Abstract:

To investigate the application potential of 0.005% brodifacoum wheat bait in southern regions of China, the palatability and rodenticidal efficacy of 0.005% brodifacoum wheat bait in laboratory and field were investigated in this study. A laboratory study was conducted with Rattus norvegicus (Norway rats) to evaluate the palatability and rodenticidal efficacy of 0.005% brodifacoum wheat bait using choice and non-choice feeding tests. Rodent density was measured in the field using the bait consumption method, and the corrected rodent control rate was calculated. The results demonstrated that the feeding coefficient of the wheat bait for R. norvegicus was 0.19, indicating moderate palatability. Under non-choice conditions, a 100% rodenticidal rate was achieved, which was identical to that of the 0.005% bromodiolone paddy rice bait. No significant difference was observed in the lethal time between them. Field investigations on palatability and rodent control efficacy revealed no significant difference in total consumption between the wheat poison bait and non-toxic wheat. The feeding coefficient was 0.80, and the corrected rodent control rate reached 83.76%. In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that 0.005% brodifacoum wheat bait demonstrates potential feasibility for rodent control applications in southern China. However, further systematic field efficacy trials are necessary to comprehensively evaluate its practical value for promotion and application in this region, particularly during the farmland fallow period.

Key words: Rattus norvegicus, brodifacoum, wheat, palatability, control efficacy