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Evaluates the use of commercial zinc phosphide baits to reduce rat populations in Hawaiian sugarcane fields. Mortality of black rats and Polynesian rats in laboratory bioassays; Enhancement of the effectiveness of zinc phosphide oat bait by prebaiting with nontoxic grain; Absorption of moisture and physical degradation as reason for rats' reduced acceptance of pellets.

Estimates the relative abundances of the three species of rats--Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), Polynesian rats (R. exulans) and black rats (R. rattus)--at four Hawaiian sugarcane plantations that historically have received high levels of rodent damage, and quantified various environmental factors that might influence the distribution of these rodents. Methods; Results; Discussion; Research and management implications.