Growth and Nonstructural Carbohydrate Content of Southern Browse Species and Influenced by Light Intensity

Abstract

Three species of palatable deer browse (flowering dogwood, yaupon, and Japanese honeysuckle) were grown under 3 levels of light intensity: 100, 45, and 8% of full sunlight. After 4 growing seasons, dogwood and yaupon under 45% light were significantly taller, contained more growing points, and produced a larger foliar, stem, and root biomass than plants under other light regimes. Twig growth and biomass were generally poorest in full sunlight, whereas foliar and root biomass were poorest in deep shade. Leaves of all species were smallest on plants in full sunlight. The dry weight per unit of leaf area and the concentration of total nonstructural carbohydrates in leaves declined for all species as light intensity declined.