Pin Cherry Sucker Regeneration After Cutting

Root suckers arising after cutting 10 yr old pin cherry in eastern Quebec were studied. Most suckers emerged during the first 2 yr and only a small proportion emerged after 3 or 4 yr. The number of suckers forming a clone was highly variable and was probably influenced by the degree of interspecific competition affecting this shade-intolerant species. No clonal variations were observed in the diameter of parent roots producing suckers, or in the initiation of new roots around the base of suckers up to 5 yr old. Annual growth of sucker basal diameter differed among clones and also within a clone. The oldest suckers had the greatest rates of basal growth. Results from this study indicate that cutting will not prove effective as a mean for controlling pin cherry during cleaning treatments, but will help to maintain dense pin cherry browse for white-tailed deer or moose. North. J. Appl. For. 14(3):117-119.