Forage Yield of Japanese Honeysuckle after Repeated Burning or Mowing

Abstract

Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) plantings were burned, mowed, or left untreated in February 1973, and again in March 1978, to measure forage yields from honeysuckle after repeated treatments and to determine whether burning or mowing confines honeysuckle to food plots and prevents accumulation of large, impenetrable mats. Two growing seasons after the 1st treatment, total honeysuckle yield (kg/ha) was greatest on controls and least on burned plots. One and two growing seasons after the 2nd treatment, yield on the mowed plots was significantly greater than that on the control or burned plots. However, honeysuckle formed large, solid mats on control and mowed plots due to the numerous, intertwined runners, while burning reduced the dense growth between plants making them accessible to white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).