Chemical defense ofPopulus balsamifera: A Clarification.

A previous report that the relative payabilities of juvenile versus maturePopulus balsamifera towards browsing snowshoe hares is due to the presence of 2,4,6-trihydroxydihydrochalcone in the juvenile growth form has been shown to be incorrect. Specifically, 2,4,6-trihydroxydihydrochalcone is present in internodes ofPopulus balsamifera in exceedingly low concentrations (<0.02% wet wt) and its concentrations are not elevated in internodes of the juvenile developmental stage. Its high levels in the buds (20-25% wet wt) ofPopulus balsamifera, however, probably makes it a deterrent substance for herbivores that cannot remove buds from twigs during foraging.