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A formulation of zinc phosphide with reduced active ingredient (40% concentrate) was evaluated for its rodenticidal activity in wheat, rice and sugarcane crops at farmer fields of Punjab, India. Comparison was made with the existing formulation (80% concentrate) and second generation anticoagulant bromadiolone (0.25% concentrate). Cereal based baits containing different doses of new (1.5, 2.0 and 2.5%) and existing zinc phosphide (2%) and bromadiolone (0.005%) were applied through burrow baiting where Bandicota bengalensis, Mus booduga, Millardia meltada and Tatera indica were the predominant rodents. The reduction in rodent activity was determined based on pre- and post-treatment bait census. Results revealed that 2% and 2.5% bait formulations of new zinc phosphide are as effective as the existing/ recommended zinc phosphide (2%) and bromadiolone (0.005%) bait formulations.

Investigation to manage rodent pests in wheat crop sown with different tillage methods was conducted. The results revealed maximum efficacy in the form of control success (%) on plain bait consumption and burrow count basis with conventional (92.30) followed by zero tillage (84.74) and maize residue tillage (74.38). In these, rodenticide treatments with double burrow baiting was followed by single paper baiting. Lesser % cut tillers (0.39-0.53) and damage 9.56-15.71 kg/ 0.4 ha were observed in these. Burrow count in maize residue and zero tillage was 2.15 and 1.60x more than conventional tillage. Thus, rodenticide treatments with double burrow baiting at vegetative stage in December (bromadialone followed by zinc phosphide at 15 days interval) along with paper baiting (bromadialone) at reproductive stage (end February to 1st week of March) can be recommended against rodents in wheat crop to get higher economic returns (Rs.452.36-556.81/ 0.4 ha).

Five blocks of farmer’s sugarcane fields were selected in district Jalandhar, Punjab during December 2016 to February 2017. These blocks were treated with 2% zinc phosphide (ZnP), 2% ZnP+ 0.005% bromadiolone (Br), 2% ZnP+ 0.25% triptolide (Tr) and 2% ZnP+ 0.005% Br+ 0.25% Tr at cane maturation stage; and 5th block was kept as untreated control. The post census and % re-buildup of rodents after 30 and 45 days of Tr treatment and cut canes (%) were significantly less in rodenticides+ Tr treated blocks (ZnP+ Tr and ZnP+ Br+ Tr) as compared to blocks treated only with rodenticides (ZnP alone and ZnP + Br). However, burrows and yield loss were found to be significantly less with ZnP+ Br+ Tr treatment. Thus, antifertilty agent, triptolide can be used along with rodenticides for better control of rodents in sugarcane.