Strauss measured the impacts of deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and beetle (Blepharida rhois and Oberea ocellata) herbivory on smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) plants at the Minnesota Cedar Creek Natural History Area. Deer herbivory enhanced smooth sumac growth, however, this positive effect was not long-term, and was suppressed when beetles herbivory was combined with deer use. The two beetle species used in this study damaged smooth sumac plants and reduced growth, this effect was long-term and was intensified, sometimes resulting in plant death, when both beetles used the same smooth sumac plant. The results of this study suggest that deer herbivory has limited positive effects on smooth sumac and that a natural mechanism to reduce or eliminate beetle herbivory would benefit smooth sumac populations in this area.
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