Susceptibility of winter‐dormant Pinus sylvestris families to vole damage

Abstract

Two‐ and eight‐year‐old Pinus sylvestris, originating as controlled crossings from southern and northern Finland, were studied in order to determine their susceptibility to damage by Microtus‐species. For characteristics that indicate climatic adaptedness (bud set, needle stage) there was a clinal change from north to south according to origin. These differences were not correlated with susceptibility to vole damage. Nor was the total phenol content of the saplings correlated with resistance to such damage. Between families, however, there were statistically significant differences in susceptibility to damage. Some families showed both rapid rate of growth and high resistance.

Key words:

• vole damage
• vole resistance
• Pinus sylvestris
• total phenols
• phenology
• growth