Comparative efficacy of different covers against bird damage and their effects on berry characteristics in date palm

Rose-ringed parakeet, house sparrow, bulbul and crows are major bird pests of date palm in arid western Rajasthan, Various covers were evaluated to pr otect the berries from bird damage. Nylon net (19-mm(2) mesh) afforded the maximum protection to berries but were the most costly. By their beneficial effects on fruit quality and high benefit to cost ratio, polyethylene bags , followed by gunny bags, proved to be better. Wire gauge coverings were di fficult to handle in the effort to avoid mechanical injury to berries. Pape r bags were not satisfactory on account of poor stability under wind or sho wers.