EFFECTS OF GRAZING BY WILD RABBITS (ORYCTOLAGUS-CUNICULUS) ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF OILSEED AND FODDER RAPE (BRASSICA-NAPUS SUB SP OLEIFERA)

The effects of rabbit grazing on the growth and yield of two oilseed rape cultivars (Bienvenu, a single-low cultivar and Ariana, a double-low cultivar) and two fodder rape cultivars (Hobson and Bonar, the latter low in progoitrin) were observed at an experimental site in eastern Scotland. No long-term significant differences were observed in the preference of the rabbits for any of the cultivars. Grazing by rabbits significantly reduced the yield of seed at harvest. When the crop was protected for part of the growing season, i.e. over winter or during the spring and summer, damage was reduced but yields were still significantly reduced. No harmful effects due to grazing the rape were observed on either the survival or reproductive capacity of the rabbits. © 1990.