Brown, Peter R., Singleton, Grant R., Belmain, Steven R. ORCID: 0000-0002-5590-7545 , Htwe, Myo Me, Mulungu, Loth and Mdangi, Mashaka (2020) Advances in understanding rodent pests affecting cereal grains. In: Maier, Dirk E., (ed.) Advances in Postharvest Management of Cereals and Grains. Burleigh Dodds Series in Agricultural Science (88). Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing Limited, Cambridge, UK, pp. 1-30. ISBN 978-1786763525 (doi:https://doi.org/10.19103/AS.2020.0072.04)

PDF (Author Accepted Book Chapter) 29513 BELMAIN_Advances_in_Understanding_Rodent_Pests_2020.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (1MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Post-harvest losses by rodents are estimated to be similar as for pre-harvest losses; somewhere from 0.25% to 25% or more, but generally considered to average around 5-10%, which is similar to the level of post-harvest losses caused by insects. There have been very few studies measuring post-harvest rodent damage and losses. The main pests are the widespread commensal rodent species. Rodents cause direct losses by consuming grain, but they also spoil grain (contamination with hair, urine and faeces), and expose grains to further mould or insect damage. There is a risk of transfer of diseases and zoonoses to humans and livestock. Rodents damage infrastructure such as the warehouses and stores themselves, but also cables and water pipes. There is little information about the ecology of the main rodent pest species in grain stores. Therefore, this remains an important research topic to improve management recommendations about the timing and location of control strategies.

Item Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	Ch. 4
Uncontrolled Keywords:	rodent; postharvest loss
Subjects:	S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Agriculture, Health & Environment Department Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Pest Behaviour Research Group
Last Modified:	28 Sep 2020 23:41
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/29513

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