Gardeners often find themselves in conflict with local wildlife, particularly rabbits, which can quickly decimate vegetable patches. A common concern is whether these small herbivores will target the foliage and tubers of the potato plant. Understanding the rabbit’s dietary needs and the potato plant’s chemical composition is necessary to protect a harvest and implement proper defense measures.
The Direct Answer: Consumption and Toxicity
Rabbits may occasionally consume the leaves and stems of potato plants, but these parts are not a safe food source. The potato plant belongs to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family and produces a toxic compound called solanine. This glycoalkaloid acts as a natural defense mechanism to deter pests from eating its vegetative parts.
Solanine is concentrated in the green areas of the plant, including the foliage, stems, sprouts, and green spots on the tubers. Ingestion causes serious health issues for rabbits, whose sensitive digestive systems cannot vomit. Symptoms of solanine poisoning include severe gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, and neurological problems, sometimes leading to death.
The potato tuber is problematic due to its high starch content, even though it is less acutely toxic than the foliage. Rabbits require a high-fiber diet to maintain healthy gut flora and prevent gastrointestinal stasis. The excessive carbohydrates and starch in the tuber disrupt the delicate balance of the digestive system, making potatoes unsuitable food.
Understanding Rabbit Foraging Habits
Rabbits are natural grazers whose primary diet consists of high-fiber vegetation, such as grasses, clovers, and tender weeds. Their digestive tract is designed to process this low-calorie, high-bulk food, which also helps wear down their continuously growing teeth. When preferred food sources are abundant, rabbits typically bypass potato plants for safer, more nutritious options.
Consumption of toxic vegetation, like potato foliage, is usually a behavior of last resort. Rabbits are opportunistic feeders and will eat what is available, especially during periods of scarcity. For instance, conditions like late winter or drought reduce the availability of usual grasses, prompting them to nibble on less palatable or even dangerous plants. This behavior is driven by hunger, not a preference for the potato plant’s bitter taste.
Proven Methods for Protection
The most reliable method for preventing rabbit damage is installing a physical barrier around the garden area. Fencing should use chicken wire or hardware cloth with a mesh size no larger than one inch. The barrier must be at least two feet high to prevent rabbits from jumping over it.
To stop rabbits from burrowing, the bottom of the fence material should be buried a minimum of three to six inches deep. Bending the buried section outward in an “L” shape provides a further deterrent to digging. Regular inspection of the barrier is recommended to ensure no breaches occur due to digging or rust.
Sensory deterrents serve as a secondary line of defense, targeting the rabbit’s strong sense of smell and taste. Taste repellents, commercial or homemade, make the plant unappealing, often using ingredients like cayenne pepper or thiram. Odor-based deterrents, such as predator urine or strong-smelling companion plants like garlic and marigolds, also discourage entry. Repellents require frequent reapplication, especially after rain or as new foliage emerges.