Ecology, Faculty of Horticulture, Chiba University, 648 Matsudo, Matsudo, 271, Japan

    Koji Shimano

  2. United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Saiwaicho, Fuchu, 183, Japan

    Tadashi Masuzawa

Authors
  1. Koji Shimano
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  2. Tadashi Masuzawa
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Shimano, K., Masuzawa, T. Effects of snow accumulation on survival of beech (Fagus crenata) seed. Plant Ecology 134, 235–241 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009795115232

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