Towards the feasibility of wild-harvesting fruit from native Viburnum species (Adoxaceae) as a sustainable NTFP in Newfoundland (Canada)

Fequet, Danielle D. (Danielle Dorothy) (2011) Towards the feasibility of wild-harvesting fruit from native Viburnum species (Adoxaceae) as a sustainable NTFP in Newfoundland (Canada). Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Sustainable non-timber forest product (NTFP) use requires species-specific biological and ecological knowledge. To assess the sustainability of wild-harvesting edible fruit from native Viburnum species [highbush cranberry (Viburnum opulus var. americanum), northern wild raisin (V. cassinoides var. nudum), and squashberry (V. edule)] in Newfoundland (Canada), plant density, fruit abundance and impact of moose browsing on growth were assessed. Success of propagation protocols established for these species elsewhere in their range and pollination requirements for northern wild fruit production were also assessed. Low and variable fruit production plus minimal fruit production and reduced height associated with moose browsing indicate increased wild harvest of Viburnum species may be unsustainable in Newfoundland. Northern wild raisin fruit set required outcross pollen and fruit production was pollination limited but may also be influenced by genetic variations and/or site heterogeneity. Vegetative propagation of cuttings was successful and cultivation of these species may enable sustainable NTFP use. -- Keywords: non-timber forest product; NTFP; Viburnum nudum var. cassinoides; Viburnum opulus var. americanum; Viburnum edule; fruit; propagation; pollination limitation, Newfoundland

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