Determination of effective period for control of Indian gerbil, Tatera indica in wheat - A study based on its population dynamics and reproductive biology

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to determine the effective period for the control of Indian gerbil, Tatera indica, in wheat. Indian gerbil of both the sexes were trapped during different growth stages of wheat crop. Maximum percentage of mature gerbils were trapped during later growth stages (panicle initiation- pre-harvest stage +lean period) of wheat crop (80-100%). Maximum percentage of pregnant gerbils were observed during pre-harvest stage (50%) of wheat crop. Also maximum weight of ovaries was recorded during pre-harvest stage (19.00±0.001 mg/100g bw) as well as lean period (19.00±0.003mg/100g bw) of wheat crop. The weight of testes was maximum during pre-harvest stage (1.27±0.02 g/100g bw) of wheat crop. The sperm parameters (motility and viability) were significantly higher during later growth stages of wheat crop (dough, pre-harvest). The diameter of mature ovarian follicles and seminiferous tubules were significantly higher during later growth stages (dough, pre-harvest stage and lean period) of wheat crop. Thus, control operations of T. indica should be done during tillering/panicle initiation stage of wheat crop before the initiation of their breeding activity.