Integration of klerat rodenticide into the IPM program for rodent control in sugarcane : SRDC final report BS78S

Abstract

The second-generation antocoagulant rodenticde Klerat (0.005% w/w brodifacoum) was evaluated for inclusion in the integrated pest management (IPM) program for rodent control in Queensland sugarcane. IPM for Rattus sordidus is sugarcane relies on habitat manipulation techniques such as in-crop weed control and revegetation of noncrop refuges and requires the application of an efficacious rodenticide if high population densities are predicted. The commencement of the rodent breeding cycle was identified as the optimum rodenticide application time. The combined effect of time of baiting and in-crop weed control was evaluated. While bait applications in weed control can reduce R. sordidus populations, successful crop damage reduction will only be achieved by widespread adoption of IPM strategies that minimise rodent invasion of crops as well as reducing breeding.