Evaluation of brodifacoum against the Indian black ratRattus rattus wroughtoniin cocoa†

Abstract

Brodifacoum, a second generation single dose anticoagulant, was evaluated against the black rat, Rattus rattus wroughtoni Hinton, a major rodent pest of cocoa in South India. Laboratory feeding trials using brodifacoum (0-005%) wax blocks showed cent per cent mortality in these rats by 1 day feeding. The active ingredient consumed varied from 0-35 mg to 9-17mg/kg body weight (mean 3-71 ± 0-53 mg/kg). The mortality occurred from the third day to the tenth day of feeding with a maximum on the fifth day in females and on the sixth day in males. One, two and three baitings with brodifacoum baits at intervals of 10 days between baitings reduced the rat population by 76%, 95% and 97%, respectively in cocoa gardens. Moreover, cent per cent reduction in the damage was achieved by two baitings itself.