Use of 4-Aminopyridine to Protect Ripening Corn from Blackbirds

Census Techniques to Estimate Blackbirds in Weedy and Nonweedy Field Corn

“…The results of both the dai- ly field observations and the shotgun census indicated that feeding flocks shifted from the 2 earlier-maturing fields (W2 and N2) to the 2 later-maturing fields (W1 and N1). This response of red-winged blackbirds to patterns of field corn maturity agrees with the findings of Giltz and Stockdale (1960), Meanley (1961), DeGrazio et al (1971), and Stone et al (1973). The 2nd factor was field location with respect to the size of flyways of blackbirds entering the roost.…”

“…Generally, these observations were brief (Ingram et al 1973, Knittle et al 1976, and were restricted either to the morning (Knittle et al 1976) or to the morning and late afternoon periods (Mott 1976). In all studies except that of Degrazio et al (1971, only 1 census technique was used. Estimates of blackbird numbers and densities based on more than 1 sampling technique are necessary to provide better understanding of patterns of red-winged blackbird use of field corn and to compare between fields and between studies.…”

“…Observations of depredating redwinged blackbirds in field corn usually have been made during field testing of the effects of chemical bird repellents on red-winged blackbird flock behavior and corn damage (Degrazio et al 1971Ingram et al 1973;Knittle et al 1976; Mott 1976;Dolbeer et al 1976;Somers et al 1981). Generally, these observations were brief (Ingram et al 1973, Knittle et al 1976, and were restricted either to the morning (Knittle et al 1976) or to the morning and late afternoon periods (Mott 1976).…”

Birds in Human Modified Environments and Bird Damage Control: Social, Economic, and Health Implications

“…Chemical 4-Aminopyridine. 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP), Avitrol, or FC corn chops-99S (Avitrol Corporation) was developed in the 1960's for protecting field corn from depredating blackbirds (DeGrazio et al 1971, 1976b. Avitrol is generally used as a cracked corn bait containing 3 percent or 0.3 percent by weight of 4-aminopyridine (Phillips Petroleum).…”

Extended-release dalfampridine in the management of multiple-sclerosis-related walking impairment

“…Pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and mechanism of action 4-AP is a derivative of pyridine with an amino group substitution at the 4-position, developed and marketed by Phillips Petroleum in 1963 [DeGrazio et al 1971]. In its unionized form it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier due to its lipid-soluble nature, and is thus able to interact with various channels on the cytoplasmic side of neuronal membranes within the CNS [Bever and Judge, 2009].…”