Evaluation of mouse-plague control techniques in irrigated sunflower crops

Three types of poison (parathion, strychnine and bromadiolone) were evaluated with regard to their efficacy in controlling mouse plagues in a standing crop such as irrigated sunflower. Two techniques, mark-recapture and census baiting, were used in these evaluations. Census baiting appeared to give the most realistic appraisal of the efficacy of each poison: by this method the population reductions were estimated as 42, 63 and 90% respectively. Bait was applied into the crop aerially at a rate of 5 kg/ha total coverage. Movement data collected during the mark-recapture study are also discussed in terms of relevance to poisoning strategy.