Improvement of shelter tubes protecting young trees from animals

Abstract

Protecting young trees against domestic herbivores (livestock) or wild herbivores (deer) as well against rodents is a continuous preoccupation in all plantations. Various types of plastic tree protectors have been marketed recently. Results obtained by INRA and Cemagref have shown that Tubex protectors achieve a high level of protection against these animals. Unfortunately these tubes cause physiological modifications in the growth of the trees. The most visible effect is a substantial elongation of the leading shoot. This paper describes these physiological modifications and the attempt to reduce them by ventilating the tubes. It draws conclusions for their utilisation in future forestry and agroforestry plantations.