Agro-Ecological Variations in Food Preference Behaviour of Bandicota Bengalensis in Rice-Wheat Cropping System

Field evaluation of semolina baits of rice (RSO) and wheat (WSO), i.e., semolina like particles of size 0.000216–0.001 cu mm of rice (PR 106) or wheat (HD 2329), mixed with sugar and groundnut oil in ratio 93:5:2 and rodenticide baits (0.005% bromadiolone, 0.0375% coumatetralyl and 0.0025% difethialone) at different stages of wheat and rice crops revealed that bait preference of rodents was affected by the area. The rodents preferred to eat WSO plain bait and rodenticide baits prepared in this bait over their RSO alternative baits in rice and wheat fields at Mukatsar while they preferred RSO plain bait and rodenticide baits prepared in semolina bait of rice over their WSO alternative baits in rice and wheat fields at Ludhiana. Bandicota bangalensis was predominant rodent pest in both the locations. Thus, for effective control of B. bengalensis in different agro-ecological regions, different bait formulations are needed.