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Winter chemical defense of Alaskan balsam poplar against snowshoe hares

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Abstract

Palatabilities of parts and growth stages of balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) to snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) are related to concentrations of specific plant metabolites that act as antifeedants. Buds are defended from hares by cineol, benzyl alcohol, and (+)-α-bisabolol. Internodes are defended by 6-hydroxycylohexenone (6-HCH) and salicaldehyde. Although defense of interaodes depends upon both compounds, the defense of juvenile internodes is principally related to salicaldehyde concentration; the defense of internode current annual growth is principally related to 6-HCH concentration. The concentration of 6-HCH can be supplemented by the hydrolysis of phenol glycosides when plant tissue is disrupted, raising the possibility of a dynamic element of the chemical defense of poplar.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Alaska, 99775-0520, Fairbanks, Alaska

    P. B. Reichardt, B. R. Mattes & T. P. Clausen

  2. Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, 99775-0180, Fairbanks, Alaska

    J. P. Bryant & F. S. Chapin III

  3. Department of Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin, 53706, Madison, Wisconsin

    M. Meyer

Authors
  1. P. B. Reichardt
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  2. J. P. Bryant
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  3. B. R. Mattes
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  4. T. P. Clausen
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  5. F. S. Chapin III
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  6. M. Meyer
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Reichardt, P.B., Bryant, J.P., Mattes, B.R. et al. Winter chemical defense of Alaskan balsam poplar against snowshoe hares. J Chem Ecol 16, 1941–1959 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01020507

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