Development of Deer-Resistant Western Redcedar (Thuja Plicata)

Russell, J. National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations 2007, p. 149-153. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Proceedings RMRS-P-57. 2008.

Protecting planted western redcedar (Thuja plicata) seedlings from deer browse in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia is estimated to cost up to CAN$ 25 million annually. Recent studies linking deer browse and needle monoterpenes has resulted in the initiation of a breeding program for deer-resistant western redcedar at Cowichan Lake Research Station on Vancouver Island. Selections that are not preferred by deer are currently going through non-preferred rapid breeding and testing cycles for enhanced needle monoterpene concentrations. However, planting stock with increased monoterpene concentrations through genetic manipulation selection and breeding alone may not ensure that seedlings will be adequately protected from browse if deployment strategies are not carefully considered. To provide more robust protection to allow seedlings to reach the free-growing stage, iInteractions must be evaluated of between genetic selection for enhanced monoterpene concentrations,ally enhanced plants with developmental stage (ontogeny), and nutritional quality, as well as appropriate deployment strategies that allow deer some level of forage choice, could ensure adequate protection from browse.

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Author(s): John H. Russell

Section: Pest Management