Rodenticidal effect of datura plant leaves under laboratory and field conditions

The rodenticidal effect of datura plant leaves was studied under laboratory and field conditions. In both free choice and non-choice feeding tests, the chopped green leaves and dry powdered leaves baited with crushed maize, in different ratios, were tested for their rodenticidal activity. The results indicated that the dry powdered baits were more effective than the chopped green baits. Males of albino rats, Rattus norvegicus albinus, were more susceptible than females and pregnant females for all tested cases. In addition, data illustrated that, less amounts of different bait ratios were consumed by females followed by pregnant females and males. With increasing the amount of treated bait rather than crushed maize, the mortality percentages increased and the time to death decreased. This means that the rodenticidal effect of the datura plant leaves considerably differed according to leave condition (green or dry) and bait ratios. The field results were in harmony with the laboratory results as (1 crushed maize : 2 dry powdered leaves) was the most effective against the Shaw jird, Meriones shawi (population reduction, 62.07%).