Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conferences
Date of this Version
October 1987
Abstract
Pine voles (Microtus pinetorum LeConte) were maintained as known populations (0, 269, 538 and 1075/ha) in wire mesh-enclosed blocks of 'Mclntosh'/M26 apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh) for 2 years. There was little measurable effect of the voles on growth and production the 1st year, but during the 2nd year the highest population was associated with the death of one tree; severe reductions in growth, yield, and fruit size; a 78% reduction in crown bark weight, 56% loss of fibrous roots, and a dramatic reduction in the value of the crop. Although the low and the medium populations showed little effect on yield, there was a reduction in vegetative growth in the medium population plot that was associated with extensive root girdling, fibrous root reduction and substantial bark loss by the end of the 2nd year.