FARMERS can now use aerial baiting to control rat infestations in lodged cane crops.
Working with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, Sugar Research Australia and CANEGROWERS have secured a minor use permit to allow for aerial baiting of the rat poison RATTOFF (zinc phosphide bait sachets) to control rats in lodged crops.
The permit had previously only covered the Mackay and Herbert Regions, but now extended across Queensland.
SRA executive manager for biosecurity and production, Dr Andrew Ward, said the permit would allow the application of baits by helicopters or drones in lodged cane only.
Dr Ward said that lodged cane was almost impossible to access to apply baits, so the aerial application granted by the APVMA was vital.
The permit covers an area of 10,000 hectares.
Rats have caused major damage in parts of the Australian sugarcane industry in recent years, and their losses can range from 10-30 per cent as a result of a combination of lost tonnes and reduced sugar content.
