Rat Damage to Coconuts in Fiji. Part II Efficiency and Economics of Damage Reduction Methods
| dc.contributor.author | Williams, J.M. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2014-09-12T09:27:35Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2014-09-12T09:27:35Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 1975 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The effectiveness and economics of two commonly recommended methods of reducing rat damage to coconuts were examined. Three replicated trials were used to investigate the effectiveness of a 30 cm wide aluminium band placed around the palm trunk 3.5—4.5 m from the ground. On palms only 9—10 m high these bands did not effectively reduce rat damage as senile fronds frequently bridged the bands, providing rats with access to the palm crowns. Bands did prevent damage on tall palms (over 15m) since no bridging by fronds occurred. A poison trial indicated that rat damage could be almost eliminated in a mature plantation for up to three months following one application of 3 kg/ha warfarin bait. This confirmed work carried out in Jamaica and the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. The cost of control by the two methods was assessed in relation to four copra values and it was concluded, in view of the relatively low levels of rat damage that prevailed, that neither form of control would be worthwhile until the value of copra exceeds F$150 per tonne and in the case of banding would only apply in the limited number of situations where bands are really efficient. | en_US |
| dc.identifier.citation | PANS 21: 19—26, 1975. | en_US |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/5676 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | en_US |
| dc.title | Rat Damage to Coconuts in Fiji. Part II Efficiency and Economics of Damage Reduction Methods | en_US |
| dc.type | Article | en_US |