INCORPORATION OF A ZINC PHOSPHIDE RODENTICIDE INTO INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF RATS IN SUGARCANE CROPS

Lethal control of large rodent populations using RATTOFF zinc phosphide bait sachets now forms part of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy that includes early detection of increasing rat populations, management of harbourage areas, and incrop weed control. This combined approach reduces the potential for large-scale rat plagues and reduces crop damage throughout the production cycle. It is important to maintain low rodent base populations within and around the crop because Rattus sordidus has one of the highest reproductive potentials of any native Australian Rattus species. The growth and maturation of weeds, grasses and seeds after rainfall provides rats with a source of protein required for reproduction. Therefore, weed control within and around crops also reduces nutritional support for breeding. If monitoring indicates that a base population exists early in the season, application of RATTOFF from November to January will provide an optimum strategic window to further reduce base populations prior to the natural breeding season in autumn. In 2000–2001, an industrywide program was implemented to apply these principles to cane rat infestations at district and regional levels in order to mitigate overall damage potential. Over 2700 Queensland canegrowers participated in training on IPM for cane rats. An industry-wide monitoring system and database was re-established to assist in more effective management of this pest.