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Estimating Rodent Losses to Stored Rice as a Means to Assess Efficacy of Rodent Management

Steven R. Belmain
Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK.

Nyo Me Htwe
Plant Protection Division, Department of Agriculture, Bayintnaug Rd, Gyogone, Insein Township, Yangon, Myanmar.

Nazira Q. Kamal
Association for Integrated Development Comilla, Raghupur, Rajapara, Comilla-3500 Bangladesh.

Grant R. Singleton
International Rice Research Institute, Crop & Environmental Sciences Division, DAPO Box 7777, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Context: Post-harvest losses by rodents have traditionally been calculated by estimates of consumption determined in the laboratory. Methods for assessing storage losses by rodents under smallholder conditions will help farmers and policy makers understand the impact rodents may have on food security, nutrition and health. Stored product loss assessment methods could also be used to monitor the effects of rodent control in villages. Aims: The present study examined a method to measure the amount of rice eaten by rodents in household granaries. The effects of trapping and better hygiene around granaries to reduce rodent populations were investigated using the post-harvest monitoring method to determine whether the program was successful in lowering rodent numbers sufficiently to reduce post-harvest losses. Methods: Baskets with known quantities of rice were placed within household granaries and monitored periodically for moisture content, weight loss, faecal contamination and percentage of rodent-damaged grains. Using an empirical treatment–control study, rodent management was performed at the community level through daily trapping in two Bangladesh villages and in Myanmar at the granary storehouse level. Post-harvest losses were monitored in granaries in villages with rodent management and in similar granaries in villages where there was no management. Key results: Estimates of household losses in the absence of rodent control were 2.5% in Bangladesh and 17% in Myanmar. These losses were reduced when rodent control was implemented, down to 0.5% in Bangladesh and 5% in Myanmar. Conclusions: The impact of rodents on smallholder storage can be accurately assessed in the field under realistic conditions. Intensive daily trapping at the community level together with improved hygiene practices can successfully reduce rodent numbers, and this can significantly reduce stored grain losses and rodent contamination and damage levels.

Keywords: Bandicota, Bangladesh, Mus, Myanmar, post-harvest grain, Rattus, stored product protection, Suncus.

Location: In two Bangladesh villages and in Myanmar

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Pest Management

Non-commodity: Performance

Objectives:

The present study examined a method to measure the amount of rice eaten by rodents in household granaries. The effects of trapping and better hygiene around granaries to reduce rodent populations were investigated using the post-harvest monitoring method to determine whether the program was successful in lowering rodent numbers sufficiently to reduce post-harvest losses.

Methodology:

Baskets with known quantities of rice were placed within household granaries and monitored periodically for moisture content, weight loss, faecal contamination and percentage of rodent-damaged grains. Using an empirical treatment–control study, rodent management was performed at the community level through daily trapping in two Bangladesh villages and in Myanmar at the granary storehouse level. Post-harvest losses were monitored in granaries in villages with rodent management and in similar granaries in villages where there was no management.

Source of Information: Wildlife Research 42(2) 132-142

Article Link (Online Journal): http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/WR14189

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The impact of rodents on smallholder storage can be accurately assessed in the field under realistic conditions. Intensive daily trapping at the community level together with improved hygiene practices can successfully reduce rodent numbers, and this can significantly reduce stored grain losses and rodent contamination and damage levels.

Knowledge Management: Journal