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.