fraß

Fraß is a German noun meaning the act of feeding or the damage caused by feeding. In biology, it refers to tissue consumption by animals, especially herbivorous insects, but it can also describe feeding by other organisms such as mollusks or vertebrates. Fraß damage is often used in agriculture, forestry, and horticulture to assess pest pressure and plant injury. The observable patterns of Fraß—collectively called Fraßbilder—help identify the responsible species.

Common Fraß patterns include Blattfraß (leaf chewing), Kahlfraß (defoliation), Skelettfraß (skeletonization, leaving the leaf veins visible), Lochfraß (holes in leaves), and various forms of stem or trunk Fraß. Some pests cause root Fraß or feeding on fruits and flowers as well. The specific Fraß pattern can aid in pest identification and in choosing appropriate control measures.

Ecological and practical relevance: Fraß affects plant fitness, can trigger plant defense responses, and influences ecosystem dynamics. In pest management, monitoring Fraß damage helps determine when and how to intervene. Strategies range from cultural practices and biological controls to selective chemical treatments, often integrated to reduce non-target effects and environmental impact.

See also: Frass, the term for insect excrement (without umlaut). Fraß and Frass are distinct in German, with Fraß referring to feeding damage and Frass to insect droppings.