Impact of growth stages of rice crop on population dynamics and reproductive status of Tatera indica (HARDWICKE)

Abstract

Tatera indica rodent pests were trapped during different growth stages of rice crop. The total trap index of gerbils and percentage of pregnant gerbils was observed to be maximum during tillering stage of rice crop. During transplanting-dough stage, all gerbils trapped were mature and weight of ovaries and testes was also maximum. The sperm parameters, diameter of mature ovarian follicles and seminiferous tubules were significantly higher during tillering, panicle initiation and dough stages of rice crop. The maximum reproductive activity of gerbils during tillering, panicle initiation and dough stage led to maximum population of these gerbils at pre-harvest stage. Thus, based on reproductive activity of T. indica, rodents control operations should be done before tillering stage of rice crop.