FreeLists / tn-bird / [TN-Bird] Re: Ginseng and Turkeys

["Allan Trently" <ajtcorax@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

>His interesting personal theory is that there are many more turkeys than 
>there ever were grouse.  The turkeys forage in large numbers, probably 
>require more food than grouse, and clean an area when they move through it. 
>  But they are not spreading the ginseng seeds like the song birds for 
>their craw/gizzard grinds the seeds up.  The seeds therefore will not 
>germinate for they have basically been destroyed for reproductive purposes.

Good hypothesis.  I would think, though, that ginseng berries are too small 
to be much damaged by a bird's gizzard.  They may pass right through the 
bird without any damage.  Of course, some seeds are abraded by a bird's 
gizzard but still are able to germinate if they pass through the bird.  Some 
seeds even need to be abraded to germinate.

>It sounds logical.  However, that may not be the real cause.  But an 
>interesting theory.  And one worth looking in to.  Perhaps if ginseng is 
>not reproducing like it once did it could be acid rain??? Look at the 
>Fraser Fir on the Roan Mountain?? Certainly the locals are not doing that..

Ginseng may or may not be affected by acid rain, that I don't know.  It is 
important though to realize that fir trees on our mountains are dying 
primarilly from the exotic insect, Balsam Woolly Adelgid.  Acid rain or mist 
may contribute to the problem by weakening their defense response to insect 
attack.

I enjoy all the discussion on this issue.  Keep the insightful thoughts 
coming.

Allan Trently
Gray, TN


"A chin in a hand, a thoughtful pose, but you've got to tend the Earth if 
you want a rose" Emily Saliers from Hammer and a Nail








>

>
>Yes, these pristine areas are being harmed in some way.  But how??? What??  
>Why??
>
>Tess Cumbie
>Buladean, NC
>
>
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=================NOTES TO SUBSCRIBER=====================

The TN-Bird Net requires you to sign your messages with
first and last name, city (town) and state abbreviation.
-----------------------------------------------------
To post to this mailing list, simply send email to:
tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
----------------------------------------------------- 
To unsubscribe, send email to:
tn-bird-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
with 'unsubscribe' in the Subject field.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Topographical Maps located at http://topozone.com/find.asp
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
     Visit the Tennessee Ornithological Society
          web site at http://www.tnbirds.org
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
    TN-Bird Net Owner: Wallace Coffey, Bristol, TN
        jwcoffey@xxxxxxxxxx      (423) 764-3958
=========================================================