Evaluation of methylanthranilate based repellent formulations and mode of delivery to prevent rodent damage under storage conditions

Rodents are the serious pests in both agricultural and commensal situations. Our previous surveys in grain stores revealed that there is a need to manage rodents in August and December. Five methyl anthranilate (2.5%) based formulations (F1-F5) were prepared using different components like emulsifiers, photostabilizers, stickers, botanicals (like pongomia oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil), cinnamic aldehyde, anthraquinone and kerosene oil,etc. in varying proportions and applied on wheat bags under simulated storage conditions for testing their efficacy in managing rodent pests in storage. The results indicated that the formulation (F2) prepared by mixing methyl anthranilate (2.5%) with pangomia oil (5.0%), citronella oil (0.5%), kerosene oil (17.5%) and emulsifier Tween 80 (4.5%) was more effective in comparison to other formulations. Further when this formulation was delivered through wood waste medium, rodent damage was prevented for 15–35 days under simulated storage situations and in grain stores. This formulation can be integrated with other methods of rodent management.