Evaluation of bird repellent additives to a simulated pesticide carrier formation

No-till agriculture involves the use of pelleted and granular pesticides an d chemically treated seeds. Some of these products kill birds. The present experiments were designed to investigate whether four candidate repellents (methyl anthranilate, ortho-aminoacetophenone, d-pulegone, and pine oil) wo uld reduce consumption by European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) of clay par ticles similar in size and shape to particles normally used for pesticide d elivery. All substances reduced consumption (P<0.05), although none complet ely eliminated it. To achieve further reductions in consumption, other part icle characteristics might be considered. These include the use of colors t hat make particles indistinct from the substrate, and a texture or particle size that diminishes the likelihood that particles will be ingested as gri t. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.