Colonization of fodder berseem and maize crop fields by Bandicota bengalensis and Mus booduga.

摘要

Studies were conducted in Indian Punjab to determine the colonization activities of rodents (lesser bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis) and field mouse (Mus booduga)), through their burrowing and track marking activities (TMA) at different stages of fodder berseem and maize crops to define the timing for effective rodent control on these crops. Rats begin to colonize the peripheries by digging burrows at 25 days after sowing (DAS) of berseem and 40 DAS of maize fields. Field mice began to colonize the berseem field at 130 DAS in February which continued to increase until 205 DAS in May when the rats had already reduced their activities in the crop and shifter in March-April to adjoining fields of wheat for better food and shelter. Field mice did not show TMA unlike the rats. Early sown maize fields had more infestation of both species than late sown fields and the burrowing activities of field mice were mainly in cropped areas than the peripheries whereas the rats showed the opposite trend except during the initial stages. Changes in the colonization pattern and activities of rats and mice in fodder fields are discussed in relation to the ecological and environmental changes related to crop production in experimental fields and in the adjoining fields of rice and wheat rotation.