Reduction of rodent damage in sugarcane through baiting with brodifacoum rodenticide

Abstract

The study is part of an ongoing project to develop an effective system of reducing economic losses in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) due to damage by rats (Rattus tanezumi Temminck) in Central Visayas in the Philippines. To determine the rates of the brodifacoum rodenticide to be applied, three haciendas in President Roxas, Capiz were identified as study sites, corresponding to three rates of bait application: 1) Santa Ana, on a need basis, whenever rat activity was >10%, calculated as 200 baits per hectare per application; 2) Ibaca, based on the manufacturer's recommendation, 40 baits per hectare per month; and 3) Cabug-Cabug, no baits, being the reference or control treatment. At harvest, mean rat damage was significantly lower in Santa Ana (6.5%) than in Ibaca (10.3%), both being significantly lower than that of Cabug-Cabug (18.7%). Average total sugar loss (TSL) in Cabug-Cabug was 5.8% or 4.3 L kg ha-1, in Santa Ana TSL was 1.5% or 1.1 L kg ha-1, and in Ibaca TSL was 2.7% or 2.0 L kg ha-1. Monetary loss in Cabug-Cabug was the highest (PhP 3,454.70 per ha), in Santa Ana the lowest (PhP 891.85), and in Ibaca intermediate (PhP 1,610.10). Incremental benefit was higher in Santa Ana (PhP 1,838.85) than Ibaca (PhP 1,605.70). In the large-estate farms in President Roxas, the incremental benefit ranged from PhP 32,160 (10 ha) to PhP 3.216 million (1000 ha) per hacienda (US$ 1.00 = PhP 50.00). Combining cost and loss, the best application rate may be much higher than 40 baits per hectare per month or much lower than 200 baits per hectare on a need basis. Further studies should help to improve the method of measuring rat activity and determine the roles of cultivars and ratoon crops in preventing rat damage.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Agricultural Scientist

ISSN

317454

Page

159-165

Document Type

Article

Subject

Brodifacoum, Hacienda, Rat damage, Rattus tanezumi Temminck, Rodenticide, Saccharum officinarum, Sugarcane, Total sugar loss

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS