Primary symptoms
Birds and rodents usually eat seeds or plants, especially early in the season, and thus reduce plant density. They can also damage wheat late in the season by eating grain off the mature ear.
Rats & birds can affect crops during establishment, maturity & storage.
Summary
| Causes of bird and rodent damage | Additional evidence required |
|---|---|
| 1. Seed planted too shallow, or soil not firmed over the seed. | Dig up seed and measure planting depth. |
| 2. Lodging allowing rodents to reach spikes. | Count lodging. |
| 3. Wheat planted out of season, or a very early variety, so it was the only food supply for birds and rodents in the area. | Observe the maturity of the crop and compare it with that of other wheat in the area. Check for damage in late-planted fields. |
About birds and rodents
Birds and rodents usually eat seeds or plants, especially early in the season, and thus reduce plant density. They can also damage the crop late in the season by eating grain off the mature spike. Rodents can be a more severe problem if lodging has occurred, placing the grain within the animal's reach. Rodents (and sometimes birds) can be major problems during storage.
Evidence: observations
- Are grains missing from plants? Are birds actively feeding on the spikes? Often birds will pull the young plant out of the ground and eat the remaining seed. Look for the tracks or droppings of birds or rodents in areas where emergence is poor. The damage often occurs in distinct patches or along the margins of fields where shrubs or trees provide a habitat. The economic importance of this damage will be related to the effect on plant density.
- Around maturity: Examine the spikes in different areas of the field. Are grains missing?
Possible solutions
- Change the planting date.
- Apply a bird repellent to the seed.
- Poison rodents in burrows near the field.
- Plant varieties of similar maturity for the region.
- Employ a bird scarer.