The Species Complex, Damage Pattern and Control of Rodents (Mammalia: Rodentia) in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) Fields

Studies were undertaken in sugarcane cropping system for the control of rodent pests by monitoring their species involved and identifying their damage pattern. Two chronic poisons such as Coumatetralyl (Racumin) and Coumafuryl (Fumarin) with additives were tested to assess their efficiency against the pests concerned. The efficacy of pest control operation was calculated on the criterion of reduction in rodent activity and damaged canes. Experimental results showed that six species of rodents were found as pests in sugarcane fields, of these, bandicoot rat Bandicota bengalensis Gray was the most predominant rat. The other species which were common in field included soft-furred field rat Millardia meltada Gray, house mouse Mus musculus L., short tailed mole rat Nesokia indica Gray & Hardwicke, gerbil Tatera indica Hardwicke and squirrel Funambulus pennanti L. Taken as a whole, rodent pest population and percentage damage in the control blocks were significantly higher than the treated blocks. However, it was evident that Coumatetralyl with wheat and corn oil additives gave the best results than Coumafuryl for both the parameters under consideration. This reduction in pest population and damage is a practicable strategy for the control of rodent populations in sugarcane cropping system.