Patricia A. Pochop

Evaluation of ReJeX-iT AG-36 as a Canada goose grazing repellent

Effective methods to manage Canada geese (Branta canadensis) implicated in habitat destruction, crop depredation, and nuisance are needed. In july 1993, we applied ReJeX-iT AG-36 (a methyl anthranilate [MA] formulation) to 14- × 14-m grass plots within a 40- × 120-m enclosure to evaluate its effectiveness as a repellent for Canada geese. An application rate of 59 kg/ha of ReJeX-iT AG.-36 reduced (P < 0.001) goose activity on treated grass plots for ≤4 days. Improvements in encapsulating or entrapping MA may extend the effectiveneff of ReJeX-iT AG-36

Evaluation of Flight Control® to reduce blackbird damage to newly planted rice in Louisiana

Abstract Blackbirds cause extensive damage to newly planted and ripening rice. To date there is not a registered bird repellent for reducing this damage. We evaluated Flight Control R , a 50% anthraquinone product, as a potential repellent to blackbirds in cage and field tests in Louisiana. In one- and no-choice cage tests, brown-headed cowbird and red-winged blackbird consumption of 2% Flight Control R treated rice seed was significantly reduced. In a subsequent field test, 2% Flight Control R was effective in reducing blackbird damage ( P =0.001) to newly planted rice seed. Chemical residues at 7 days post-planting averaged 0.66% anthraquinone. Further field testing is warranted.

Evaluation of a methyl anthranilate formulation for reducing bird damage to blueberries

Abstract We evaluated the bird repellency of ReJeX-iT® AG-36 which contains the active ingredient methyl anthranilate (MA). In a 14-day field trial in Michigan, MA applied at 16.1 kg ha−1 did not reduce bird damage overall, but did appear to offer some protection from 3 to 10 days post-treatment. After 10 days, however, bird damage more than doubled. In Florida, we applied MA at a rate of 32 kg ha−1 and then presented the fruit to individually caged cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum). Berry consumption did not differ between treatment and control groups, but consumption of berries 72 h post-spray exceeded that of 24 h post-spray.

Effectiveness of several oils to reduce hatchability of chicken eggs

Oiling eggs with white mineral oil was successful with several bird species and has potential as a management tool within an integrated bird management program. We conducted an incubator study from 22 February to 20 March 1995 to determine if castor, corn, linseed, safflower, or soybean oil was as effective as white mineral oil in reducing the hatching success of chicken eggs, and if timing affected treatments (early vs. late incubation). We treated the first sets (9 eggs/set) of eggs on the fifth day of incubation (early) and the second sets of eggs on day 16 of incubation (late). There was a 68% hatching success in control eggs whereas none of the treated eggs hatched. All 5 oils were as effective as white mineral oil in suppressing hatchability of eggs.

Laboratory evaluation of a methyl anthranilate bead formulation on mallard feeding behavior

We applied methyl anthranilate (MA) bead formulation coded JR930413 to bottom sediment in a simulated pond setting to evaluate its repellency to captive mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). We applied JR930413 at a rate of 21.7 kg/ha or 7 bead/cm 2 to bottom sediment. Methyl anthranialte bead formulation JR930413 was effective in reducing time mallards spent in pools (P ≤ 0.01). Application of JR930413 to contaminated waterfowl feeding areas at 21.7 kg/ha could reduce feeding and mortality and warrants further testing in the field.

Evaluation of a macro encapsulated repellent to reduce risk of white phosphorous ingestion by waterfowl foraging in a contaminated marsh

Abstract White Phosphorous contamination of a marsh at a U.S. Army artillery training range in Alaska is a causative agent for waterfowl mortality. We developed an encapsulated bird repellent containing the active ingredient, methyl anthranilate, and evaluated the formulations efficacy in reducing feeding activity by ducks, reducing mortality of ducks feeding in contaminated sediments, and the repellents ability to move ducks from contaminated areas. The formulation has a limited life span of about 4 days. However, in pen trials feeding activity of mallards can be reduced by up to 80%. Long term exposure to treated sediments confers a survival advantage to mallards tested in pens, and free-ranging mallards can be moved off of treated sections of marsh. This prototype formulation may have utility in the short-term remediation of contaminated sediments for the protection of waterfowl.