Pre-baiting for increased acceptance of zinc phosphide baits by voles: an assessment technique
✍ Scribed by Sterner, Ray T
- Book ID
- 101215535
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 1999
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 72 KB
- Volume
- 55
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 1526-498X
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✦ Synopsis
During a product-performance test of 2% zinc phosphide (Zn 3 P 2 ) steam-rolled-oat groats (11.2 kg ha À1 ) to control voles (Microtus spp) in alfalfa (Medicago sativa), randomly located, brusheddirt plots were used to assess broadcast distribution and removal/acceptance of placebo particles. Results showed that the Spyker 1 Model-75 Spreaders were calibrated adequately, with placebo baits broadcast uniformly onto plots [x AE SD = 3.5 (AE2.7) groats 930 cm À1 ]. Acceptance of the placebos by voles increased rapidly ± 28% and 60% by 24 h and 48 h post-broadcast, respectively. Analyses of variance con®rmed the uniformity (non-signi®cance) of particles broadcast among enclosures/plots and the signi®cantly greater removal/acceptance of placebos across days. This technique affords an objective decision-making tool for applicators and researchers applying Zn 3 P 2 baits in ®eld situations ± an objective technique of assessing pre-bait acceptance that should improve ef®cacy of the rodenticide.