Potential of microcapsules containing eucalyptus oil in reducing damage by Rattus rattus (Linnaeus)
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Date
2017
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Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Abstract
The use of plant essential oils as repellents and antifeedants may prove an excellent
alternative for rodent control. However, being volatile, their effect is wiped out very quickly.
By microencapsulation, the desired oil may be enclosed in extremely tiny amounts in
microscopic particles having thin coatings of wall material with limited permeability. This
reduces rate of evaporation of the oil thereby increasing its efficacy for a longer period of
time. Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the persistence of repellent and
antifeedant effects of eucalyptus oil loaded in microcapsules against male Rattus rattus. For
evaluating the antifeedant effect, microcapsules containing three different concentrations of
the oil (3, 5 or 7%) were mixed in plain bait at 5, 10 or 20% concentrations. Significant
antifeedant effect was found at all the concentrations of the oil. Overall, no significant
difference was found in antifeedant index among microcapsules containing 3, 5 and 7%
eucalyptus oil as well as among three concentrations (5, 10 and 20%) of microcapsules.
Significant repellent effect of the oil was observed on all the 7 days at 5% concentration.
Scanning Electron Microscopy of microcapsules loaded with oil revealed crimpy surface with
lumps. Maze experiment revealed reduced movements and activities in zone treated with
microcapsules containing 5% oil as compared to untreated zone. Under simulated store
conditions, microcapsules containing 5% oil showed significant repellent effect which
persisted for all the 15 days of experiment. Present studies suggest the use of microcapsules
containing 5% eucalyptus oil to reduce rodent damage in storage.
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