SEDL / STP / STP817-EB / STP30184S

Methods for Assessing Rat Damage to Growing Wheat in Bangladesh, with Examples of Applications

Sultana, P
Senior scientific officer, Vertebrate Pest Section, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Dacca,

Brooks, JE
Wildlife biologist and former wildlife biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver Wildlife Research Center, Denver, Colo.

Poché, RM
Wildlife biologist and former wildlife biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver Wildlife Research Center, Denver, Colo.

Pages: 8    Published: Jan 1983

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Abstract

Methods for assessing damage by the lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis, to growing wheat crops are described and compared with other methods. Damage was related to yield, density of wheat stems, agricultural practices, and the foraging range of the rodent species. Applications of the damage assessment are given for estimating the annual losses to growing wheat over several large wheat districts in Bangladesh, and uses of the assessment in evaluating the efficacy of rodenticides in field trials and farmer use of rodenticide treatments are shown.